In a close matchup at Lloyd Wilson Field, Mount Marty secured a 24-21 victory against Hastings with a strong second-half performance, improving their record to 6-4 for the season.
Game Summary:
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First Half:
- Hastings took an early lead with a 31-yard field goal by Xander Salyers in the first quarter, followed by a 2-yard touchdown run by Josh Ray, putting them ahead 10-0.
- Mount Marty responded just before halftime with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Rugby Ryken to Trey Hansen, reducing the deficit to 13-7.
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Second Half:
- Mount Marty dominated the third quarter, scoring two touchdowns. Kyle Hirsch ran in from 7 yards, and Rugby Ryken followed with a 2-yard rushing touchdown, putting Mount Marty up 21-13.
- In the fourth quarter, Jack Finder extended the lead with a 29-yard field goal, making it 24-13.
- Hastings mounted a late comeback attempt with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Cassius Campbell to Eli Nappe, and a successful two-point conversion closed the gap to 24-21, but Mount Marty's defense held firm to secure the win.
Key Player Performances:
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Mount Marty:
- Rugby Ryken had an efficient game, completing 12 of 19 passes for 160 yards, with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. He also added a rushing touchdown.
- Kyle Hirsch led the ground game with 22 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown.
- Trey Hansen was the top receiver, hauling in 4 catches for 81 yards, including a 43-yard reception.
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Hastings:
- Josh Ray was a standout, rushing 14 times for 80 yards and scoring the team's first touchdown.
- Eli Nappe made significant contributions in the air, catching 6 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown.
- Quarterbacks Cassius Campbell and Carson Kudlacek combined for 155 passing yards, with Campbell throwing the lone touchdown pass.
Team Statistics:
- Total Offense: Hastings slightly outgained Mount Marty, 288 to 284 total yards.
- Rushing Attack: Hastings had 133 rushing yards to Mount Marty's 124.
- Passing Efficiency: Mount Marty averaged 8.4 yards per pass, compared to Hastings' 5.5 yards per pass.
- Turnovers: Both teams had 1 interception, but Mount Marty lost a fumble, while Hastings managed to recover all their own fumbles.
- Time of Possession: Mount Marty had a slight edge, controlling the ball for 30:28 minutes compared to Hastings' 29:32.
Defensive Highlights:
- Mount Marty's defense recorded 4 sacks for a loss of 32 yards. Jonathan Carlstedt led with 9 tackles and 2 sacks, while Arthur Oliver had an interception.
- Hastings' top defender was Jayden Roberts, with 12 total tackles and a sack.
Mount Marty showcased resilience by overcoming an early deficit and maintaining composure in the second half, solidifying their win in a hard-fought contest against Hastings.