Defense, Running Game Keys Fort Loramie over Minster, 43-12

By Bruce Monnin

MINSTER — The season opener for Minster and Fort Loramie appeared early on to be a defensive struggle. By the end of the game, it was just Minster who was struggling, as the Fort Loramie Redskins ran away with a dominating 43-12 win.

Fort Loramie coach Jon McCumber summed the game up nicely. “Our kids wanted it a little bit more tonight. They were more physical, and I’ll go with that.”

 
Minster opened the game having to punt after just three offensive plays. Fort Loramie matched the Minster performance, and Minster also went its second possession without earning a first down. However, midway through the quarter Fort Loramie put together a six-play, 57-yard drive capped off by a Mitch Westerheide 18-yard scoring run to take a 6-0 lead.
 
Minster’s offense responded by driving to midfield before being forced to punt. But on Fort Loramie’s next play, Ian Ranly intercepted a Redskin pass and returned it 25 yards to the 10-yard line. Three plays later Austin Baumer connected with Brian Mueller on an 11-yard touchdown pass to tie the game 6-6.
 
It appeared the momentum had turned in Minster’s direction, but Fort Loramie responded with a flurry of scoring in the last 4:38 of the half. The Redskins reached into their playbook and pulled out the halfback pass, with Mitch Westerheide tossing a 40-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Gasson. After Mitchell Raterman intercepted a Wildcat pass, Westerheide finished off an eight-play drive with his second touchdown of the night. A sack of Wildcat quarterback Austin Baumer with 20 seconds remaining in the half caused a fumble which Nathan Snyder returned 20 yards. Two plays later, Snyder kicked a 29-yard field goal and Fort Loramie led 23-6 at the break.
 
The second half was all Fort Loramie. They scored one touchdown in the third quarter and two more in the fourth quarter. Minster tacked on an Adam Kaiser touchdown run in the last minute of the game to make the final score 43-12.
 

Last year Minster dominated on the ground, compiling 333 rushing yards to just 46 for Fort Loramie. This year saw Fort Loramie win that vital statistic, gaining 177 yards while holding Minster to just 80 yards on the ground. “You have to run the ball to win,” added McCumber. “You win with defense and running the ball.”

Next week Friday Minster hosts the Versailles Tigers. Fort Loramie will have its home opener against Dayton Christian.

SCORE BY QUARTERS
Fort Loramie  6  17  7   13  —  43
Minster  0  6   0   6   —   12