Undefeated Aquinas the next test

Meeting Arcadia Friday October 22 in the Driftless Area south of Eau Claire, the Orioles kept their bearing and came back from a narrow gap before the half to clinch a victory over the Arcadia Raiders 35 – 18, advancing to Aquinas this Friday. Head Orioles Football Coach Jeff Koenig shared some things for why the game went down just the way it did Friday.

“The defense played well the entire game and was able to keep the game close at the half,” he said of Oriole defense. “Our offense was able to put together some nice drives in the second half and really pull away in the third quarter.”

Additionally, Coach Koenig shared that he thought the game win against Arcadia “…was a total team effort. We had the big kick return in the first half, the explosive second half for our offense, and consistent defense throughout the game" to make for an exciting night on the Oriole side. It almost didn’t end the way it did, though, Following a return by Cooper Nichols upfield to the 49-yard line with a Raider inter ception to cool things down, the score going into halftime was 12 – 7, with Arcadia leading. Spending the half just outside the gate without blankets while the Raiders warmed up in the north end zone from fall cold, before long it was back to game play—and that’s when things really took off for the Orioles.

With teamwork showed by all, Nichols made the first touchdown of the second half for the Orioles. With the extra point following by Kar – len ruled to be good, the score flipped 13 – 12 in the Orioles favor, and didn’t change direction from there.

With Number 2 Logan Burzynski blocking two Raider passes for 3rd and 10, a return by Potaczek saw a sack by number 20 for the Raiders. Two Karlen plays (one on the side and the other up the middle set) the stage for Nichols to run for another successful touchdown, followed with the extra point.

Later in the game, meanwhile, Karlen broke away and snuck past the Raider’s defense to make an end zone touchdown and bring the score 28 – 12 in the Orioles favor. Landen Karlen and Grant Hatfield contributed to Oriole advance as well, with timely tackles of the Raiders.

With a brief respite for the Raiders provided by a team touchdown, the Orioles scored anoth- er, bringing the score to its final conclusion af – ter Karlen took the ball downfield 35 – 18. The Orioles are set to play undefeated Aquinas this Friday, with the winner advancing to the Sectional Championship. Coach Koenig shared his thoughts on the upcoming match.

“This week we face an undefeated Aquinas team who is the #1 seed in our bracket,” he said. “It will be a challenge but if we play good consistent football, it should be a great game.”

The Orioles head downfield at Arcadia in what became a win after halftime for the Orange and Black, who came from behind to win last Friday 35 – 18. From left to right for the Orioles are: Brady Potaczek (23); Tate Derks (63); Jacob Nesterick (30); and Robert Poole (51), plus two additional Orioles in back. Photo by Joseph Back.