Rebels Lose Close One In State Quarterfinal Action

Cade Pierson – NSO

Photos By: Jennifer Szczyrbak & John Olson

The Moose Lake-Willow River Rebels, who have made it to the State Football Tournament in 10 consecutive years, lost a tough game to the United North Central Warriors, after taking a 20-6 lead and watching it vanish away.

Bryceton Butkiewicz was up to his usual antics, running all over the opponent.  He had 101 yards rushing in the first quarter alone, and got the Rebels an early lead off three touchdowns.  The first being a 34-yard dash.  His second would be a 18-yarder, and his third and final touchdown would come from a 4-yard plunge.

Kirby Hrdlicka got the Warriors on the board on their first drive, with a 4-yard rush for six.

Warrior quarterback Tom Tellers found the end zone just before halftime, on a 5-yard run to bring the score to 20-14.  The game was close again.

Tellers would then carry his team to the win, doing it through the air and ground, as he scored on a 1-yard diving rush.  That score late in the third quarter would ultimately be the deciding factor in a game in which the Rebels only attempted three passes, while the Warrior defense was stout in the second half.

The Rebels had their chance late in the game, as Tellers would fumble twice, but never could capitalize, as they lost in the end 21-20.

United North Central advances to the class AA semifinals, and will square off against Pipestone Area.