Warriors pummeled at home by Saints to end season

By Andrew Larson

sports@charlescitypress.com

ROCKFORD — The Warriors’ football season came to an end Friday night in a manner most befitting of the way this year had gone for them up to this point: A 67-0 blowout at the hands of the visiting St. Ansgar Saints at home to cap off a winless season.

Those few who were holding out hope of seeing the upset of the century Friday night were quickly reminded why the Saints hadn’t lost a game in 2016 and why the Warriors had not won one.

The Warriors got the ball to start the game, and on their second play from scrimmage fumbled it away to St. Ansgar. Two plays later,  senior running back John Patterson score from 8 yards out putting the Saints on the board with just 30 seconds into the game.

It didn’t get much better for Rockford from there

The Warriors’ next possession was a little longer — they fumbled on the third play. The Saints once again took advantage as sophomore Deven Steele soon scored from 15 yards out.

The real bugaboo for Rockford came in the form of the Saints’ senior quarterback Ben Boerjan, who was a major factor in various phases of the game. Boerjan torched the Warriors through the air, throwing three TD passes and having no trouble finding his receivers. Boerjan also made his presence felt on the defensive side of the ball, intercepting Rockford junior quarterback Zach Bushbaum twice in the first half.

Boerjan also was 5 of 7 in PAT kick attempts.

Although the game that at times seemed more like a ritualistic sacrifice, the Warriors fought hard and came out with heads held high, already looking toward 2017.

“We’re not going to stay down for long,” Warriors head coach Nick Johnson declared to his troops after the game. “We’re going to get up and we’re keep fighting. We’ll keep improving.

With the win, the Saints complete their quest for a perfect regular season (9-0) and Class A, District 3 (7-0) records. The top-ranked Class A team will host Wapsie Valley on Friday in the first round of the playoffs.