Anna Dominates in 47-0 Win Over Minster

By Bruce Monnin

ANNA — The Anna Rockets came into this last game of the season with hope still alive of securing a spot in the playoffs. All such hope had died weeks ago for the Minster Wildcats, and the difference showed during their matchup.

Anna dominated the first half stats, gaining 312 total yards while limiting Minster to just 26 yards and no first downs. They also dominated where it matters, taking a 34-0 lead into the locker room at the half.

The second half saw more of the same, as Anna put up a total of 17 first downs and 449 yards on the night, while the Minster offense struggled to no first downs and just 47 total yards.

Both teams exchanged punts to start the game, but on their second possession Anna struck with the long ball, a 36-yard pass from Wes Hunsucker to Kreg Elsass. On Anna’s next possession they required just six plays to score, this time on a one-yard plunge by Joel Naseman that gave the Rockets a 14-0 lead after the first quarter.

The Wildcat defense forced an Anna punt on their next possession and appeared to on the possession after that. But with fourth down and seven to go from their own 43-yard line, the Rockets ran a fake punt, gaining 35 yards and stealing the heart out of the Minster squad. Naseman later converted with a seven-yard scoring run, and the rout was on.

Anna put up two more scores before halftime. The first came on a Naseman 73-yard run. The second came after Minster seemed to get their first break of the night. Robert Gruber intercepted a Rocket pass and returned the ball 14 yards to near midfield. However, the ball came loose as he was tackled, and Anna regained possession. On the next play Hunsucker threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to Dan Stewart and it was 34-0 at the break.

The second half saw more of the same stifling Anna defense and two more Rocket scores. In the third quarter Anna recovered a Minster fumble, then two plays later Lance Wilker ran 28 yards for a score. In the fourth quarter, Anna scored for the final time four plays after another Minster fumble when Ben Schuster ran for a 10-yard touchdown.

Anna finishes the season with a 7-3 (6-3 MAC) mark and will be just short of a playoff appearance for the second straight year. Minster ends the season with a 0-10 record (0-9 in the MAC).

SCORE BY QUARTERS
Anna  14  20  7  6  —  47
Minster    0  0   0   0   —   0