The Hatchets last chance at a playoff berth disappeared with Friday’s 27-18 defeat at Chequamegon.
“A slow start, poor special teams play – a punt return for a TD, missed extra points – and a missed opportunity late in the game would prove costly,” THS coach John Larson said. “Offensively we out-gained the host team; defensively, we were solid other than three big plays. Our kids played their hearts out and left everything on the field. As coaches that is all we can ask for!
“A big pass play and a punt return for a TD gave the Eagles some early momentum. Not surprising to the coaches our kids battled back. We stuck to the game plan, kept our composure and closed the gap at halftime.”
The Eagles converted a 29-yard pass strike and a 50-yard punt return to help them reach 21-0, but the Hatchets closed within 21-12 by halftime. A 44-yard pass from Kaleb Kaminski to Jordan Roessler with 6:15 to go got them started and Jake Borchardt rushed the final six yards just :41 before the half.
Borchardt cut it to 21-18 with 8:35 left in the third quarter on a seven-yard blast, but the third missed PAT left it there. A 41-yard Lehman run with 2:04 remaining put it out of reach.
Chequamegon held a slim 281-273 edge in offensive yards gained. THS rushed for 180 with Borchardt (25-113), Dane Borchardt (8-54) and Kaminski (10-19) leading the way. Kaminski completed 5-of-10 passes for 101 yards.
Producing for the THS defense were: D. Borchardt (4 solos, 5 assists, 2 FF); J. Borchardt (5 S, 2 A, 1 PBU); Kaminski (1 S, 6 A, 1 PBU); Isaac Schoone (7 A, 1 FR); Steven Renn (2 A, 1 TFL, 1 FF); Brandon Vecchio (4 A, 1 TFL); Keagan Jach (1 S, 2 A, 1 TFL); Quin Wallenfang (1 S, 4 A); Nate Flohr (5 A); Tony Bradley (1 sack).
Tomahawk closed out a 4-5 campaign (2-5 in the Marawood), while Chequamegon ended up 6-3 and 4-3.