The Hatchet football team nearly knocked off a storied program when they hung within a touchdown of Stratford late in Friday’s game. But the Tigers scored once more to take down a 13-0 home win.
Stratford improved to 2-0 in the Marawood and 3-1 overall, while THS is 1-2 and 2-2.
“It was a solid football game for the Hatchets!” THS coach John Larson said. “Although we’re very disappointed in the loss, we as coaches and the players feel we still took a big step forward with our team and the program.
“Defensively we played very well; well enough to win. It was 7-0 with 5 minutes to go in the game, we played very physical and forced three turnovers. Jake Borchardt had one of his finest games of his career.
“Offensively we just could not get anything going both on the ground and through the air. Their big guys just dominated our little guys up front. Kaleb Kaminski was our most productive weapon. He ran the ball hard and picked up some tough yards. Field conditions were horrendous which played a huge factor in the game.”
A one-yard sneak by Michael Bargender gave the Tigers a 6-0 first-quarter lead, and Jake Zuelke scored and kicked the extra point in the fourth.
Kaminski hit on 4-of-9 passes for 26 yards, to Jordan Roessler (2-11), Brian Vecchoi (1-8) and Jake Borchardt (1-7). Bargender completed 2-of-9 for 23. But Stratford held a 262-39 advantage in rushing led by Jake Reif (8-95) and Kam Bornbach (16-81). THS was paced by Kaminski (17-29), Dane Borchardt (3-10) and Jake Borchardt (5-7).
The THS defense was powered by Kaminski (7 solos, 9 assists, 1 int.); J. Borchardt (3 S, 10 A, 2 TFL, 1 FF); Roessler (5 S, 4 A, 1 PBU); D. Borchardt (2 S, 2 A, 1 ER); and Isaac Schoone (2 S, 2 A, 1 PBU).