Memorable season ends for Otters

By Don Cogger (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Originally published 05:14 p.m., November 8, 2008
Updated 11:35 a.m., November 9, 2008

Photo by Zak Holtan

Matt Mithaugen takes a hit from Jordan Scherber during the first half of the Section 4A quarterfinals at St. Cloud State University.

The wild, memorable ride that was the Fergus Falls Otter football season came to an end Saturday, with a 32-14 loss to St. Michael-Albertville at Husky Stadium in the first round of the Class 4A State Playoffs.

“It seemed like we didn’t have that bounce in our step today that we’ve had all year,” said Otter head coach Richard Risbrudt. “The Knights were quick, strong and scrappy, and it seemed like we were always a half a step behind them.”

The Otters had opportunities but were hampered by nagging injuries of a few key players, as well as turnovers and penalties.

Regardless, Otter head coach Richard Risbrudt said not even a loss could diminish what this team has accomplished this season.

“I’m still the proudest coach in Minnesota of this Otter football team,” Risbrudt said. “We’re not going to let this game cast a shadow on what these fine young men have accomplished.”

The Knights got on the board quickly, scoring on their first possession of the game on a 23-yard run by quarterback Jason Dehmer. A missed PAT made the score 6-0.

The Otters were forced to punt on their next drive, but got the ball back in good field position as the Knights fumbled the punt and Devin Barker jumped on it on the Knights’ 28-yard line.

The Knights proved tough on defense, not allowing the Otters to score. St. Michael-Albertville then drove 71 yards on six plays for their second score of the game, a 39-yard touchdown pass from Dehmer to Jordan Scherber. A two-point conversion made the score 14-0, Knights.

The Otters fumbled on their next drive, and the Knights drove down the field again, with Dehmer scoring his second touchdown of the game on a one-yard plunge.

Looking to jump-start the Otter offense on its next possession, Otter quarterback Derek Hansen faked a punt and scampered for an Otter first down. It was just the spark the offense needed, and Hansen scored a couple of plays later, giving the Otters their first points of the game.

The Knights looked to be driving again, but Hansen came up with an interception at the Otter 10-yard line. A promising drive stalled, and the Otters went into the half down 20-7.

The Otter defense came out strong in the second half, shutting down the Knights on their opening drive. The momentum was short-lived however, as SM-A’s Scherber picked off a Hansen pass and returned it to the three-yard line.

“The defensive backs that we played against today were the best we’ve seen all year,” Risbrudt said. “They had speed and closed really fast. There aren’t many defensive backs who can cut in front of a receiver on a slant route and intercept the ball. When you get to this point in the season, with only eight teams left, you have to win the turnover battle. We weren’t able to do that today.”

Nick Zachman scored on the next play, giving the Knights a 26-7 lead. With just under two minutes left in the third quarter, the Knights’ workhorse running back Kwaku Amoah scored the final points for SM-A on a 20-yard run, increasing the lead to 32-7.

Otter Matt Mithaugen scored the final touchdown of his high school career, as well as the final one for his team this season, on a three-yard run in the fourth quarter. He would finish with 115 yards on 20 carries.

Boyden Lee recovered the onside kick for the Otters, but the Knights’ defense held, and just like that, the season was over.

“This will sting for a while for the guys, but they’ll bounce back,” Risbrudt said. “When they think back on the season as a whole, they’ve made a lot of memories. More importantly, they’ve made some friendships that will last a lifetime.”