“I have said all along that we are overall a young team without a ton of experience and we will be learning every game. I think we took a big step forward on Friday night.” Coach Tom Nelson was commenting on the 36-18 win over Rock Ridge in Virginia.
The game couldn’t have started worse for the Agates. The first play of the game for Rock Ridge was a running play where the back ran over sixty yards for a touchdown. After the Agates got the ball and their drive failed on fourth down, Rock Ridge quickly scored again for a 12-0 lead.
Nelson said, “Rock Ridge is an impressive team. They have size and speed and they can be a powerful squad. That first run was impressive. I don’t think he was touched.”
After the Agates got the ball for the second time, they drove down and scored with Kyler Pitkanen scoring on a four yard run. Nelson commented, “On the sideline, we could see the change among our team. The determination kicked in and the game changed.”
In the second half, Pitkanen ran five yards for another Agate score following an interception.
Agates Football Team Earn Impressive Win Over Rock Ridge By John Sandstrom Rock Ridge came back with a long touchdown of its own as their passing attack carved up the Agate defense. That score brought Rock Ridge within two. Nelson said, “That drive was impressive and made us a little nervous. Our defensive coaches made some great adjustments and those changes made a big difference in our success.”
Agate scoring concluded with touchdown runs from Deacon Bark and Pitkanen and the defense turned three interceptions to earn the 36-18 final.
Pitkanen finished with twenty-five carries for 145 yards and three touchdowns. Bark had 27 yards and two touchdowns. Isaiah Hietala, Tate Nelson and Pitkanen each had an interception.
Defensively, Zac Bentler had five tackles, while Cash Williams and Zach Libal added four each. Nelson concluded, “The next three weeks will tell the story of our team. We host a powerful Aitkin team Friday before facing Mora and preseason favorite Esko. Mora played both Esko and Grand Rapids tough and we know Esko is a very strong team. We will need to be at our best.”
