By Charlie Warner
Argus Editor

The match-up between the last two undefeated Class AA teams in this corner of the state met Oct. 17 with the Three Rivers Conference South Division up for grabs. Although the Caledonia Warriors amassed nearly twice as many offensive yards, and controlled the game, the Southland Rebels prevailed by a 14-13 score on a muddy, rainy night in Adams.

The visiting Warriors found themselves trailing 7-0 before the first offensive play took place. The Rebelsí Tyler Hanson took the opening kick-off and raced 86 yards for a TD. The extra point kick was good, and Southland had a 7-0 lead less than 30 seconds into the game.

The Warriors tied the game midway through the first quarter when Kody Moore hit Kevin Voight on a 14-yard pass play. Ryan Goetzinerís kick was good and the CHS gridders pulled even at 7-all.

The Rebels made it 14-7 later in the opening verse when Winston Smith plowed in from one yard out. The Derek Emanuel kick was once again good, and the host team had a 14-7 lead.

Caledonia scored in the second period when Cody Petersen broke free and romped 37 yards for a TD. The extra point kick failed, and the Warriors went into the halftime intermission trailing by one, 14-13.

Caledonia had their chances in the second half, as a long run, that appeared to be the go-ahead TD was called back due to a holding penalty. On two other occasions the Warriors had open receivers in the endzone, but due to the heavy rains and slick footing, neither completion was made.

After battling the Rebels throughout the second half with neither team getting into the endzone, the Warriors had one last chance...a 44-yard field goal attempt. With less than 20 seconds left, and no time outs remaining, the CHS gridders lined up for the winning field goal attempt. The kick was no good, and the Warriors were handed their first loss of the season.

Caledonia controlled the game, racking up 169 yards rushing and 135 passing for a 304 total, while holding the Rebs to 124 rushing and 40 passing. Unfortunately, the Warriors turned the ball over four times, while Southland coughed it up three times.

Petersen had a big night on the ground, rushing for 125 yards and one TD on 17 carries. Zach Gran added 32 yards on six carries, and Andy Bauer had 12 yards on two carried.

Moore completed nine of 23 passes for 135 yards and one TD. He was intercepted twice.

Gran had three catches for 75 yards, Bauer had three catches for 30 yards, and Voight had two catches for 29 yards and a TD.

Goetzinger had one extra point and punted five times for 168 yards. Bauer had a busy night returning kicks and punts. He had one punt return for six yards and three kick-off returns for 70 yards.

Goetzinger and Mitch Meiner each had a fumble recovery, Bauer had an interception and Voight and a quarterback sack.

Number one seed

The Warriors finished the regular season with a 7-1 record, and received the number one seed in the Section 1AA play-offs. The top seed gives the Warriors home field advantage throughout the section play-offs.

The Warriors entertained number eight seeded Kingsland (0-8) Tuesday, Oct. 23. The winner of that game will advance to the semi-finals and will play the winner of the St. Charles-Pine Island game. The semi-final game will be played at the higher seedís field this Saturday at 7 p.m.

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