Kenyon-Wanamingo Football Season Ends

Two of Kenyon-Wanamingo's top players were injured in the first half and were definitely missed in a 14-0 loss to Maple River in the Section 2 Class 2A title game.

Gavin Roosen and Matthew Houglum were hurt in the hard-hitting game on the turf in New Ulm's new stadium. Roosen looked a bit woozy after begin sandwiched between a couple of Eagles and Houglum appeared to injure his right arm in the contest.

I was informed later that both will be fine. X-rays showed no break for Houglum.

This was a very hard-hitting football game and these two teams appeared to be very evenly matched as evidenced by the 0-0 score heading into the fourth quarter. Maple River's first touchdown came with 5:30 to go in the game.

My unofficial statistics courtesy of Baker and Axelson CPA's of Wanamingo had the Knights with three first downs in the first half and the Eagles with two.

Kenyon-Wanamingo had 75 yards of total offense, 37 rushing and 38 passing and Maple River collected 58 total yards, 50 on the ground.

The Eagles came out in the second half and, after forcing the Knights to punt after three plays, began to move the ball steadily down the field.

Credit Kenyon-Wanamingo with not allowing any scores in the third quarter because Maple River had 68 total yards while the Knights had just 17 by my unofficial count.

The Kenyon-Wanamingo defense had to spend a lot of time in high temperatures on the field and it appeared they got worn down a bit in the fourth quarter.

Roosen and Houglum were the top two receivers on the team and also contributed on defense. Roosen had a pick in the first half before he was injured and had a touchdown called back due to a holding call.

Maple River scored on a 6-yard run with 5:30 to go and a 14-yard run with 3:14 to go.

Before the first score, Kenyon-Wanamingo had a golden opportunity after sophomore Nate Bauer recovered a fumble deep in Maple River territory.

The Knights set up at the 25-yard line of the Eagles and just could not move the football.

Our Sviggum Insurance Agency Knights of the game were the 13 seniors who elevated the program to back-to-back winning seasons.

Maple River will play Norwood-Young America on Friday night in Shakopee at 7PM in state quarterfinal action.

The Knights ended their season with just two losses. Their opener against Goodhue in The Moat and the final game in New Ulm.