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By Cynthia Scott
One word might best describe Rush City's tough 13-0 Homecoming loss to Aitkin: ouch.
Penalties and turnovers transformed the Tigers' domination into disappointment in a game that was much closer than the final score conveys.
The game was a defensive battle that saw a 0-0 tie going into the lockerroom at halftime. Aitkin's first score came midway through the 3rd quarter on a five yard run that was set up by a 70 yard pass play.
Rush City had two opportunities to tie the game, but both drives were ended by interceptions in the end zone.
Aitkin's second score came on an 80 yard run with 1:34 left in the game. The extra point attempt failed.
The Tigers racked up 249 passing yards and 64 rushing yards but were unable to get the ball in the end zone. Six interceptions and one lost fumble combined with 8 penalties for 65 yards killed scoring drives throughout the
game.
During a one-minute span in the 4th quarter there were three consecutive turnovers-two interceptions by Aitkin in the end zone and one fumble recovery by Rush City.
"When you have a young team these things happen," said Coach Gary Wendorf about the miscues. "We had people open but couldn't capitalize. With Homecoming week there were many distractions. Whenever we got close we would fumble or get a penalty that caused us to throw more than we wanted to."
The Tiger defense played a solid game, pressuring the Aitkin quarterback at every turn. In all Aitkin gained 250 yards, but 150 of those came on only 2 plays: a 70 yard pass and the 80 yard TD run.
Dan Gamache, Ray Grabau, Mackenzie Johnson and Patrick Blatz virtually shut down the Gobblers' running offense.
Offensively, Jacob Bosman threw for 180 yards.
The loss makes the Tigers 2-2 overall and 2-1 in the conference. Aitkin is now 2-0.
Up next: at Braham Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m
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