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LCWM scores late to defeat Bucs

Maroon and Gold had rallied to tie game after trailing by 14 points

By Kevin Mertens - Staff Writer | Oct 13, 2024

Blue Earth Area’s Jacob Grandgenett finds some running room while returning a kick during the early part of the Bucs’ homecoming football game against the Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial Knights. A late touchdown gave LCWM the 27-21 victory over BEA.

The Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial Knights scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to break a 21-21 tie and defeat the Blue Earth Area Buccaneers 27-21 on Friday, Oct. 4, at Wilson Field in Blue Earth. The homecoming loss dropped BEA’s record to 0-6 while LCWM improved to 3-3.

The Knights gained possession of the ball early in the first quarter after the Bucs turned the ball over on their opening drive. Starting their first drive from the BEA 38-yard line, LCWM needed only five plays to score with running back Jack Goeringer carrying the ball in from the one-yard line for a touchdown. The extra-point kick was good to give the Knights a 7-0 lead.

Neither team scored for the remainder of the opening quarter. However, BEA tied the game at 7-7 less than a minute into the second quarter. The Bucs engineered a 14-play 71-yard drive that culminated with quarterback Jacob Grandgenett connecting with wide receiver Branson Hauskins for a 37-yard touchdown pass on a play that saw the Maroon and Gold facing a fourth down and 15 yards to go situation. Grandgenett’s kick sailed through the uprights to tie the game at 7-7.

The game did not remain tied for long. The Knights took the ensuing kickoff and marched 75 yards in seven plays to score and take a 13-7 lead. The touchdown came on a 46-yard pass to Nolan Nase from quarterback Nathan Sickler. The PAT kick was good to give LCWM a 14-7 lead.

The Knights got the ball right back again when their kickoff to the Bucs was fumbled and LCWM recovered at the BEA 36-yard line. Three plays later LCWM found the end zone again with Goeringer crossing the goal line on a 20-yard run. The kick was good and the score was 21-7 in the Knights favor.

Neither team scored during the remainder of the opening half so the teams went into the intermission with LCWM holding a two touchdown lead.

LCWM received the ball to start the second half. BEA stopped the visitors and forced the Knights to punt the ball from their own 18-yard line. A short punt gave the Bucs possession of the ball at the Knights’ 36-yard line.

Grandgenett started the BEA drive with an eight-yard run. After being stopped for no gain on second down, the Buccaneer line opened a hole for the senior quarterback and Grandgenett raced 28 yards for the touchdown. Grandgenett’s kick was good to cut the Knights’ lead to 21-14.

A fumble by LCWM on the second play of their next drive led to BEA recovering the ball in the Knights’ territory at the 42-yard line.

Three straight runs by Grandgenett advanced the ball 17 yards to the LCWM 25-yard line. Grandgenett covered the final 25 yards on the next play for a touchdown. Following his PAT kick, the score was tied at 21-21.

Neither team scored until LCWM put together an eight-play 70-yard drive to find the end zone. Their PAT attempt failed but they were on top over the Bucs 27-21.

BEA had one more chance to try and score. Following LCWM’s kickoff, the Bucs began their drive at their 22-yard line. They were able to move the ball into the Knights’ territory before turning the ball over on downs. The Knights then lined up in the “victory” formation and took a knee for three straight plays to end the game.

LCWM ended the game with 14 first downs to 11 for BEA.

The Knights had 304 yards of total offense to 209 for the Bucs. LCWM rushed for 194 yards and passed for 110. BEA gained 145 yards on the ground and 64 yards through the air.

Grandgenett attempted 20 passes and completed seven for 64 yards and one touchdown while rushing the ball 24 times for 146 yards. Hauskins was the leading receiver with four receptions for 57 yards.

BEA was led on defense by Manny Granillo with 11 tackles. Carter Rosenau had nine tackles while Joe Bell and Chase Gambell each had seven.

The Bucs traveled to Le Sueur on Friday, Oct. 11 to play the Giants. They return home for the final game of the regular season on Wednesday, Oct. 16, and will host the Sibley East Wolverines.