REBELS CELEBRATE BIG HOMECOMING WIN ON FOOTBALL FIELD

Friday was a very busy day for MCC students. Classes, a pep fest, parade, the Cross Country runners running from Tyler to Slayton, and finally it was time for the football game. The Rebels and the Knights have played each of the past two seasons with each team winning by shutout. The Rebels lost to RTR two years ago in Tyler 22-0 and a year ago the Rebels beat the Knights in Slayton 48-0. Friday night both teams would score unlike the past two years, but like the last two meetings, the final score wouldn’t be all that close, as the Rebels would hand the Knights their first loss of the season.

The Rebels got the first possession of the game and they started strong. Jordan Sturges had back to back carries of 12 and 15 yards. Gabe Tentinger ended the drive on a 32 yard touchdown sprint down the RTR sideline, which was followed by a two point conversion by Colby Kesteloot to make the score 8-0. The Rebel defense was ready to go, forcing a three and out by the Knights. The Rebels quickly drove the field, with Jordan Sturges scoring on a 17 yard run; his extra point made the score 15-0 with 3:26 remaining in the first quarter. The Rebels defense was terrific in the first half. Except for a pair of Rebel mishandled punts in the second quarter, they played a terrific all around game. The final score of the first half came in the second quarter when Carson Lewis scored on a 56 yard touchdown run which was followed by the Sturges extra point to put the Rebels up at the half 23-0.

The third quarter saw the Rebels extend their lead 30-0 on the Rebels first touchdown pass of the season. Teague Meyer, making his first start since week one, completed a pass to Max Mathiason who ran 32 yards into the end zone for the score which was followed by a Sturges extra point. The Knights got on the scoreboard in the closing seconds of the third quarter when Gavin Schuers connected with Garrett Elton on a three yard touchdown pass and the Rebels led 30-6 heading to the 4th quarter.

On their first possession of the 4th quarter, Jordan Sturges scored on his longest run of the season, covering 46 yards. With his extra point, the Rebels led 37 to 6. Both teams started to bring in some of the reserves. RTR brought in Micah Johnson at quarterback and on one of his first passes, he threw one down the sideline that was caught by Braden Nibbe who broke a couple of tackles on his way to a touchdown, covering 71 yards, making the score 37 to 12. The Rebels got the ball back and scored another touchdown on a pass. Teague Meyer hit the open Caleb Rosenbrook for a 17 yard touchdown that would make the final score 44 to 12.

The Rebels dominated the rushing stats and with two completions going for touchdowns, the Rebels were clicking. It wasn’t a perfect game for the Rebels, as they turned the ball over two times and struggled with penalties in the game that cost them the chance at one score and nearly ended another drive. The Rebels dominated the line of scrimmage both on offense and defense with players like Luke Iverson, Colby Kesteloot, and Quintin Lewis opening running lanes and collecting sacks on defense. Carson Lewis and Jordan Sturges both ran for over 100 yards in the game. The Rebels will be on the road the next two weeks playing at LQPV and then at TMB.