Spencer/Columbus cruises to 7th win

For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD – “Our defense was really great.” Those were the words of Spencer/Columbus Coach Jason Gorst issued in a written statement to the media after the Rockets defeated Cadott at Beell Stadium in Marshfield on Sept. 29, 51-0.

That was an understatement. The Rockets outgained the Hornets 449-88; the S/C defense forced three turnovers and held Cadott to just 50 yards of passing offense and 38 yards on the ground.

“The turnovers that Hayden, Jarred and Austin forced were pretty big”, Gorst added.

One of those turnovers went for a touchdown, when Hayden Bauman recovered a Cadott fumble and returned it 43 yards for a touchdown, as part of a 35-point second quarter.

The shutout win started with a 21-yard first-quarter field goal by Evan Dieringer, who was also recognized by Coach Gorst after the game. “I really appreciate his commitment to the team to play through an injury for us.”

The second quarter began with a 32-yard touchdown pass from Jarred Mandel to Austin Bacon. Dieringer added the extra point to give the Rockets a 10-0 lead. After Bauman’s fumble return TD, Mandel scrambled for a 15-yard score to make it 17-0. Late in the quarter, Mandel again connected with Bacon on touchdown passes of 49 and eight yards, giving the Rockets a solid 38-0 lead at halftime.

The Rockets found the end zone again midway through the third quarter, when Carson Hildebrandt scored on a 16-yard run. Will Gorst added a touchdown run in the fourth quarter, locking up the win for Spencer/Columbus.

Hildebrandt led the S/C rushing attack with nine carries for 61 yards and a touchdown. Mandel was 9-for-11 for 173 passing yards and three touchdowns. Bacon was his leading receiver, hauling in four balls for 105 yards and three scores. Bacon also led the team in tackles with six, and had one pass interception.

The Rockets will host undefeated Eau Claire Regis Oct. 5 at Ted Fritsch Field in Spencer. Kickoff is set for 7  p.m.