Thunder Fall in Rochester

Jon Becker – NSO

Thunder Football score for Saturday in the quarterfinal round of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference Playoffs: Rochester 30, Thunder 12

The Thunder led 6-3 at halftime before falling short to top-seeded Rochester.

Here is the game summary and report from Thunder Team Statistician Jon Becker.

The Thunder traveled to Rochester, MN today to face off against the undefeated Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) Yellow Jackets for their first round of the MCAC playoffs. The Thunder would head into this one trying to forget their last meeting in which Rochester won convincingly.

Q1

 Tremendous defensive play for both teams was the story of the first half. Neither team would score until late in the first quarter. RCTC capitalized on a Thunder fumble in their own zone which led to a 19 yard field goal by kicker #87 Matt Gulland putting the Yellow Jackets up 3-0 with two minutes remaining in the quarter. It wouldn’t take long for the Thunder to answer. On their next drive with 0:39 left in the first quarter backup quarterback #10 Jarred White, in for injured quarterback #14 Kendarian Carter who broke his hand earlier in the first quarter, found running back, #2 Te’Vaughn Hurse, wide open in the backfield. Hurse, with plenty of running room, burst into the open field beating every defender down the sidelines for a 72 yard touchdown. The PAT was no good. The quarter would end with the Thunder leading 6-3.

 Q2

The second quarter wouldn’t yield any scoring with both teams missing field goal opportunities. The Thunder defense played extremely well after being put in multiple short field positions due to offensive struggles for the Thunder. Thunder defensive back #8 Malik Holland would have the biggest defensive play of the half. As the Yellow Jackets were marching down the field looking to take back the lead just before the first half ended RCTC quarterback #8 Nick Rooney found wide receiver #16 Terrance Bowers on a slant route near the Thunder eleven yard line. Holland tracked down Bowers and punched the ball out from behind. The ball was scooped up by Thunder defensive back #26 Sam Johnson. Johnson would return the fumble 65 yards before being hauled down by a swarm of Yellow Jackets near the RCTC fifteen yard line with 0:37 left in the half. The Thunder with limited time attempted a field goal but missed as time expired.

Q3

The third quarter was the turning point in the game. RCTC found their rhythm capping off a 98 yard touchdown drive to start the second half. Rooney would connect with wide receiver Bowers in the end zone for a 5 yard touchdown pass. PAT was good giving the Jackets back the lead 10-6 and they wouldn’t look back.

The Thunder offense would struggle mightily in the second half. Jarred White would throw two interceptions to RCTC defensive back #23 Lakye Alston in the third quarter.The turnovers would ultimately lead to more Yellow Jacket points. Rooney would hook up with wide receiver #11 Delfontay Powell for a 7 yard touchdown pass. PAT no good. 16-6.

The passing game wasn’t the only form of offense rolling for the Yellow Jackets in the second half. As the third quarter ended, running back #22 Montrel Moore, would dash into the end zone for a 40 yard scamper as the quarter came to a close. PAT was good putting the Yellow Jackets up 23-6 after three quarters of play.

Q4

The Yellow Jackets would kick off to start the fourth quarter. Te’Vaughn Hurse was back to receive the kick looking to give his team a spark for a potential comeback. Hurse would do just that. Hurse would receive the ball on the 2 yard line and wouldn’t stop until he was in the end zone 98 yards later. The Thunder would attempt a 2 point conversion but would come up short with the score 23-12. As the quarter continued, so did the Thunder’s offensive struggles. Another interception thrown by White in the 4th would result in more terrific field position for RCTC. Rooney would make quick work of the short field finding wide receiver Powell again in the end zone. This time for a 24 yard touchdown pass. PAT was good bringing the score to 30-12 and that’s where this one would stay. The Thunder fall to RCTC ending their season.