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Heinen’s 2 TDs put FF over Grand Rapids [UPDATED]
Published 11:04am Monday, October 8, 2012 Updated 11:04am Monday, October 8, 2012Coming down to the wire with the crowd sitting in baited breathe, an interception captured a 14-6 win for the Fergus Falls Otters over the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks Friday at the Otters homecoming game.
The Otters jumped on the board early as they took their first possession down the field, culminating with a Walker Heinen one yard touchdown run. Sam Rausch booted the point after through the uprights.
In the second quarter, Grand Rapids’ Austin Wiberg was able to slip past the Fergus secondary for a 94 yard catch and run on a pass from Jackson Gessel for a touchdown. Fergus was able to secure their lead after Drew Reinertson was able to penetrate the Thunderhawk line and blocked the extra point.
Late in the quarter, a roughing the passer call kept a Fergus drive alive. The Thunderhawks regretted their mistake as Heinen once again found the endzone, this time from five yards out to put the Otters up 14-6 at the half.
The second half saw a struggle between two tough teams, but neither could finish an offensive drive. The third quarter ended without a change in the score from the break.
With two minutes left, the Thunderhawks ran a no-huddle offense and moved the ball down the field. With under a minute to play, Grand Rapids setup to throw, but the Otters’ Austin Rund was able to step in front of the ball, sealing the victory for Fergus with an interception.
“We don’t win by much,” Otter coach Richard Risbrudt said. “But we get the W and that is what counts in the end.”
Heinen finished the evening with 41 carries for 225 yards and two touchdowns. The 225 yards put Heinen over the 1,000 yard mark for the season.
“It’s quite an accomplishment to rush for 1,000 yards in six games. He is a workhorse on the field and a big part of our offense,” Risbrudt added.
The wind was able to stymie the pass game for both teams for most of the evening.
The Thunderhawks won the turnover battle as Fergus fumbled twice and threw two interceptions in the game.
The Otters will travel to take on St. Michael-Albertville Friday in their last road game of the year at 7 p.m.
Fergus Falls 14, Grand Rapids 6
1 2 3 4 F
GR 0 0 0 0 — 6
FF 0 0 0 0 — 14
1st Quarter
(FF) Walker Heinen 1 yd run (Sam Rausch kick)
2nd Quarter
(GR) Austin Wiberg 94 yd pass form Jackson Gessel (kick blocked)
(FF) Heinen 5 yd run (Rausch kick)
GR FF
FIrst Downs 5 19
Rushing Yards 33 310
Passing Yards 169 23
Comp.-Att.-Int 10-22-2 3-13-1
Turnovers 3 4
Penalties 7-55 6-50
Rushing Leaders: (FF) Heinen 41-225 yd, 2 TDs
