MVL takes Cougars 46-7

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

COMFREY -- Senior linebacker Dan Gohr's 98-yard interception return for a touchdown created a big momentum swing as Minnesota Valley Lutheran football team spoiled Cedar Mountain/Comfrey's homecoming with a 48-7 win Saturday afternoon.

Down 21-7 late in the second quarter, CM/C's fortunes took a turn for the better when junior linebacker Ben Rieke grabbed an MVL fumble and took it to Charger eight yard line.

The Cougars didn't get any closer than the six yard line. Gohr's pick came on fourth and goal. He got more than enough blocking to race down the left sideline untouched.

Sophomore Andy Beilke's point-after kick was good, making it 28-7 with 1:12 in the first half. End of rally and game for that matter.

The tone of the game was set early. MVL kicked off and Cedar Mountain went 1-2-3 punt.

The Chargers gave the ball to senior halfback Joel Russow and he responded by twisting, spinning, turning and breaking tackles all game. He scored from five yards out with 7:59 left in the first quarter. Beilke's kick made it 7-0.

Russow finished the game with 127 yards on 19 carries. Senior quarterback Josh Dettman finished with 62 yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns. Dettman and junior quarterback Karl Struck combined for eight completions in 14 attempts for 119 yards and a touchdown.

Russow had 11 tackles from his linebacker spot.

The Cougars punted on their next possession and Russow and the Chargers were back at it. Dettman went the final three yards and Beilke's PAT made it 14-0 with :56 left in the first period.

The Cougars went to the air but had only limited success. Brent Koch's 48-yard punt put MVL back on it's own 12.

Dettman hit senior Aaron Madson with a long pass, setting up Dettman's three-yard scoring run.

Cedar Mountain continued passing, capping a 65-yard scoring drive with five-yard pass from senior quarterback Brook Christensen to Koch. Christensen's kick made it 21-7.

Charger Coach Jim Buboltz sounded pleased with the way his team is progressing.

"Mentally, we were ready. Our offensive line came out and dominated the line of scrimmage," Buboltz said. "Our backs Joel Russow, Sam Hunter, Dan Gohr and quarterback Josh Dettman made some nice decisions, setting the tone for us. Dan's interception was a big turn of events. Our seniors have some goals in mind. We keep playing at a higher and higher level each week."

Buboltz praised his offensive line and ends and realizes he'll need everybody in top form next Saturday when the 3-2 Chargers host the 4-1 defending Class A state champions Sleepy Eye.

"They have a quality football team and a quality coaching staff," Buboltz said. "We'll have to be ready to play at a high level. We'll need to keep going to higher levels to get ready to play with that type of team."

MVL 14 13 7 14 -- 48

CEDAR MTN. 0 7 0 0 -- 7

MVL: Russow 5 run. PAT-Beilke kick. Dettman 3 run. PAT-Beilke kick. Dettman 3 run. PAT-Beilke kick.

CM: Koch 5 pass from Christensen. PAT-Christensen kick.

MVL: Gohr 98 interception return. PAT-Beilke kick. Hunter 6 run. PAT-Beilke kick. Struck 2 run. PAT-kick failed. Owens pass from Struck. PAT-Thiesfeldt kick.