Rockets creep past Four Winds Indians to victory

On Sept. 17, the New Rockford-Sheyenne Rockets (3-2,2-0) had to overcome themselves as much as they did their opponents, in a 28-20 victory over the Four Winds Indians (0-5,0-2).

NR-S began shooting themselves in the foot early and often on Friday night. On the Indians' first scoring drive, the Rockets' defense committed a pair of costly mistakes on fourth down, a busted coverage and an offsides penalty, allowing the Indians to open a 6-0 lead.

And the mistakes weren't limited to defense. The once dominant NR-S ground attack was suddenly coughing up the football and stalling in key situations. Luckily for the Rockets, the Indians were just as happy to turn the ball over as they were, making for an almost comical game of 'hot potato.'

"Three times inside the 10-yard-line we had a turnover," said Rockets head coach Elliott Belquist. "And we gotta give them credit, they did a nice job stopping our toss play, which has been working against everyone."

Connor Knatterud and Haydon Meier provided NR-S with their only scores of the first half, capitalizing on a pair of Indians' interceptions. Despite committing four turnovers, the Rockets somehow walked away with a 16-6 halftime lead.

But the Rockets' struggles continued in the third quarter. After NR-S failed to capitalize on yet another interception, the Indians responded with a methodical touchdown drive, closing their deficit to just four.

But just as momentum was swinging against them, another splash play came to the Rockets' rescue. This time in the form of a 65-yard kick return touchdown by Connor Knatterud, which quickly reclaimed momentum and opened a 10-point lead for his team.

"[Knatterud] worked his tail off getting to where he is. He's been a kid that's been running and lifting the last two summers and he's getting his opportunities now," explained Belquist. "It's great to see him take advantage of them. That kick return opened up so quick, but just to see his pure speed out there was nice."

The Rockets rode their new found momentum to a strong defensive stop, and their first sustained drive of the game, featuring a 17-yard TD reception by Easton Benz. However, the Indians responded with a prolonged drive of their own, making it a one-possession game with 6:15 left in the fourth quarter.

Despite a long day of costly mistakes, the Rockets came up clutch when they needed to most. A pair of timely first downs on their final drive allowed NR-S to run out the clock and walk away with a much needed win and plenty to improve on.

"We've got to clean things up with ball security," said Belquist on how his team can improve. "We've got to get better at defending the pass ... and our linebackers have to do a better job filling."

The victory keeps the Rockets tied with Nelson County (5-0,2-0) for first place in Region 3. NR-S traveled to Maddock on Sept. 24 to tackle the Benson County Wildcats (0-5,0-1) at 7 p.m.

Nine-Man

Region 3 Football

Friday, Sept. 17

NR-S 28, Four Winds 20

NR-S: 0 16 6 6

Four Winds: 6 0 6 8

First Quarter:

FW: Kelson Keja 3-yard touchdown run (conversion failed)

Second Quarter:

NR-S: Connor Knatterud 1-yard touchdown run (Knatterud run for successful conversion)

NR-S: Haydon Meier 52-yard touchdown run (Kaden Jensen run for successful conversion)

Third Quarter:

FW: Dalen Leftbear 22-yard touchdown pass from Jayden Yankton (conversion failed)

NR-S: Knatterud 65-yard kickoff return for touchdown (conversion failed)

Fourth Quarter:

NR-S: Easton Benz 17-yard touchdown pass from Haydon Meier (conversion failed)

FW: Adam Charboneau 3-yard touchdown run (Dalen Leftbear reception for successful conversion)

NR-S Statistics:

Passing: H. Meier, 1-of-4 for 17 yards and one touchdown.

Rushing: H. Meier, 92 yards and one touchdown on 15 attempts; Jensen, 96 yards on 17 attempts; Knatterud, four yards and one touchdown on four attempts; B. Meier, three yards on three attempts.

Receiving: E. Benz, one reception for 17 yards and a touchdown.

Tackles: (unassisted-assisted) Jensen (8-3); Berglund (8-9); Duda (5-4); Knatterud (3-1); Mudgett (2-2); Ulrich (2-0); Benz (1-3); Weisenburger (1-0); Boehm (1-2); Waldo (0-4).

Sacks: Easton Benz

Interceptions: Jensen, Mudgett

Fumbles: Benz