On Friday, the Upsala/Swanville Area Patriots hosted the United North Central Warriors for a conference match-up.

The Patriots were looking to bounce back from a tough loss in Browerville, while the Warriors were looking to build off a one-point win over Royalton.

The Patriots came out strong and showed they didn’t want to drop a game for the second week in a row, shutting out the Warriors 35-0.

In the first quarter, the special teams got the scoring started with Austin Mollner blocking a punt and Zach Holtz recovering it for a touchdown. Brock Cichon added the extra point to make it 7-0.

The Patriots would strike again in the second quarter with Eric Freiler hooking up with Mitch Lange for a 22-yard touchdown. Later in the quarter, Frieler also punched in an 8-yard touchdown on the ground.

In the third, Freiler continued to pick apart UNC, throwing to Nick Freiler for a 60-yard touchdown. Darin Gerads added the extra point.

On the final scoring play of the game, Avery Smieja picked off a pass and returned it 27 yards for a touchdown. Aaron Ripplinger added the extra point to make it 35-0.

The Patriots gained 308 yards on the night while holding UNC to 171.

Freiler had an excellent night passing, completing 11-of-18 for 178 yards and two touchdowns. He also added one on the ground.

With such a big lead by USA, UNC was forced to throw more than they would have liked, and the Patriots held the opposing quarterback to 10 of 31 for only 111 yards.

Alec Griffith picked off two passes on the night. Smieja had an interception and also had three sacks.

The Patriots are now 2-1 on the season and will travel to Barnesville to take on the undefeated Trojans on Friday.

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