New Bremen Defeats Backyard Rival Minster 28-14

By Bruce Monnin

NEW BREMEN  —  In a wild game filled with multiple turnovers, the New Bremen Cardinals dealt a blow to the Minster Wildcats’ playoff hopes with a 28-14 victory Friday night.

New Bremen took control early, taking the opening kickoff and mounting a 10 play, 75 yard touchdown drive to go ahead 7-0. The Cardinals immediately followed with a successful onside kick, and drove 48 yards in 12 plays for their second score to lead 14-0.

Minster was forced to punt after three plays, partly due to a fumbled snap with was recovered for a loss. Fortunately for the Wildcats, New Bremen fumbled during the punt return and Glenn Gidandet recovered the ball at the Cardinal 27 yard line. Three plays later Ty Parks completed a 21 yard touchdown pass to brother Troy Parks to close the lead to 14-7.

New Bremen fumbled again on their next possession. Minster proceeded to drive the ball to the 20 yard line where they returned the favor and gave the ball back to the Cardinals. After the defense held, Minster drove the ball as deep as the New Bremen 18 yard line before missing on a 42 yard field goal attempt.

Minster was able to recover one more Cardinal fumble in the half, this time at the New Bremen 22 yard line. Two plays later, Ty Parks ran 13 yards for the score to tie the game at 14-14 at the half.

Minster started the third quarter by driving to the New Bremen 40 yard line, but were forced to punt. New Bremen responded with a nine place, 81 yard touchdown drive to regain the lead 21-14. Later in the quarter, New Bremen’s Troy Lammers ripped off a 58 yard punt return to the Minster seven yard line. Minster immediately forced and recovered another New Bremen fumble to thwart the scoring opportunity, but on their first play the Wildcats fumbled the ball back to the Cardinals’ Dan Sidebottom, who returned it all 19 yards for a touchdown to make the score 28-14.

New Bremen outgained Minster with total yardage of 328 yards compared to only 183 yards for the Wildcats.  Ty Parks compiled 106 yards on 25 carries, plus added 60 yards passing (all of which were in the first half).

Next week Friday Minster hosts 6-0 division four powerhouse Coldwater, one of their last opportunities for a big computer points win needed to qualify for the region 24 playoffs.

SCORE BY QUARTERS

New Bremen    14     0     14    0    — 28

Minster                    0    14     0    0    — 14