Rails Take Back The Hammer

October 16th, 2016

Tyler Peterson-NSO

Going into Friday night, the all time series record between the Proctor Rails and Hermantown Hawks are 32-32-1, dating back to 1941. The Rails would end a six year drought against the Hawks on Friday, winning 20-16 to bring home the Hammer.

The game would remain deadlocked at 0-0 until the 2nd quarter when Proctor’s Lucas Nordquist returned an interception 30 yards to give the Rails a 7-0 advantage. The Hawks would respond with a defensive score of their own in the 2nd quarter, when Jon Cornelius scooped a fumble and took it to the end zone from 36 yards away. Jake Hausmann converted the two point attempt to make it 8-7 heading into halftime.

The game remained 8-7 into the 4th quarter, when AJ Maas plunged in from 2 yards out to give the Rails back the lead at 13-8. The Rails would later increase their lead to 20-8 when John Pioro pushed into the end zone from 4 yards away. The Hawks would attempt to get back into the game late in the 4th quarter when TJ Gamradt connected with Hausmann on a 3 yard pass. Hausmann converted the 2 point attempt, but it wouldn’t be enough as the Rails would hold on for a 20-16 victory.

The Proctor Rails are now 6-1 on the season and will look to end the regular season with a win when they host the Two Harbors Agates (5-2) on October 19th. The Hawks drop to 5-2 on the year and will host the Moose Lake-Willow River Rebels (3-4) on October 19th.

Tyler Peterson can be contacted at tpeterson@northlandsportsonline.com