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Brink carries Wheaton

By MN Football Hub staff and Star Tribune, 11/19/11, 10:00AM CST

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Senior running back rushes for six TDs in 9-Man rout of Kittson County Central


Kittson County Central's Robert Ryden defended as Wheaton/Herman-Norcross Wolfgang Brink ran for a touchdown in first half action during the 9-Man semifinals Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. Bruce Bisping, Star Tribune

Last week's one-point victory was too close for comfort for Wheaton's Wolfgang Brink.

He prefers more decisive victories, and that's exactly what he got in Saturday's 62-22 throttling of Kittson County Central in 9-Man semifinal action at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.

"We were moving the ball well," Brink said. "From that first drive, I knew it was going to be a really good game."

And what a game it was.

Wheaton's primary chain-mover tallied 265 yards on 27 carries and found the end zone six times. A commanding lead kept Brink on the sidelines for much of the fourth quarter, but the senior ended the day tied for second most on the state's all-time list for rushing touchdowns in a game.

The Warriors showed their depth early, with five different rushers carrying the ball on their first scoring drive. But Brink proved to be in a groove, and coach Tony Thiel wasn't about to take the ball out of his hands.

Wheaton's defense also had a hand in the victory.

One of the state's top units, the Warriors surrendered double-digits just once in the regular season and effectively bottled up a Kittson County offense that averages 30 points a game.

Patrick Conroy contributed to Wheaton's early lead with a fumble recovery that led to a score. Nick Stafford's pick-six to close the first half provided a nail in Kittson County's coffin.

Kittson County struggled to sustain a drive on offense, averaging just under five yards per carry on the ground and attempt through the air. Quarterback Zach Rynning racked up 1,656 yards and 19 touchdowns in the regular season -- both school records -- but was held to 127 yards of passing and two scores Saturday against Wheaton. Kyle Petersburg, who ran 92 yards on 19 carries, was the Bearcats leading rusher.

Wheaton, in its second Prep Bowl appearance, will face Edgerton/Ellsworth next Friday in the 9-Man championship.

-- Andrew Kneeland, Star Tribune 

Most rushing touchdowns

Game: 6 minimum

TDs PLAYER SCHOOL YEAR OPPONENT
8 Jerry Simpson Franklin 1966 Echo
8 Peter Warren Cook County 2012 Cass Lake-Bena
7 Tony Pratt Starbuck 1985 Hoffman/Kensington
7 Matt Brandt Hopkins 1999 Richfield
7 Max Reinertson Esko 2010 Deer River
7 Josh Edlund Crookston 2012 Park Center
7 Jeffrey Jones Minneapolis Washburn 2013 Minneapolis Roosevelt
6 Thomas Hagert Starbuck 1940 Graceville
6 Harvey Johnson Granite Falls 1947 Clarkfield
6 Pete Lucca International Falls -- Hermantown
6 Jeffrey Braun Toivola-Meadowlands 1980 Wrenshall
6 Kirk Voge Bertha-Hewitt 1982 Royalton
6 Chris LaVigne Cook County 1992 Chisholm
6 Chris Schmitz Clearbrook/Gonvick 1993 --
6 Anthony Christensen Two Harbors 2005 Silver Bay
6 Anthony Christensen Two Harbors 2005 Eveleth-Gilbert
6 Medaria Arradondo Breck 2010 Blake
6 Reggie Gandy DeLaSalle 2010 Concordia Academy
6 Wolfgang Brink Wheaton/Herman-Norcross 2011 Kittson County Central (State semifinals)

Turnovers shift momentum


Wheaton-Herman-Norcross Patrick Backman headed to the end zone and a touchdown after intercepting Kittson County Central quarterback Zach Rynning pass, as the Bearcats were driving in first half action during the 9-Man semifinals Saturday, Nov. 19, at the

After a low-scoring matchup with Spring Grove, Wheaton/Herman-Norcross exploded offensively, defeating Kittson County Central 62-22 in the 9-Man semifinals Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.
 
The headlines will all read how Wheaton running back Wolfgang Brink ran for 265 yards and six touchdowns, but the offensive line should be given credit where credit is due.
 
"They went to work," said line coach Shane Lee. "they go hard on the blocking sleds and they're really dedicated to each other and that's what it takes."
 
The momentum really swung in Wheaton's favor with a fumble recovery on a kickoff in the first quarter.
 
"The funny thing is our kicker Braden Krump has a knack for making odd things occur," Lee said. "I've seen it happen a few times."
 
The turnover resulted in a touchdown and the rout was on.
 
The dagger came on the last play of the half when Wheaton senior defensive back Patrick Backman returned an interception 83 yards for a touchdown to give the Warriors a 44-8 lead going into the half.
 
Wheaton will take on Edgerton/Ellsworth for the 9-Man championship on Nov. 25 at 10. a.m. at Prep Bowl XXX.
 
-- Eric Thorson, MN Football Hub staff 

Game Recap

1. Wolfgang Brink, Wheaton
So this is a pretty easy choice. The senior running back was in absolute beast-mode all game rushing for 265 yards on 27 carries. Never tackled behind the line of scrimmage, Brink had six rushing touchdowns as well as a pair of two-point conversions. Brink's longest run of the day was a 46-yarder for one of his six scores and averaged 9.8 yards per carry.

2. Patrick Backman, Wheaton
Even though Kittson County Central was already down 36-8, the Bearcats were driving to potentially put some points on the board before halftime. Enter Backman who picked off a Zach Rynning pass and returned the interception 83-yards for a touchdown as time expired in the second quarter. The senior linebacker's pick six virtually killed any Kittson County Central momentum as well as any doubts that the Warriors would move on. Backman also recorded three solo tackles and had four carries for 22 rushing yards.

3. Patrick Conroy, Wheaton
Having plenty of time to rest while the Warriors' offense was putting points on the board, Conroy made the most of his time on the field as a defensive back. The senior registered eight solo tackles and recovered a Kittson County Central fumble.

-- Michael Murakami, MN Football Hub staff

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