Minster Defeats 2004 D6 Runner-up Marion Local 21-7

By Bruce Monnin

MINSTER — Minster used several big plays, including two defensive touchdowns and three goal line stands, to defeat the Marion Local Flyers 21-7 Friday night. This occurred despite the fact that Marion Local dominated the stats for time of possession, plays run and total yards.

Minster started the scoring off in the second quarter when Ty Parks took a sweep around the right side, then eventually worked his way back to the left sideline while going 65 yards on the touchdown run. The Wildcats increased the lead on the first play of the next possession when defensive lineman Dane Sommer intercepted a pass and rumbled 36 yards to increase the lead to 14-0.

Marion Local immediately responded with a 12 play touchdown drive to cut the Wildcat lead to 14-7. The Flyers scored on a fourth down play from the four yard line as the quarterback searched in vain for an open receiver, then eluded the Minster pass rush to just barely sneak over the goal line.

The Flyers received the ball again late in the quarter and drove own to the Minster 1 yard line, but were stopped at the line of scrimmage on the next play as time ran out in the first half.

The Minster defense struck again midway through the third quarter when Troy Parks scooped up a Marion Local fumble and scrambled 36 yards to increase the Wildcat lead to 21-7.

Marion Local again immediately responded with a 19 play drive. This time they had first and goal on the Minster 6 yard line before the defense stiffened and held the Flyer to -3 yards on the next four plays to retake possession. Minster punted after three downs, and Marion Local again drove to the Wildcat 10 yard line before Alex Stricker intercepted a pass to end this threat.

Minster finally broke out of poor field position when Ty Parks broke loose on a 45 yard gallop. From there the Wildcats ran out the clock to secure their first win over Marion Local in seven years.

Marion Local outgained Minster with total yardage of 332 yards compared to only 184 yards for the Wildcats, partially due to the Flyers running 74 plays to the Wildcats’ 31. Ty Parks led all rushers with 137 yards on 19 carries, but it was the defense which made the biggest plays with three interceptions, one fumble recovery and two touchdowns.

Next Friday 3-2 Minster hosts 3-2 New Bremen in a battle to determine which division six conference team will have the leg up on a playoff berth.

SCORE BY QUARTERS

Minster 0 14 7 0 — 21

Marion Local 0 7 0 0 — 7