Tigers execute ‘old school football’ in win over Delano
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MARSHALL -- It looked like a wrestling match in the corner of the end zone near the visitor's sideline.
Down 14-7 to Marshall in the third quarter, Delano quarterback Grant Bruett was looking for his wide receiver in the visitor's corner of the end zone. But Marshall defensive back Carter Manthei grabbed the football just about the same time as Delano receiver Brady Schultz tried to wrap his hands around it.
Both players fell to the ground, rolling over each other. Despite Schultz's effort to wrestle the ball away, Manthei hung on tight as the ref rushed in.
"Black's ball," the ref yelled as he worked to separate the two players.
Manthei's interception was one of three key defensive plays that propelled Marshall to a 21-7 homecoming victory over Delano at the Schwan Regional Event Center Friday night.
Marshall head coach Terry Bahlmann credited the teams "old school" football for the victory.
"We ended up stopping them three times inside our 15 (yard line). So those are huge plays by our defense," Bahlmann said after the game. "We’ve been led by our defense the last couple years, and they stepped up. The old bend, but but didn’t give up the score. So then our run game was able to control the ball and the clock. So a little bit old school for us, physical football, but but our kids played well."
Baumann said the defensive effort helps to get the offense going.
"Our physicality up front. You know, we’re able to hold the ball and control the game," he said.
The victory also keeps Marshall rolling along in a tough schedule.
"We beat Hutchinson, who was ranked number five. Now we beat Delano, who’s ranked number six there. So I’m sure we’ll play undefeated Orono next week. That’s the way the schedule goes when they set this thing up. So we’ll enjoy tonight. Let the kids have fun at homecoming. You can get ready for Orono next week."
The Tigers executed a balance offensive attack.
Quarterback Cannon Craigmile completed five passes on six attempts for 47 yards.
Sam Meier led Marshall in rushing with 78 yards on 12 carries and ran for two touchdowns. while Brody Riess recorded 68 yards on 13 carries, scoring the other touchdown. Fullback Tyle Kraft picked up 62 yards on nine carries.
Noah Frazee led Marshall in receptions with two for 28 yards.
The game didn't start well for the Marshall offense. After the opening kickoff, a fumble set up Delano with a first and 10 at the Marshall 30-yard line.
Delano drove the ball down to the two-yard line, but Marshall defense ended up forcing a field goal attempt. The kick, however, was blocked by Meier.
The first quarter ended with no score.
Meier also scored the first of three Marshall touchdowns in the second quarter.
After a Delano punt, Marshall marched down the field to set up a 10-yard rushing touchdown by Brody Riess to bump up the score to 14-0.
After Manthei's third quarter interception, Marshall marched the ball down all the way to Delano 30-yard line. Sam Meier then took the handoff and scampered down the sideline, breaking some tackles before rushing into the end zone for Marshall's final touchdown.
Delano scored its only touchdown in the second quarter when Delano's defensive back Caleb Erickson intercepted a pass thrown by Marshall quarterback Magnus Schlenner at the 25-yard line. He rushed down the sideline for the score.