Running in the rain

No matter the conditions or their opponent, the No. 3 New Rockford-Sheyenne/ Maddock Rockets keep getting the job done.

Just two weeks removed from their stunning win over North Prairie, the Rockets' took on yet another tough team on Friday, Sept. 22 in McVille, N.D., where the heavens opened up and rain poured down just in time for their game against the Nelson County Chargers.

The Chargers were 4-1 entering the matchup, and more than eager to take on the last remaining undefeated team in Region II. For the Rockets, meanwhile, this game represented their toughest remaining hurdle on their way to an undefeated regular season.

The Rockets were favored to win by most, but many didn't anticipate the weather playing havoc on NR-S/M's preferred method of moving the football lately – through the air.

Against North Prairie, Rockets' quarterback Easton Simon threw for nearly 400 yards. On Friday he would amass just 51.

Both teams relied instead on their running game, though it was more reminiscent of three yards and a clop of mud than a cloud of dust.

Nevertheless, the Rockets' opening drive was everything they could have asked for, as their offense moved effectively on the ground and into the red zone. Carter Engebretson would then score his team's only touchdown of the day on a 3-yard carry.

Crucially, Simon completed the two-point conversion with an excellent pass to Easton Benz in the back of the endzone, giving the Rockets an early 8-0 lead.

Playing a big role in the drive's success was Connor Knatterud, which was to be expected. After all, in a game where the passing attack is limited, it's important to have your team's best ball carrier on the field.

Unfortunately for the Rockets, however, they wouldn't be seeing much more of the explosive junior during Friday's game against Nelson County.

Still dealing with a leg injury suffered against North Prairie, Knatterud was unable to continue beyond the first few drives. The offense notably struggled as a result, and the Rockets were unable to add on to their lead.

Thankfully their defense picked up the slack, and midway through the second quarter the Chargers still hadn't scored a point – but that's when lightning finally struck.

No, that doesn't mean the Chargers finally made a big play. Lightning literally lit up the darkening sky, sending the game into a lengthy delay.

When the teams came back around 45 minutes later, the rain had finally stopped, and Nelson County took advantage of great field position following a blocked punt that occurred just minutes before the lightning delay.

The Chargers scored six on a 14-yard touchdown run from senior running back Cristian Fougner. But critically for the Rockets, a mishandled snap meant the subsequent two-point conversion attempt failed.

With a slim 2-point lead, the Rockets still had two-and-a-half quarters of football to play, but despite the rain letting up, both offenses continued to struggle.

As the clock ran down late in the fourth quarter, Nelson County was making one last attempt to drive down the field. The Rockets' defense, however, came up clutch.

On 4th-and-7 just 17 yards from the endzone, Chargers' quarterback Jaxon Baumgarn dropped back to pass and soon found a charging DJ Mudgett in his face. After a brief scramble, NR-S sophomore Easton Benz managed to trip the quarterback up and earn the sack.

The defensive stand was the Chargers' last real chance to score points, and the Rockets managed to escape with an 8-6 victory.

The Rockets' remaining schedule after Nelson County consists of the winless Midway/Minto Mustangs, the 1-5 St. John Woodchucks, and the 3-3 North Border Eagles.

Assuming the Rockets continue to play the quality of football they've proven themselves capable of, they'll have a great chance of winning out and securing an undefeated regular season, not to mention home-field advantage to start the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Rockets' junior varsity team also found success against Nelson County on Monday, Sept. 25, earning a 20-14 win over the Chargers.

9-Man

Region 2 Football

NR-S/M 8, NC 6

Friday, Sept. 22

at McVille

First Quarter:

NR-S/M: Engebretson 3-yard run (two-point conversion good)

Second Quarter:

NC: 14-yard run (failed two-point conversion)

NR-S/M individual stats not available.