Minster Falls to Coldwater 27-21

By Bruce Monnin

MINSTER — Friday night the Minster Wildcats played host to the top ranked team in division four, and held the lead for most of the game before Coldwater rallied late for a 27-21 win.

The Wildcats scored on their first series of the game. Faced with a 3rd down and 7, Ty Parks connected with his brother Troy for a 69 yard touchdown pass to gain the early 7-0 lead. Coldwater twice drove into Minster territory without scoring, but on their third try tied the game with a 45 yard drive.

Minster received the ball back on the Coldwater 36 yard line with 1:13 left in the half. The Wildcats went to the air, completing four of six passes. Dane Sommer caught three of the passes, including an 8-yard touchdown catch with 0:08 left before half.

Coldwater tied the game on their first possession of the second half. They drove 80 yards on 12 rushing plays, 11 of them by Ross Homan. Minster responded early in the fourth quarter with a 57-yard drive capped by a 3 yard Brian Hoelscher run to move to a 21-14 lead.

Minster had a chance to take a two score lead early in the last quarter when Zac Boeke intercepted a Coldwater pass and returned it to the Coldwater 14 yard line. But three plays later, Coldwater intercepted a Minster pass and returned it 92 yards for the game tying score.

Minster drove into Coldwater territory one last time, but was stopped on downs 34 yards short of the end zone with under two minutes left. Four plays later, Coldwater connected on a 49 yard touchdown pass to secure the 27-21 victory.

Coldwater held Ty Parks in check on the ground, as he gained 25 yards on 72 carries. However, Parks threw for 184 yards and two touchdowns, with his brother Troy catching three passes for 94 yards and a score. Coldwater slightly outgained Minster with 315 yards compared to 290 yards for the Wildcats.

Next week Friday 3-4 Minster travels to 6-1 St. Henry in their last chance to earn the computer points need for a playoff berth in region 24.

SCORE BY QUARTERS

Coldwater 7 0 7 13 — 27

Minster 7 7 0 7 — 21