ML-WR Runs Past Duluth Marshall

Chris Shevich-NSO

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Sept 16

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

DULUTH- Chris Gassert had a game in which most football players would only dream about, Gassert did it all Thursday as the Rebels defeated the Hilltoppers 46-0. Gassert led the way with 196 yards rushing and four touchdowns in the Rebels shutout win.

The win was the 32nd consecutive regular season win for the Rebels as they posted their second shutout of the season. The Rebels scored on their second drive of the game when Gassert exploded down the right sideline for a 56 yard touchdown run, and with a Michael Bennett extra point the Rebels led 7-0.

The second quarter saw the Rebels march down the field and Gassert scored his second touchdown of the game on a 4 yard run. The extra point was blocked by Than Serre and the Rebels led 13-0. After another defensive stand it was the Rebels again marching down the field and with 4:49 remaining in the second quarter. Josh Cisar scampered in from 25 yards out and the Rebels led 19-0. The two point conversion failed and the Rebels would take a 19-0 lead into the locker room at halftime.

A Duluth Marshall fan told this writer that “we played well in the first half only being down 19; I hope we didn’t disturb the sleeping giant.” As the second half opened, it looked like the fan was correct. The Rebels came out in the second half and marched right down the field with Gassert scoring his third touchdown on a remarkable run in which he broke away from 4 tacklers and with determination forged his way into the end zone.

An extra point extended the Rebels lead to 26-0. That score was followed by another dominating defensive stand and the Rebels would march down the field as the third quarter was winding down. Hayden Olson would score on a 4 yard run around the left end, the kick was good and Moose Lake-Willow River led 33-0 after three quarters.

A botched snap on a punt attempt by Marshall allowed the Rebels to start the fourth quarter on Marshall’s 20 yard line. Just two plays later, Gassert scored his fourth touchdown of the game on a 17 yard run. Marshall fumbled late in the fourth quarter and Jacob Disterhaupt rounded out the scoring with a 2 yard run. The extra point was no good and the Rebels ended the game with a 46-0 victory on the road.

The Rebels finished with 459 yards of total offense while holding Marshall to 79 total yards. Abe Young led the Rebels with 9 tackles and Nathan Van Zee added 7 in the win. Austin Lanoue and Ross Degerstrom each had a sack for the Rebels.

The Rebels improve to 3-0 on the season and will be in St. Paul on Thursday to take on St. Paul Como Park. The Marshall Hilltoppers will face the Esko Eskomos in Esko next Friday night.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com