MWHS loses homecoming game to Waconia
Waconia High School spoils the White Hawk’s homecoming with a 35-19 victory at Haddorff Stadium
Cornerback Ben Rogers reaches up to intercept an errant pass against Waconia on Sept. 28. The turnover led to a touchdown drive that put the White Hawks up 6-0 at the time.
After the MWHS football team lost their closest game of the year to Waconia on homecoming on Sept. 28, head coach Barry Bower said limiting turnovers will be the key for the final three games of the season.
In their 35-19 loss to Waconia, turnovers did not do the White Hawks defense many favors in the game. In the closing minutes of the first half, quarterback Michael Priefer threw an interception that was returned half the length of the field into White Hawk territory.
At the time of the interception, the White Hawks were down 7-6. But the short field allowed Waconia to score with less than ten seconds to go in the half, and the White Hawks were down 14-6 at halftime. Bower said reducing turnovers is something the team needs to work on the rest of the season.
“I think we need to limit our turnovers,” he said.
Bower said he told the team on Monday to attempt plays that are available, and not to turn the ball over by trying to do too much.
“For example, on fourth and one situations. When to make the plays and when not to,” he said.
Trevor Blackstone carries the ball after a punt return while Jordan Taylor (#62) blocks. (Photos by Blaze Fugina)
The stands at Haddorff Field appeared to be full during the homecoming game on Sept. 28, and Bower said he was happy with the support of the team.
“That is probably the most energetic homecoming I’ve been a part of,” he said. “It was great for the community to come and support the boys.”
The White Hawk defense in the first half created some turnovers, including an interception by Ben Rogers that led to a 6-0 MWHS lead. Bower said the defense was often backed up into their own territory after turnovers.
“I thought, for the most part, the D played very well,” he said.
The first touchdown of the game for MWHS was scored on a Priefer pass by Joe Herder. In the second half, Colin Host scored on a pass from Herder. Running back Bryan Tierney also scored a touchdown in the second half for the White Hawks.
Bower said he thought the effort of the team was great in the homecoming game.
“I though the kids played very well, very hard,” he said. “We just need to limit our turnovers.”
The next MWHS football game was Friday, Oct. 5 at Orono High School. The final games of the regular season for the MWHS football team are at 7 p.m. at home against Annandale on Oct. 12, and on the road in Hutchinson at 7 p.m. on Oct. 17.
