Prep Football: Big plays doom United North Central in shutout loss to Patriots

Upsala-Swanville Area kicked off its victory over United North Central with a blocked punt and capped the 35-0 shutout with a interception return for a touchdown.

Those two big plays spelled doom for United North Central as they struggled offensively with four interceptions. The Warriors finished with 167 total yards on the night.

“We came out very flat offensively and we just couldn't get in to rhythm at all.” United North Central head coach Jeremy Nordick said. “I thought the guys played hard, but we just couldn't seem to catch a break all night.”

Austin Mollner got the Patriots on the board at 8:10 of the opening quarter by returning the blocked punt for a touchdown and Avery Smieja finished off the Warriors by returning an interception 28 yards for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

Upsala-Swanville Area scored twice with two minutes left in the second quarter to take a 21-0 lead at the break. Eric Frieler found Mitch Lange for a 25-yard touchdown pass and then found the endzone with 39 seconds left on a seven-yard run.

The junior quarterback picked up his third touchdown of the night by connecting with his brother Nick for a 13-yard scoring strike at 8:36 of the third quarter.

The Warriors next possession ended on Smieja’s interception return to seal the Patriots victory.

“I thought USA played outstanding and they deserved to win Friday night.” Nordick said. “They're always very disciplined and do the little things so well.”

Brandon Junes went 9-for-30 with 102 yards passing, but threw four picks in the loss. Justin Luedke was the Warriors leading rusher with 59 yards on nine carries.

“We have to find a way to create some big plays and find some energy to get our football team going.” Nordick stated. “On the positive side, I think we learned a little bit about ourselves, and how we're supposed to mentally prepare for a game. It takes even more mental preparation when playing a game on the road.”

The Warriors (1-2) will be tested when they hit the road to play No. 9 Osakis at 7 p.m. Friday.

“They're a very physical team up front with some gifted athletes on the perimeter.” Nordick explained. “I feel we match up very well with them, and in the past we’ve had some big time battles with the Silverstreaks.”

United North Central at Upsala-Swanville Area on September 16
Patriots 35, Warriors 0
UNC 0 0 0 0—0
USA 7 14 14 0—35
First Quarter
USA—Austin Mollner blocked punt return (Brock Cichon kick) 8:10
Second Quarter:
USA-Mitch Lange 25 pass from Eric Frieler (Cichon kick) 1:55
USA—Eric Frieler 7 run (Cichon kick) 0:39
Third Quarter:
USA—Nick Frieler 13 pass from Eric Frieler (Cichon kick) 8:36
USA—Avery Smieja 28 interception return (Chichon kick) 7:44
Fourth Quarter
No Scoring

Team Stats
Rushes-Yards: UNC 20-65
Pass Comp-Att-Int-Yards: UNC 9-30-4-102
Total Offense: UNC 167

Individual Stats
Rushing: UNC—Justin Luedke 9-59; Taylor Carlson 2-20, Carlos Castro 8-(-4), Brandon Junes 1-(-10)
Passing: UNC—Junes 9-28-4-102, Carlson 0-2-0-0
Receiving: UNC—Markus Tolkkinen 5-69, Tanner Burgau 2-14, Brandon Burgau 1-6, Castro 1-6
Defensive Standouts: Luedke 7 tackles; Jeff Skoog 7 tackles; Teague Weaver 6 tackles; Matt Squires 6 tackles; Carlson 5 tackles