MOUNT VERNON -- It didn’t take long for Class 11B No. 1 Winner to shake off some rust.
The Warriors hadn’t played since Sept. 11, but they were sharp in a 42-8 win over Mount Vernon/Plankinton on Monday. The game was originally scheduled for Friday, but it was moved to Monday due to COVID-19. Winner’s previous game against Valentine (Neb.) on Sept. 18 was also canceled due to COVID-19.
But despite the long layoff, the Warriors (5-0) controlled the Titans (2-3) en route to another convincing victory.
“I thought we came out firing on all cylinders,” Winner quarterback/defensive back Brady Fritz said. “So I was pleased with that. We might have got a little lackadaisical after a little bit, but I thought we focused back in a little bit and performed up to our abilities today.”
Fritz recovered a fumble on MVP’s second play from scrimmage and it was off and running. On the very next play, Fritz scored a 53-yard touchdown run for an early 8-0 lead.
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“You expect it to be a good game and a tough physical game and you get a turnover and score the very next play,” Winner coach Trent Olson said. “That’s huge for momentum and get the team down a little.”
It set the stage for Winner’s fifth-straight win. The Warriors finished with 288 yards, compared to 187 for the Titans. Winner controlled the time of possession (31:29-20:21) and it racked up 248 rushing yards. The Warriors held MVP to 123 rushing yards.
“We told our guys all week the two teams are going to run the ball all night and the line of scrimmage makes the difference,” Olson said.
Fritz and the offensive playmakers benefited from the dominant offensive line. Fritz had a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown.
“The offensive line has been great this year,” said Fritz, who added an interception return for a touchdown. “I am very blessed to be running behind these guys. I have been doing it since middle school. It’s fun running through those holes.”
Sam Kruger finished with 59 rushing yards, while Riley Orrel added 58 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Jackson Vesely hauled in the receiving touchdown from Fritz.
MVP’s Reed Rus finished with 64 passing yards, while Rylee Deinert had 52 rushing yards and one touchdown.
Winner hosts Chamberlain on Friday. MVP plays Stanley County on Friday in Fort Pierre.
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