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STATE FOOTBALL: Rabbits leap over Cardinals, advance to Class A semifinals

Photo by Sam Thiel Wabasso’s Nick Altermatt hurdles a Bethlehem Academy defender during their Class A quarterfinal game on Saturday. The Rabbits defeated the Cardinals 53-14 and will move on to the semifinal round.

NEW ULM – With a big lead in their back pockets and just four seconds left before the half, the Wabasso football team had time to run one more play. Senior quarterback Nick Altermatt dropped back and flicked a Hail Mary pass downfield. Senior Colton Taylor made a quick double move and raced past his defender, sprinting for the ball, which connected to his gloves for a stunning touchdown with no time remaining.

This was just one of the many things that went Wabasso’s way during their 53-14 Class A quarterfinal win against Bethlehem Academy on Saturday. A powerful run game and stifling defense also aided the Rabbits, who advanced to their second consecutive state semifinal.

Wabasso head coach Joe Kemp said this group isn’t just happy to make an appearance at state and still have things they want to check off their list.

“This group has been around for a long time and we’re not just happy to be here at state,” Kemp said. “They’ve got ideas on big goals and there’s a lot of things we want to accomplish.”

The Rabbits jumped all over the Cardinals defense right from the opening kickoff, as Cooper Taylor got out into the secondary and broke down the Wabasso sideline for a 45-yard touchdown, giving the Rabbits a quick 7-0 lead.

On the ensuing possession, it was the Wabasso defense’s turn, with Isaac Schmiesing forcing a fumble and recovering it to flip the field position for the Rabbits. Wabasso would capitalize on the opportunity, driving down into the BA red zone. The Rabbits faced a fourth and six situation from the Cardinals eight-yard line, but Wabasso quarterback Nick Altermatt coaxed the Cardinals offsides on a hard count, giving the Rabbits a first down from the one-yard line.

A couple of plays later, Altermatt found his way into the end zone from four yards out, making it 14-0 Rabbits with 4:06 left in the first quarter.

Wabasso continued to pester the Cardinals on defense, and the next possession resulted in another takeaway as Tony Franta got an interception for the Rabbits second consecutive turnover caused. The Rabbits’ offensive trip would be short-lived, however, as BA’s Jack Clark picked off Altermatt near midfield to give the ball back to the Cardinals.

But Wabasso’s defense wouldn’t yield, as a tipped ball landed into the hands of Franta again for his second interception of the day and the third one in as many possessions between the two teams.

The Rabbits run game continued to power its way deep down the field and Kyle Jacobson pushed his way into the end zone to extend Wabasso’s lead to 21-0 early in the second quarter. After a couple of punts, the Rabbits defensive front increased its pressure on BA’s offensive line and succeeded, as they got a strip sack fumble recovered on the Cardinals six-yard line.

One play later, Cooper Taylor punched in the score to make it 28-0 Wabasso with 40 seconds left in the opening half. A quick three and out from the Cardinals set up shop for Wabasso at the BA 42-yard line right before the half.

The Cardinals looked to put the first half behind them and got the ball to start the third quarter. But the offensive struggles continued for BA, as the Rabbits pestered the quarterback into another turnover, this time an interception that once again found its way to Franta for his third takeaway of the game.

Wabasso took advantage of the miscue, as Altermatt connected on a strike to Franta in the flat to push the Rabbits’ lead to 43-0 midway through the third quarter. After another BA punt, the Rabbits drove down the field again, but was forced to settle for a 30-yard field goal from Colton Taylor.

In the fourth quarter, the ground game continued to fire on all cylinders for Wabasso, getting back-to-back runs by Jacobson and Altermatt that put the Rabbits at BA’s 13-yard line. Schmiesing then put it in to make it 53-0 with 8:32 left, before the Rabbits took out their starters and inserted the backups.

The Cardinals wouldn’t go out without a fight, as they got a four-yard run from Clark and a 44-yard run from Nate Bauernfeind to bring it to the 53-14 final.

Cooper Taylor led the way for the Rabbits on the offensive end with 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns while Jacobson added 111 yards on the ground and a score. Altermatt threw for 64 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 59 yards and another score. Colton Taylor led in receiving with all 42 of his yards coming on the Hail Mary pass.

Cooper Taylor said their key on offense was taking advantage of the running game and having the offensive line create lanes for the backs.

“We ran inside for the most part; they were pretty big up front but our guys knew what to do,” Cooper said. “They knew how to attack it and took advantage of it.”

The Rabbits outgained the Cardinals 387-117 in total yards, including a 323-121 advantage in rushing. Wabasso held BA to -4 yards through the air as well.

Schmiesing led the defensive effort for Wabasso with five and a half total tackles while Kody Kuehn added four total tackles. Franta led the takeaway battle with his three interceptions.

Franta said the defensive front was able to create a ton of pressure on BA’s quarterback which helped them make plays.

“Our defensive line was able to get through and put pressure on the quarterback, which makes it a lot easier for us defensive backs to know where he’s going to throw it,” Franta said.

Wabasso will face Ada-Borup/Norman County West in the Class A semifinals this Saturday at 9 a.m. at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Kemp said their biggest takeaway will be to continue to play at a high level and stay true to who you are.

“We’re healthy and you just have to continue to play at a high level,” Kemp said. “As you prepare for these games, you just have to stay true to who you are, do what you do successfully, you might have to tweak some things here or there but most of all have fun play fast and be physical with teams. That gives you a shot.”

Wabasso 53, Bethlehem Academy 14

BA 0 0 0 14 – 14

Wabasso 14 22 10 7 – 53

SCORING SUMMARY

First Quarter

Wabasso: Cooper Taylor 45 yd run (Kick good).

Wabasso: Altermatt 4 yd run (Kick good).

Second Quarter

Wabasso: Jacobson 2 yd run (Kick good).

Wabasso: Cooper Taylor 6 yd run (Kick good).

Wabasso: Colton Taylor 42 yd pass from Altermatt (2-pt. conversion pass from Altermatt to Franta good).

Third Quarter

Wabasso: Franta 11 yd pass from Altermatt (Kick good).

Wabasso: Colton Taylor 30 yd field goal

Fourth Quarter

Wabasso: Schmiesing 1 yd run (Kick good).

BA: Clark 4 yd run (Kick good).

BA: Bauernfeind 44 yd run (Kick good).

Individual Statistics

Passing (comp-att-yds-td-int): Wabasso (Altermatt 4-6-64-2-0).

Rushing (att-yds-td): Wabasso (Cooper Taylor 24-146-2; Jacobson 19-111-1; Altermatt 7-59-1).

Receiving (rec-tds-td): Wabasso (Colton Taylor 1-42-1).

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