Mason Westberg hauled in an 18-yard TD pass from Trenton Krzoska in the game’s closing minute that proved to be the key play in Pepin-Alma’s 38-34 victory over Blair Taylor. The game between conference unbeatens was a back-and-forth affair all night.
After B-T receiver CJ Dummer opened the scoring with a 44-yard TD catch, the Eagles answered back. Marching 70 yards on 11 plays, capped by an Owen Post 20-yard TD. Junior running back Justin Bergmann, who returned to the lineup after a week 1 shoulder injury, added the two-point run for an 8-6 Eagle lead.
Bergmann added a TD run and another two-pointer to start the second quarter, but Shramek again went deep for Blair-Taylor- this time a 51-yard strike to Hunter Wagner to pull BT to a 16-14 deficit. Bergmann’s 1-yard plunge, followed by Post 2 pointer made it 24-14 Eagles. Blair closed the gap to 24-20 before the half, with a Shramek to Ethan Knisely TD pass.
Blair-Taylor forced an Eagle punt in the third, and took the lead late in the frame, when Shramek bulled his way in for a 5-yard rushing TD to give the Wildcats the lead back, 28-24. Pepin-Alma’s defense would hold the remainder of the game, and after a Krozska TD sneak, the Eagles forced a Blair punt with 4 minutes left and seemingly had control of the game, leading 32-28. However, a controversial motion penalty, and mishandled hand-off, forced the Eagles into a punting situation. A bad snap was recovered by Blair-Taylor who returned 38 yards for the go-ahead TD, as the visitors led 34-32.
The Eagles were tasked with traveling 65 yards in a little more than three minutes to keep their perfect season alive. They proved to be up to the challenge. Behind the running of Bergmann between the tackles and Post on the outside, Pepin-Alma rode the blocking of tackle Nash Komisar. The Eagles would eventually face a fourth and six from the 18-yard line. After a time-out, Coach Olson decided to turn to a play-action pass that the Eagles had yet to use all season. Krozska faked to Bergmann, and then an end around to Post. He stepped up in the pocket and hit Westberg in stride, crossing from left to right. The 6-3 senior coasted into the south end zone for the 38-34 lead, to the delight of the home crowd.
“I think every little kid dreams of catching a winning touchdown pass. Tonight was my night,” Westberg said. “ I’m glad I was able to come through for my team.”
Blair- Taylor did have 40 seconds left. and converted two first downs which included a hook and ladder. But senior defensive back Dylan Roundy, who had an interception earlier in the
game, knocked down a pass near the goal line on the game's final play, as the sidelines and stands rejoiced.
“Our guys showed perseverance and determination tonight,” said Eagle head coach Mike Olson. “Things didn’t exactly go as planned. Blair has some playmakers and the ball bounced in their favor a few times. I give our team some credit, they found a way to win.”
Bergmann, Post, and Liam Midvone powered the Pepin-Alma dominant rushing attack to the tune of 382 yards. On the flip side, Blair’s Shramek used the big play to account for 283 passing yards and added 80 rushing yards. Jake Komisar notched 15 tackles for P-A, and junior D-tackle Breckin Hullopeter added 10, which included a sack.
The Eagles will return to action this Friday, as they host Melrose-Mindoro in Alma for homecoming. Kick-off is set for 7:00 p.m.