BOMBERS RUNNER UP TROPHY

PICK THE WINNER CONTEST

Last weeks winner was Matt Norstad with 7 correct answers. Matt I have your Subway cards here. This week we will be in the state quarter finals. Email me your answers to   Jnor13@hotmail.com. We have some Thursday games this week 6PM deadline.

Caledonia vs Sibley East

Lourdes vs Jordan

St. Criox vs Blue Earth

Grand Meadow vs Mountain Lake

BA vs Sleepy Eye

Hutchinson vs Kasson

Holy Family vs Hill Murray

Mankato West vs Owatonna

Rosemount vs Edina

Wayzata vs Eastview

Eden Prairie vs Minnetonka

Prior Lake vs Lakeville North

Gophers at Illinois

Vikes vs Detroit

Good Luck

BOMBERS SEASON ENDS

The Bombers season ended with a loss to the St. Croix Crusaders Friday night 61-21. The Bombers had an early lead 14-8. The Crusaders then showed everyone why they are rated 3rd in the state. The Crusades ran up nearly 500 rushing yards on the Bombers defense. The highlight for the Bombers came on a 67 yard scramble touchdown by Hunter Johnson, Johnson did a great job of cutting back against the grain on his TD run. The Bombers end the season 7-4. Two teams that the Bombers have played that are now in the state tournament that run the option offense, are the Crusaders and the Rochester Lourdes Eagles. The Bombers first touchdown came in the first quarter, Johnson hit Alex Bultena with a 28 yard touchdown pass. Derek Johnson's kick was good. Next Crusader possession Bomber Taylor Carlson scooped up a errant Crusader pitch and returned it 13 yards for another Bomber touchdown.Johnson's kick was good. The Bombers lead 14-8, that would be the last score for the Bombers until Johnson's scramble. The Crusaders will face the 2nd ranked team in the state Blue Earth Buccaneers in the quarter finals of the state tournament, at Lakeville North football field. Coming up watch for  the post on the Senior football players.

STATS

Passing
Hunter Johnson 5-11-101 1td 1int

Rushing
Hunter Johnson 12-96 1td
Alex Bultena 3-22

Receiving
Jordan Lundell 1-16
Colton Sande 2-20
Alex Bultena 2-65 1td

TEAM
Rushing 33-130
Passing 5-11 101

Tackles

Andrew Anderson 4
Taylor Carlson 4
Nate Melhouse 7
Sterling Carlson 9
Tyan Castillo 8
Clay Broze 4

DIRECTIONS TO GAME

Directions to the St. Criox football field. Take 52 north to Butler Ave exit. Take a left on Butler continue to Oakdale Ave take a left Oakdale Ave.Look for the lights should be on your left.

PREVIEW BOMBERS TAKE ON THE CRUSADERS

The Bombers will try to advance to the State Tournament for only the second time in school history. They need to defeat the St. Criox Lutheran Crusaders Friday night at St. Criox Lutheran. The Crusaders come into the game with a 8-1 record. The Bombers come in with a 7-3 record. The Crusaders will start 6 seniors on offense and 8 on defense. The Crusaders run a split back veer scheme with a tight end formation. It is a little different than the Beacon's pistol, one back offense from last Wednesday night. The Crusaders beat the Beacons 54-14 in the sixth game of the season. The Bombers will again have to play assignment football. Make no doubt about it the Crusaders are a much better team than the Beacons. I have seen the film they are physical up front, the Bombers offensive line will have to play their best to control the line of scrimmage. The Crusaders are lead by quarterback Lincoln Hochmuth, he runs the offense very well, but he does not throw the ball very well. Like most option teams they make their living on the ground. If the Bombers can make the Crusaders pass the ball, they have a very good chance of winning. Which means the Bombers will need to be very disciplined on their assignments. Load up the box, force the Crusaders to throw. Offensively the Bombers still will need to try and run the ball, it will be tough the Crusaders are good against the run.  I believe they will have to win this game through the air. I know I have always said you have to be able to run the ball, that's still true. I just do not think the Bombers can keep up with the Crusaders, running the ball. Go back to the Lourdes game, the Bombers stayed with the Eagles in the first half because they were successful primarily by throwing the ball.  They will need to take their shots down the field, to help open up the run game. What they can not do is go 3 and out very often, they need to limit the offensive possessions of the Crusaders. The old adage if they don't have the ball they can't score.  Now if the Bombers can do all that, they can win. I have said before they are playing with a lot on confidence. The Bombers can be that perfect storm for the Cusaders. Bomber win on late FG.

PICK THE WINNER CONTEST

The winner for last week was, I hate to say it Matt Norstad.  Matt your card is in the mail. 
This week we are looking at Section Champions.  Most games I believe are on Friday some on Saturday and Vikes Sunday. Deadline is 6pm Friday. If your still interested we can do state tournaments also, let me know. email your picks and total points   jnor13@hotmail.com

BA. at Blomming Prairie
Chatfield at Caledonia
Waterville at Sibley East
Lake City at Lourdes
Kasson at Faribo
Hutchinson at Glencoe
Mayo at Owatonna
Rosemount at Stillwater
Gophers vs Michigan
Vikes at Seattle _________________total points

BOMBERS ADVANCE TO CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

The Bombers victory over Concordia Saturday catapults them into the Section championship game this Saturday at St. Criox Lutheran field in West St. Paul. The Beacons scored twice in the first quarter against the Bombers. Two times quarterback Austin Moldehauer scored for the Beacons, first on a 7 yard run and then on a 10 yard run. The Beacons lead after 1 quarter 14-0, but as you know the game is 4 quarters long. In the 2nd quarter the Bombers drove down to the Beacons 15 yard line  where the drive stalls. Derek Johnson kicks a 32 yard field goal. Key play of drive 20 yard pass to Jordan Lundell plus a 15 yard roughing the passer flag on the Beacons.   Bomber 3 Beacons 14  The Bombers defense holds on the next series, as the Beacons go for a 4th and 6. Sterling Carlson stops the ball carrier short of the first down marker and the Bombers takeover at their own 43. The Bombers then march down the field, 57 yards in 11 plays. Hunter Johnson hits Lundell with a 18 yard touchdown pass. Johnson's kick was good.  Bomber 10 Beacons 14  The Beacons drive down to the Bombers 35 yard line on the next possession, but a fumbled snap is recovered by Taylor Carlson. The half ends with the score Bombers 10 Beacons 14
The second half starts with the Bombers going backward, with a 4th and 24 the Bombers punt, the Beacons take over at their 29 yard line. A fumbled snap by the Beacons is recovered by Saul Carter and the Bombers take over at the Beacon 28 yard line. It takes 6 plays for the Bombers to hit pay dirt, Hunter Johnson scores on a 5 yard touchdown run. Kick was good. Bombers take the lead 17 to 14. 3rd quarter score Bombers 17 Beacons 14     The rest of the game was back and forth as each team had their miscues. The Beacons did get to the Bomber 30 yard line twice, but they were stopped by the Bomber defense. The Bomber defense did a good job against the option offense of the Beacons. The Bombers now move on to another option team, this one is the defending state champs. The Bombers are playing with a lot of confidence, it should be a good game.

STATS
Passing
Hunter Johnson 6-12-98 yards 1TD
Rushing
Ian Althoff 23-80
Hunter Johnson 3-10 1TD
Jordan Lundell 2-7
Alex Bultena 1-11

Receiving
Jordan Lundell 4-83 1TD
Colton Sande 2-15

Team
Rushing 34-101
Passing 6-12-98

BOMBERS TO PLAY FOR SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP

The Cannon Falls Bombers will play in the section 4 Championship game. The Concordia Beacons scored the first 14 points of the game, but the never got another sniff of the end zone. The Bombers scored 17 unanswered points to defeat the Beacons in Roseville. Details and stats to follow.

DIRECTIONS TO CONCORDIA FIELD ROSEVILLE

Address for Concordia Academy football field is 565 Lovell Ave. Maybe the easiest direction, HWY 52 north to St Paul, get on 35E north, to Hwy 36 west, then exit on Dale St., then north to Lovell Street, take a right on Lovell, it should take you to the stadium.

CORRECTION ON TIME OF GAME

The correct time for the start of the Bombers and Concordia Beacons is 7 pm Saturday. Time on the Minnestoa State High School website was wrong.

PREVIEW BOMBERS VS BEACONS

The Cannon Fall Bombers play the Concordia Academy Beacons Saturday night, in the semifinals of section 4. The Beacons advanced with a win over Minneapolis Roosevelt last Wednesday night. The Beacons come in to the game with a record of 6-3. Watching film against Roosevelt and against St.Croix Lutheran which are complete opposites. One of the best and one of the worst. They cruised past Roosevelt but could not stop the St. Croix offense, The Beacons are pistol, 1 back mid line-veer team. The Bombers have to play assignment football this week. The Beacons will start 10 seniors and 5 juniors on either offense or defense. Most players play both ways. Their defense is a 5-2 defense or some would call it a 3-4 with walk up backers, either way they have 5 defensive players on the line of scrimmage. Against St Croix, after Concordia scored to start the 3rd quarter, the score was 20-7 St Croix. This will be a big challenge for the Bombers, typically they do not fare well against veer teams. If they can play assignment football and move the ball, which I think they can, against this Beacon defense the Bombers should win. Bombers 24 Beacons 21

BOMBERS ADVANCE IN SECTION PLAY

The Bombers will move on to the next round of  section play, after thumping a out manned Edison team. The Bombers scored 7 times in the first half and then gave way to the second stringers to finish the game. First drive of the game for the Bombers was a 9 play 65 yards capped off with  a 4 yard run by Jordan Lundell. Derek Johnson's kick was goods. Key plays in drive 2 twenty yard runs by Ian Althoff.  The Bombers overcame a fumble, a holding penalty and a dropped interception by the Tommies on that drive to score.  Bombers 7 Tommies 0  The first play for the Tommies, Brock Peterson intercepts a pass and returns it 30 yards to the Tommies 13 yard line. A Bomber penalty put the ball back at the 25 yard line, 7 plays later Althoff scores on a 3 yard run following lead blocker Andrew Anderson. The Bombers are successful on their fake extra point try.  Bombers 15 Tommies 0
The Tommies return the kickoff to the Bomber 49 yard line. The Bombers force another punt and start at their own 25 yard line.  1st quarter score Bombers 15 Tommies 0  The Bombers drive 75 yards in 11 plays with runs from Lundell and Althoff. Althoff finishes the drive with a 10 yard scamper behind good blocking from his line. Kick was good.  Bomber 22 Tommies 0  The kickoff is again returned to the 50 yard line. The Bomber defense forces another Tommie punt and Lundell returns it 25 yards to the Bombers 49 yard line. Two great runs by Althoff take the ball to the 7 yard line but a holding call brings the ball back to the 20 yard line. A Hunter Johnson to Lundell pass takes the ball to 9 yard line. Another Johnson pass to Alex Bultena in the end zone scores the Bombers 4th touchdown of the night. Johnson's kick was good. Bombers 29  Tommies 0   The Bombers do a better job on kick coverage this time stopping the ball carrier at the 25 yard line. First play for the Tommies Cody Meyers and hosts of  Bombers cause a fumble which is recovered by the Bombers at the Tommies 13 yard line.  Jacob Hanka was the work horse this time for the Bombers. Three carries, for the Bombers 5th touchdown of the night. Johnson's kick was good. Bombers 36 Tommies 0   The Tommies get another good return to the 35 yard line. The Bombers again force a punt. This time Lundell takes the kick and returns it 56 yards for the touchdown. Johnson's kick was good.  Bombers 43 Tommies 0   The Tommies next possession did not fair any better, as Lundell intercepts a pass at the Tommies 46 yard line. The Bombers score 5 plays later on Hanka's 9 yard run, his 2 of the night. Johnson's kick was good. Half time score  Bomber 50 Tommies 0  The second stringers played in the second half. The Bombers Nick Lorentz scored on a 5 yard run in the 3 quarter. The Tommies did score a touchdown in the 4th quarter that rounded out the scoring for the night. Final score Bombers 57  Tommies 8  The Bombers did what they should do against a team like this.  The Tommies were down to 21 players after 19 players failed to come to school that day, which made them ineligible for the game. The Bombers move on to play Concordia Academy Roseville on Saturday, game time 7:30. The Beacons are 6-3 with their win over Roossevelt on Tuesday. Look for the preview in coming days.

BOMBERS THRASH TOMMIES

 The Cannon Falls Bombers put whippun on the Edison Tommies 57 -8. The Bombers starters only lasted the first half, as they scored 50 points on the hapless Tommies. The Bombers even threw in a fake extra point try, after their second touchdown. Full details and stats tommorrow. We do know the Bombers will play this saturday at Concordia Academy in Roseville.

PICK THE WINNER

Halley won the last, pick the winners contest, perfect 9 for 9 . Good job Halley, email where to send you your Subway card. 
Remember early games this week deadline 6pm Tuesday

This Weeks contest is larger due to the playoffs.

Cotter at Stewarville
ZM at Plainview
LC vs La Crescent
Goodhue at Southland
KW at Medford
Triton vs St. Charles
Byron vs Red Wing
Lourdes vs Pine Island
Hayfield at Lewiston
Bombers vs Edison
Kasson bye
Gophers vs Purdue
Vikes vs Tampa Bay_________________total score

BOMBERS START SECTION PLAYOFFS

The Cannon Falls Bombers take on the Edison Tommies, Tuesday night at John Burch Field, game time is set at 7:00. The Bombers 5-3 in the HVL, the Tommies 1-7 in the Minneapolis City Conference. The Tommies lone win came against Minneapolis Roosevelt 25-16. Roosevelt did not win a game this year.  I'm going to throw some numbers at you, they might not mean a lot, but I have some extra time on my hands. Comparing Edison to Pine Island, The point differential in both the Edison and Pine Island team losses were 31 points per game, both teams are 1-7, the QFR for Edison is 19.1 for Pine Island is 18.8. Pine Island has played 2-4A, 5-3A, and 1-1A schools. Edison has played 1- 6A, 1-5A, 1-4A, 3-3A, 1-2A, and 1-1A schools. I guess what I'm getting at is we can not take this team for granted. They have good speed, they start 8 seniors on either offense or defense, but they also start 2 sophomores and a freshmen. They do not have a lot of depth on the team. The games I saw they seemed a little rag tag, but were able to move the football. The Bombers have to come out early and take control on the first series. They must be able to run the ball, run the ball, run the ball, the weather should be good, maybe some rain moving in. If they are slow to get started again there may not be enough time left to recover. This will be a challenge for the coaches to make sure the players are focused and ready to play from the start. If the Bombers can control the line of scrimmage and contain the QB they should win. Key will be contain the quarterback.                        Bombers 20 Edison 7

BOMBERS BEAT PANTHERS

The Cannon Falls Bombers dominated the 4th quarter last night to put away the pesky Panthers 26 - 0. Both teams exchanged punts in their first possessions. The Bombers mounted a drive down to the Panther 25 yard line with a couple of nice pass completions from Hunter Johnson to Jordan Lundell and Alex Bultena. Next play Johnson was intercepted on the 2 yard line by Panther Luke Schmidt. The Panthers moved the ball to the 30 yard line, helped by two flags on the Bombers, an offsides and the big one a running into the kicker penalty. The Panthers did have to punt and the Bombers took over at their own 40 yard line. 1st quarter score Bomber 0 Panthers 0.  The second quarter was more back a forth until the Bombers recovered a Panther fumbled punt. A Johnson to  Lundell 4 yard scoring pass put the Bombers on the board with 15 seconds left in the half.. Half time score Bombers 7 Panthers 0.  Third quarter was filled with mistakes on both sides. Neither team could finish there drives. 3rd quarter score Bomber 7 Panthers 0. The 4th quarter was all Bombers. They broke the will of the Panthers and scored 3 touchdowns. First touchdown was a 43 yard scamper by Ian Althoff. Johnson's kick was good.  Bombers 14 Panther 0.  First play for the Panther on their next series Clay Broze recovers a Panther fumble at the Panther 25 yard line. After four good hard runs by Althoff,  he scores on a 1 yard run.  Kick was no good  Score Bomber 20 Panthers 0  The Bombers defense again forces a Panther punt. The Bombers take over at the Panther 46 yard line. The starters still in for the Bombers, they flex their muscles and drive 46 yards in 10 plays capped off with a 1 yard run by Andrew Anderson. Kick was blocked  Final score Bombers 26 Pine Island 0 The Bombers will take on Minneapolis Edison Tommies next Tuesday time to be determined.

STATS

Passing
Hunter Johnson 11-18-122- 1int

Rushing
Ian Althoff 23-149-2td
Jordan Lundell 2-10
Hunter Johnson 10-50
Andrew Anderson 2-2 1td
Jacob Hanka 4-18
Alex Bultena 1-17

Receiving
Alex Bultena 5-28
Noah Callister 1-19
Jordan Lundell 4-64
Colton Sande 1-21

Team
Rushing 44-248
Passing 11-18-122


DEF
Andrew Anderson 9 tackles
Alex Brummand 3 tackles 2 sacks
Hunter Johnson 3 tackles 1 int
Clay Broze 9 tackles 2 fumbles recovered
Austin Noble 3 tackles 1 sack

BOMBERS STRUGGLE IN WIN

The Bombers made tough work of their last divisional game Friday night, beating Pine Island 26-0. It was 0-0 late in the 2 quarter when Pine Island fumbled a Bomber punt. The Bombers scored seconds before the half ended,to take a 7-0 lead into the half. I received a little flake about not getting my game preview done, before the game. If I had, I would have said the Bombers should be ahead by at least 28 points by half time. Rest the starters the second half and let the second stringers get some action, and get ready for the playoffs. Boy was I wrong, the Bombers needed a great 4th quarter to put the game away, after only leading 7-0 after the 3rd quarter. I will have full details and stats later.

PICK THE WINNERS

Wednesday games this week, dead line 6pm Wednesday

Lourdes at LaCrescent
Stewartville at Kasson
Byron at KW
Hayfield at Triton
ZM at Lake City
Cotter at Goodhue
Pine Island at Bombers
Gophers at Wisconsin
Vikes vs Arizona    total points__________________

email me at Jnor13@hotmail.com

Lourdes conference champs
Lake City conference champs

Everybody makes the playoffs, we will continue the pick contest, I may add some of the bigger schools to the list as teams get beat.

BOMBERS NIP TIGERS

It took about 47 minutes of the game, for the Bombers to secure a victory over the Stewartville Tigers Friday night.The Bombers blocked an extra point try and recovered the onside kick to get their 4th win of the season. It was a back and forth contest for most of the first half, both teams playing conservative football.The Bombers scored with about 18 seconds to go in the first half, on a nifty 64 yard pass from Hunter Johnson to Jordan Lundell. Derek Johnson's kick was good and the Bombers went into the half leading 7 - 0. The Bombers had another scoring opportunity in the 2nd quarter, but a Johnson field goal attempt was blocked. Not many sustained drives for either team in the first half.  Score at the half  Bomber 7 Tigers 0

The second half started with the Bombers forcing a Tiger punt. They then drove down to the Tiger 25 yard line, but on 4th down play Hunter Johnson was sacked on a pass attempt. The Tigers then went 75 yards in 10 plays, and scored on a 1 yard plunge. The kick was good.   Bomber 7 Tigers 7.    Both teams then exchanged punts, but on the Bombers 2nd punt of the 3rd quarter the ball hit a Tiger player and Colton Sande recovered for the Bombers.  End of the 3rd quarter  Score Bombers 7  Tigers 7
 The Bombers drove 48 yards in 8 plays and scored on 26 yard pass from Johnson to who else Lundell. Derek Johnson's kick was good.  Bombers 14 Tigers 7  On the Bombers kickoff they made a big mistake by kicking the ball out of bounds, the Tigers started at the 35 yard line. The Tigers took just 4 plays to cover the 65 yards, last play a 16 yard touchdown catch by Will Gisler. Gisler also had a great one handed catch for 37 yards to start the drive. Kick was good.  Score  Bomber 14  Tigers 14
The Bombers next drive started at their own 39. After getting a first down they were forced to punt. Tigers started at their own 24 and on the first play and the Bombers biggest defensive play of the night, Hunter Johnson steps in front of a Tiger receiver and returns the interception 32 yards for a touchdown, with a convoy of Bombers leading the way. Johnson's kick was good.  Score with 4:10 left on the clock Bombers 21 Tigers 14
The Tigers return the kickoff to their own 27 yard line. After four straight incompletions the Bombers took over at the Tigers 27 yard line. The Bombers with about 3:55 left on the clock take the ball down to the Tigers 18 yard line. On a 4th and 2 from the 18 yard line, Johnson is tackled for a 17 yard loss, the Tigers take over at their own 35 yard line. One has to wonder why not a field goal attempt? Remember the Tigers last play they ran was a incomplete pass, but it also was a trick play, a throwback pass that didn't work. Well it worked the second time for a 40 yard gain down to the Bombers 34 yard line. 6 plays later the Tigers score on a 30 yard pass from Aaron Quandt to Conner Hanf. With 1:13 left in the game the Bombers special team comes up with play of the night, they block the extra try. Score Bombers 21  Tigers 20  The Bombers special teams also recovers the onside kick and the Bombers run out the clock.  Fine Score  Bombers 21  Tigers  20                             Next game will be Wednesday against Pine Island 7:00 start.

PICK THE WINNERS CONTEST

A tie between Josh and Brandon, with 7 wins each.  Tie breaker goes to Josh Olson with a total score of 50. Congraulations your subway card will be the mail monday.

BOMBERS STOP TIGERS

The Bombers block a Tigers extra point try, with less than 2:00 minutes to play, then recover a onsides kick, to preserve a Bombers 21 to 20 victory in Stewarville Friday night. Details and stats to follow.

PREVIEW STEWARVILLE GAME

Big game this week with the Stewarville Tigers. The Tigers come into the game with a record of 4-2 overall and 3-1 in the division. The Bomber are 3-3 overall and 1-3 in the division. A win for the Bombers will likely give them a winning record, Pine Island the last opponent is not a good team.  The Bombers will have to defend the pass this week. Stewarville comes into the game with the most passing yardage in the HVL. If you look at the stats between the two they exact opposites in rushing and passing stats. The Bomber rush for 1209 yards and pass for 735 yards, the Tigers rush for 716 yards and pass for 1213 yards. In section play it also is important, both teams sit as the third seed in their sections, staying in third will give the Bombers a home playoff game. The Bombers will have to stop the Tigers sophomore Quarterback Aaron Quandt who leads the league in yardage, but also interceptions. Will Gisler is the favorite target with 42 catches, 530 yards and 7 touchdowns. In fact Stewarville has 3 receivers in the top ten in the league. The Bombers will have to keep the pressure on Quandt, don't give him time to find his second or third receivers. The Bombers will need to try and shorten the game with the rush game. I said last week I thought the Bombers have turned the corner on their passing game, but this is a game they have to find their rushing game again, after two lackluster performances on the ground. If the Bomber can find their rushing attack and continue the new found passing attack they will win.     Bombers 24 Tigers 14

PICK THE WINNER CONTEST

This weeks pick the winner contest. Looks like some very tough games to pick.

KM at Lourdes    Conference championship on the line.

Lake City at Goodhue

Triton at Zumbrota    If ZM and LC both win, they will play next Wednesday for the championship

PI at Hayfield  Yawner 1

LaCrescent at Byron

KW at Cotter  Yawner 2

Bombers at Stewartville

Gophers vs Northwestern

Vikes at Washington

Total score Vikes and Washington________________

Email me at Jnor13@hotmail.com   Deadline Friday 6pm.

PICK THE WINNER

This weeks winner of the pick the winner contest is Tim Anderson. Tim your subway card is on its way, congratulations. Check Tuesday for the next contest. Tell your friends about the contest, just pick the winners and get a subway gift card.

BOMBERS PLAY LOURDES TOUGH

The Bombers lost a scoring battle, Friday night to the Rochester Lourdes Eagles. The Bombers started the scoring when Jordan Lundell returned a Lourdes punt 89 yards for a touchdown. Derek Johnson's kick was good. Bomber 7 Lourdes 0  The Eagles scored next possession on a 64 yard QB keeper by Mark Pagel.  The Bombers stopped the 2 point play.   Bombers 7  Lourdes 6   Lourdes scored again in the first Quarter on a 5 yard run by Mckay Cartens. The Bombers again stopped the Eagles 2 point try.  Bombers 7  Lourdes 12   The Bombers then go on a nice 9 play drive and score on a 13 yard pass from Hunter Johnson to Austin Lauridson who made a great catch at the goal line. Johnson kick was good.   Bomber 14  Lourdes 12   Lourdes comes back with their own 7 play drive that's capped off with a Mckay Cartens 30 yard run for touchdown, after breaking a tackle at the line of scrimmage. This time the Eagles 2 point try is good.  Bomber 14  Lourdes 20  The Bombers answer again with a 8 play drive, capped off with a Ian Althoff 1 yard blast into the end zone. Key plays a 17 yard pass from Johnson to Colton Sande. Sande did a good job of getting yards after the catch, and Johnson scrambling for 17 yards down to the 3 yard line. Kick was blocked.  Bombers 20 Lourdes 20  Lourdes did not take long to score on their next drive. First play from scrimmage Pagel races 65 yards for a Eagle touchdown. Kick was good. Against this option offense everyone needed to follow their assignments. This is the result when it doesn't happen.   Bomber 20  Lourdes 27  The  Bombers unfortunately have a turnover at the Lourdes 30 yard line, as a Eagles defender intercepts a Johnson pass, with 2:30 to go in the half.  Pagel scores his third touchdown of the game on a 12 yard keeper. Kick was no good.  Half time score  Bomber 20  Lourdes 33

The Bombers kicked off to start the second half. The Eagles returned it to the 50 yard line, from there they march 50 yards in 10 plays, with Pagel scoring his 4th touchdown on a 4th and goal at the 1 yard line.  2 point try was no good.  Bombers 20 Lourdes 39  The Bombers answered with another drive 10 plays 73 yards, capped off with a 6 yard pass from Johnson to Alex Bultena. Johnson's kick was good.
Bombers 27  Lourdes 39  Well it didn't last long,  1 play 58 yards Kane Cartsens, yes they are twins, takes a pitch from Pagel and off to the races. Kick was good. Bombers 27  Lourdes 46  The Bombers travel 65 yards in 12 plays and take up 4:30 minutes, but Johnson is intercepted at the Lourdes 10 yard line. The Eagles know how to eat up the clock with the option, starting at their own 10 yard line with 11:30 to go, they go 73 yards in 12 plays take 9:00 minutes off the clock, when the Bombers stop them.  Final score Bombers 27  Lourdes 46  

I think this a coming out for the offense, this is what I thought we would see at the beginning. I think we have to run the ball better, than we have the last two games. Come playoff time weather can play an enormous factor in a ballgame and a ground game will be important. I came a way feeling good about the game ( I know it was a loss) they are never good, but we can build I think on this one.

Bombers play at Stewvartille next Friday.

STATS

Passing
Johnson 12-26 162 yards 2TD 2INT

Rushing
Johnson 12-67
Althoff 14-33
Bultena 1-22

Receiving
Lundell 3-32
Bultena 4-32
Sande 366
Lauridsen 2-31

Team
Rushing 32-122
Passing 12-26 161 yards

BOMBERS VS LOURDES PREVIEW

The Bombers are at home this Friday, taking on the 5-0 Lourdes Eagles. The Eagles bring in the second best rushing attack in the league. The Eagles top rusher with 539 yards is Griff Slightam a sophomore with a healthy 9.42 rushing average per carry. Next is junior Mckay Carstens with 344 yards and whopping 10.75 average per carry. Their QB is Mark Pagel with 277 passing yards per game. Lourdes will never throw the ball very often, they run the option offense, that means the Bombers will have to play good assignment football this week. It is a great offense, because not many teams run it. Which makes defending it a headache. The Bombers will have to read their keys, stay home and not chase. The Eagles are not to bad on defense either. Leader overall in total yards given up and the stingiest overall giving up points. Their are rated number 1 in class 3AAA state polls. The Bombers need to just go for it this game, fake punts, throw back pass on kick returns, double passes, reverses, flea flicker, throw the book at them. On defense stack the box, make them throw, go man, have everybody fill a gap, go get em. This is a game to throw the kitchen sink at them and hope it works. I don't think we can stand toe to toe with them and come out on top. They have only played two teams with winning records this year and just beat Byron by 7 points. I think this may be close  game, if the Bombers make their own breaks and catch the Eagles off guard, if they can't it may be a long night.

PICK THE WINNER CONTEST

Last weeks winner was Tim Anderson. This weeks picks are easy. Please put total sum of Vikes and Tennessees scores for tie breaker. Also 6 pm friday deadline. Send picks to Jnor13@hotmail.com 

Stewartville at Pine Island
Lourdes at Bombers
Byron at Kasson
Hayfield at Zumbrota
Goodhue ar Kenyon
Cotter at Lake City
La Crescent at Triton
Gophers off
Vikes home Tennessee
Total Score Vikes game____________

Good Luck

BOMBERS LOSE AT BYRON

The Bombers, with missed opportunities and mistakes, turned a winnable game into a defeat Friday night at Byron. If I had told you the Bears would have 8 penalties, 2 interceptions, a blocked punt, a blocked extra point, 2 fumbles, 6 sacks, and at 4 different times in the game had a 3rd and 37, 3rd and 33, 3rd and 30, 3rd and 29, and still won. You would have not believed me. The Bears opened the scoring with a 19 yard field goal. After a punt attempt by the Bombers was mishandled and the Bears took over at the Bomber 2 yard line. A great defensive stand by the Bombers, stopped the Bears three times from the 2 yard line. The Bombers next drive stalled after 5 plays and Callister's punt was then returned for a 65 yard Bear touchdown. After 8 minutes of play the Bombers were down 10-0. The 1st quarter only got worst for the Bombers, after a 7 play drive the Bombers were forced to punt. The Bears next series, Quarterback Jack Nelson scrambled then hit Thor Knutson with a 50 touchdown pass. The extra point was blocked by Ryan Castillo, that block was crucial for later part, in the game. First Quarter score CF 0 Byron 16
The next drive for the Bombers started with a 33 yard pass from Hunter Johnson to Jordan  Lundell. Hard running by Ian Althoff and good blocking by the offensive line took the ball to the Byron 2 yard line. A 4th down sweep by Johnson came up short and the Bombers lost the ball on downs. Byron then marched 44 yards down the field, then after a sack and 2 penalties the Bears on 4th 37 tried to punt, but Castillo broke through the line and blocked the punt. The ball travels out of bounds at the Byron 14. Runs by Johnson and Althoff take the ball to the 1. Johnson then hits Noah Callister on 1 yard dump pass. Derek Johnson's kick was good. With only 1:26 left in the half, doesn't mean there won't be a lot of action. The Bears take the kickoff to the their 35. Four plays later they are at the Bomber 9 yard line. Alex Bultena picks off Nelson in the end zone for a touchback. Bombers get the ball at the 20 yard line. The Bombers Ian Althoff breaks a big run, but is stripped of the ball and a Byron player scoops up the loose ball and returns it to the 20 yard line. The Bombers defense stiffens again, with Bultena getting another pick of a Nelson pass.  Halftime score Byron 16 Bombers 7

Third quarter was all Byron, as far as possession time, yardage, and plays. The Bombers defense rose to the occasion each time the Bears got close to the goal line and only allowed Byron 2 field goals. Third quarter score.   CF 7 Byron 22.   Fourth quarter starts with Byron on 13 play drive. The Bomber defense stops a 4th and 7 play at their own 26 yard line. The Bombers take over and march  8 plays scoring on a 5 yard run by Hunter Johnson. Big play was a 43 yard pass from Johnson to Austin Lauridsen down to the Bears 7 yard line.   Score CF 14 Byron 22  Time left 3:44 The Bears starting on the own 32 after the kickoff, move to the Bomber 48. The Bombers force a punt that carries in to the end zone. This is were that blocked extra point is important, the Bombers are only 1 score down with a touchdown and 2 point conversion, would tie the game. The Bombers start at their own 20 yard line with 2:00 minutes to go. Pass receptions by Bultena and Lundell move the ball to the Bears 29 yard line. A second down pass is intercepted on the Bears 8 yard line. The Bears needed only to kneel down to end the game.

The key for the Bombers was to put pressure on Nelson. They did a fair job, 8 sacks but a QB like Nelson you have to be relentless. To many times he evaded the rush and threw for a completion or took off running.

The Bombers are at home next week taking on the Rochester Lourdes Eagles. It is Cannons homecoming.

Stats for the game:

Rushing
Hunter Johnson  10-28
Ian Althoff 23-92
Ryan Castillo 2-9

Receiving
Alex Bultena 3-30
Noah Callister 1-1
Jordan Lundell 4-76
Austin Luaridsen 1-42

Passing
Hunter Johnson 10-15 177yds

unofficial Bears passing
Nelson 19 -296 yards

BOMBERS LOSE IN BYRON

The Bombers lost to the Byron Bears tonight 22- 14. The game plagued by fumbles, interceptions and penalties on both sides, drop the Bombers to 3-2 overall and 1-2 in conference play.The full details and stats to follow.

PREVIEW BOMBERS AND BEARS

The Bombers take on the Byron Bears Friday night in Byron. The Bears are 2-2 overall and 1-2 in the division. The Bears have lost to Rochester and Stewarville, and beaten Triton and Pine Island. The Bombers are 3-1 overall and 1-1 in the division. There are no like opponents between the two teams. Offensively the Bears come in next to last in yards per game 317 yards. The Bombers have the edge at 337 yards per game. Defensively the Bears are a stout group, giving just 242 yards per game. The Bombers are at 344 yards per game. The Bombers like to run the ball, the Bears are more balanced. They have a good quarterback in senior Jack Nelson, he has the best pass completion percentage in the league at 61%. He is also a threat to run the ball as well, with 238 yards. His favorite targets are Thor Knutson with 15 receptions, and Max Zamzow with 15. The Bombers have an impressive running game with Ian Althoff, leading the league with 521 yards. They will need to continue to run the effectively to shorten the game. The key to slowing down the Bears passing game, is not letting Nelson get to comfortable throwing the ball. The Bombers have done a good job of pressuring the quarterback in recent games, but they must keep Nelson in the pocket and not let him scramble for yardage, he leads the Bears in rushing. The Bombers most likely will get Jordan Lundell back for this game, his speed will be needed to cover the Bears receivers. The Bears have had some personal events happen to them this season, it has had a effect on them early in the season.  If the Bombers can run the ball, the Bears run defense is the worst in the league, they can shorten the game. They also must finish their drives with a score. The Bomber pass defense will face its toughest test Friday night, a healthy Lundell will help.   Bombers 17  Bears 21

PICK THE WINNERS

The third week of pick the winners is here. Hope everybody has done their homework. I know Brandon is looking for his third straight win. Remember pick the winners of the nine games,  plus the total score of the Vikings--Detroit game, as your tie breaker. Dead line 6pm friday. Send  your picks to : Jnor13@hotmail.com


Kasson at LaCrescent
Lourdes at Pine Island
Stewarville at Lake City
ZM at Goodhue
Triton at Cotter
KW at Hayfield ( that should be an exciting game)
Cannon at Byron
Gophers at Iowa
Vikes at Detroit
Total score Vikes Detroit game__________

Good Luck

Please take time and go see Melanie and Mary at Cannon Valley Specialties. They have all your Bombers clothing and it looks great.  326 W Main St.

BOMBERS DEFEAT LA CRESCENT LANCERS

The Bombers delivered another second half comeback, and defeated the La Crescent Lancers Friday night at John Burch football field.  The Lancers scored the first two touchdowns of the game. Lancer backup quarterback Austin DeBoer hit Graham Eddy with a 24 yard touchdown  pass in the 1st quarter. Kick was good. DeBoer then again, in the 1st quarter  hit  Zach Duerwachter with a big pass down to the Bombers 2 yard line. DeBoer called his own number and scored on the next play, for a 2 yard touchdown. Kick was good. In the second quarter a Bomber pass was intercepted and returned for a Lancers touchdown, but a flag for roughing the passer, gave the ball back to the Bomber. This time they marched down the field on a good Bomber drive that ended with a 25 yard touchdown pass from Hunter Johnson to Alex Bultena. Dereck Johnson's kick was good. Half time score LC 14 CF 7.
The third quarter Bomber touchdown drive was all Ian Althoff, the line blocked well, and Althoff did a great job of finishing the drive with a 10 yard run. Johnson's kick was good. CF 14 LC 14. On the ensuing kickoff the Lancers fumbled the ball, The Bombers recover on the Lancers 30 yard line. The Bomber drive stalls at the 20 and Johnson comes in and kicks a 37 yard field goal. The Bombers defense held strong the rest of the game with LaCrescent drives ending in Bomber terrority. The last Lancer drive was stopped by the Bomber defense inside the Bomber 20 yard line. The Bombers were able to run out the clock and come away with another victory. A victory the Bombers will take but they have to clean up the mistakes and pnealties.  . The Bombers are 3-1 and will travel to Byron next week. Full Stats and details will follow.

PICK THE WINNERS

The second week of PICK THE WINNERS brings some interesting games. Send me your picks to jnor13@hotmail.com  Dead line is Friday 6pm. Remember total points of the vikings 49ers game decides a tie.


Rochester Lourdes at  Stewartville-- two unbeatens

Bryon at  Pine Island

Lake City at  Kenyon

Goodhue at Triton

Hayfield at Winona Cotter

Kasson at  Zm

LaCresent at Bombers

Syracuse at Gophers

San Francisco at Vikings

 Score of  Vikings and San Francisco added together, tiebreaker________

BOMBERS TAKE ON LA CRESCENT

The Cannon Falls Bombers will try to rebound from last Friday nights game.They have the La Crescent Lancers coming to town. The Lancers are 2-1 in the HVL. They have beaten Pine Island and Kenyon, and lost to Stewartville. They are lead by, sophomore quarterback Levi Massman who has thrown for 337 yards, running back Jake Paten and receiver Zake Melsotad. The Lancers are coming off a big win against Pine Island 38-10. The Lancers return 10 seniors to this years squad. Offensively the Lancers run the spread read, much like the Bombers. The Lancers, with a sophomore QB, look to run a little more, than pass. The Lancers are at the bottom of the HVL in offense and defense stats. The Bombers can not have any lingering affects of last weeks game. This is a game the Bombers should win, but they must play better football. They did have 186 yards on the ground last week, but most came after the game was decided. The Bomber defense can not give up the yards they did last week, almost 500 yards, and expect to win this Friday. So it comes down again to the run game, the Bombers have to have a good night on the ground. If they can have success running the ball, it will open up the passing game. The Bombers defense must also have a good game, stop the run - stop the run. I did think that the Bombers, did do a good job of getting pressure on the Kasson QB last week, that needs to continue friday night. They just gave up to many big plays, and the tackling must get better, rally to the ball. The Lancers are not as athletic as the Komets, this should be a good match up for the Bombers, if they can run the ball and stop the run.                                       Bombers 27  Lancers 17

STATS FOR KASSON GAME

TEAM STATS
Cannon Falls
Rushing 186 yards
Passing  63 yards
Total 249

Kasson
Rushing 358 yards
Passing  105 yards
Total      463 yards

Individual

Cannon Falls

Passing
Hunter Johnson 5-13 64 yards 3ints

Rushing
Ian Althoff 21-107
Jordan Lundell 1-19
Zach Holes 6-25
Ryan Castillo 7-45

Receiving
Alex Bultena 1-6
Austin Luaridsen 1-40
Coltan Sande 1-9

Kasson

Passing
Riley Donovan 4-12 85 yards 1 TD

Rushing
Donovan 14-185 yards 3 TD
Broc Berge 11-71 yards 1TD
Mitchell Stenzel 5-48 yards

"PICKS THE WINNERS CONTEST" WINNER

Josh Olson is the winner of the "PICK THE WINNERS" contest this week. Congratulations Josh the $5.00 Subway card will be mailed to this week. Every one be sure to check out the "PICK THE WINNERS" contest every week on Thursday's blog.

KOMETS ROUT BOMBERS

The Cannon Falls Bombers were defeated soundly by the Kasson Komets Friday nite in Kasson, by a score of 42 -3. The Komets scored on their first possession, an 8 play 71 yard drive capped off with a 5 yard run  by Riley Donovan. Kick was good. KM 7 CF 0. The Bombers first drive ended with a interception of a Hunter Johnson pass at the Bombers 22 yard line. The Bombers defense stiffened and after 8 plays, the Bombers took over on downs on their own 2 yard line. The Bombers moved the 28 yards , but had to punt and KM took over at their own 41. After a Komets holding penalty moved the ball back to the 25 yard line, the Komets scored on a 75 yard screen pass from Donovan to Gage Ryan. Kick was good. KM 14 CF0.  The Bombers started a nice drive with runs by Ian Althoff and pass from Johnson to Alex Bultena, but a costly holding penalty moved the Bombers back and the drive ended with a Komets interception that ended the first quarter. Score KM 14 CF 0. The 2nd quarter started with each team trading possessions with punts. Then on the  Komets next possession, Jordan Lundell intercepts a Donovan pass and returns it to the Bombers 37 yard line. The Bomber go on a 8 play drive, that stalls on the 21 yard line. A Derek Johnson 28 yard field goal is good. Key play of drive a 41 yard pass from Johnson to Austin Lauridsen.  Score KM 14 CF 3. The ensuing kick is return by the Komets for a touchdown, but a block in the back brings the ball back to the 50 yard line. The very next play, a Komet ball carrier breaks through the line and fumbles, another Komet picks it up a races down to the Bomber 9 yard line. Then Donovan hits Chad Aaker for 9 yard touchdown. Kick was good. Halftime score   KM 21 CF3
The second was all Kasson. The Bombers did start the second half with a good drive, but as in the last three games, many times they have failed to finish the drive. This time they lost the ball on downs at the Komets 35 yard line. Two plays later Donovan scambled 73 yards for a Komets touchdown. Kick was good.  KM 28 CF 3. The next series for the Bombers went like this, 2 penalties, incomplete pass, then the punt was returned to their 9 yard line, and on next play Broc Berge runs 9 yards for the touchdown. Kick was good   KM 35 CF 3  The Bomber first play next series is again intercepted by Samuel Rappe. Komets take over at the Bombers 36. This time Donovan scores again on 36 yard run. Kick was good.  KM 42 CF3    The rest of the game Kasson had its b-squad in. This was a game the Bombers did not show up for. If they are to be considered one of the top teams in the HVL they have to bring it every game. Kasson may not even be the best team they will face this year. They should watch film, learn from the film, then forget this game and move on to the next. Two words for this week should be:   TOUGHNESS AND FINISH. The Bomber are at home next friday, game time 7:00.  Stats will be available as soon as I receive them.

TOP TEN CLASS 3 AAA

The Cannon Falls Bombers are rated 10th in class 3 AAA. The Bombers take on Kasson Komets tonight at Kasson. The Bombers received 5 votes in the 3AAA ratings. Rochester Lourdes are rated 2nd and Stewarville is 8th. Kasson recieved 2 votes in 4AAA.

PICK THE WINNERS CONTEST

Starting this week we are trying, a pick the winners contest. Pick the winners of the HVL games, plus the Gophers game and Vikings game.  Also pick the combine score of the Vikings game, it will be used to determine the winner, if there is a tie. Example you pick Vikings 34 Colts 24 total score would be 58, that's you tie breaker.  email your picks to;  jnor13@hotmail.com If you are the winner you get A 5.00 subway card. Deadline for entry is 6:00 pm friday.


STEWARTVILLE @ BYRON

PINE ISLAND @ LA CRESCENT

ZUMBROTA @ KENYON

GOODHUE @ HAYFIELD

TRITON @ LAKE CITY

ROCHESTER @ WINONA COTTER

CANNON FALLS @ KASSON

W. MICHIGAN @ GOPHERS

VIKINGS @ COLTS

TOTAL SCORE VIKINGS GAME  TIE BREAKER____________

PREVIEW BOMBERS VS KOMETS

It looks, by the statistics that this should be an even game. The Bombers are 2nd in total yards with 781 yards, Komets are 4th with 726 yards. The Komets Broc Berge is 3rd in the league in rushing with 284 yards, the Bombers Ian Althoff is 4th with 268 yards.The Komets defense is 4th in yards allowed with 604, Bombers are 5th with 675 yards allowed. Both teams are 2-0, both teams have played 1 home and 1 away game. They both can run the ball, each has exactly the same rushing yardage 548. The biggest different is the Bombers have given up twice as much passing yardage than the Komets. That will have to change if the Bombers are to win this game. Keys to the game: The Bomber have to continue to run the ball successfully. If  they can, it will open up opportunities for the passing game. The Bombers need to attack down hill to be successful, the Komets have to much speed outside the hashes. The Komets have given up rushing yards this season. The Bombers have the #2 run defense in the league, thats good, they will be tested friday night. The Bombers have given up passing yards this year, the Komets are almost last in passing yardage, thats good, the Bombers need to tighten up pass defense. So it comes down this, who can run the football. Sounds familiar doesn't it. Get used to it, it almost always does. Score Bombers 24 Komets 21

BOMBERS TAME THE WILDCATS

The Bombers defeated the Goodhue Wildcats, friday night in Goodhue by a score of 26 - 6. 
The Bombers forced the Wildcats to punt, after Andrew Anderson blitzed and sacked quarterback Tyler Schumacher for a 10 yard loss on the Wildcats first possession. The Bombers starting from their own 37, gained a first down on a Hunter Johnson's 13 yard run. Facing a 4 and 3 from the Goodhue's 43, the Bombers 4th down pass falls incomplete. The Wildcats mounted a 7 play scoring drive as Schumacher hit Tyson Dicke with a 24 yard touchdown pass. Kick was no good.
1st quarter score Wildcats 7 Bombers 0                    
 After both sides exchanged punts, the Bombers started a 10 play 61 yard drive ending with Johnson hitting Jordan Lundell with a 20 yard bubble pass for a touchdown. Good perimeter blocking by Alex Bultena and Colton Sande let Lundell cruise into the end zone. Kick was no good. The next series the Bombers forced a Goodhue fumble and big number 65 Austin Noble falls on it for the Bombers, at the Bomber 48 yard line. The Bombers drove down to the Wildcats 3 yard line in 11 plays on nice runs by Johnson, Lundell, Ian Althoff, and a 16 yard catch by Bultena. The Bombers failed to cross the goal line and lost a yard on  four tries from the 3. The Bombers defense held and got the ball back, with 2:02 left on the clock at the Wildcats 36 yard line. The Bombers last drive of the first half started and ended on Goodhue's 36 yard.
Score at the half  Bombers 6 Wildcats 6
The Bomber's gave the fans reason to cheer in the second half,  Goodhue's kick went to Lundell he  faked a reverse, and with good blocking ahead of him raced down the Bomber sideline for a 90 yard kickoff return. (Yes it was 90 yards.) Derek Johnson's kick was good. Johnson's kickoff was returned to Wildcat's 11 yard line. Goodhue then preceded  to march 81 yards down to the Bomber 8 yard line on a mix of running and passing plays. The Bombers stood tall and after four plays by Goodhue, the Bombers took over at their own 6 yard line. After Runs by Althoff, Lundell and Ryan Castillo, the Bombers fumble the ball back to the Wildcats, who took over at the Bomber 35 yard line. The Wildcats drove to the Bombers 16 yard line, where the Wildcat runner is stripped of the ball by the Bombers Andrew Anderson, the Bombers took over at the 16 yard line. The 3rd quarter ends, after a nice 33 yard run by Althoff to the 41 yard line of Goodhue.
3rd quarter score Bombers 13 Goodhue 6
The start of the 4th quarter was not kind to the Bombers, on 4th and 2 movement by the Bombers made it 4th and 7. The Bombers tried the bubble pass that Lundell had scored on earlier, this time the Wildcats were ready and stopped the play for a 2 yard loss. Goodhue took over at their own 35. After 3 plays and no gain, on 4th down the Wildcats try a fake punt. I have never seen a fake like this before, and I have seen many fake punts. The Bombers took over at Goodhue 36 yard line. Nice blocking by the offense line and hard running by Lundell and Althoff, take the ball to the 5 yard line. Hunter Johnson scores untouched on a 5 yard sweep following his pulling guards Zak Prybl and Cody Meyers. Try for 2 was no good score.  Bombers 19 Goodhue 6
The teams exchange punts on the next two possessions. Then on a 2nd down play, the Wildcats pass is tipped by a Wildcat receiver and into the arms of Lundell who returns it to the Goodhue 30 yard line. Two plays later Althoff runs 30 yards for the touchdown. I replayed that play 5 times, it brought tears to my eyes, it had everything, lineman blowing people off the line,a good horn block ( thats what we called it). Althoff was hardly touched, he had good body lean into the defender at the 5 yard line. Just the way you draw it up. The Wildcats had a drive in the closing minutes of the game, but Alex Brummund stepped in front of a Schmacher pass and returned it 70 yards to the Wildcats 27. The final score Bombers 26 Wildcats 6. I should have the hvl stats soon I will post them as soon as I get them. Check wednesday for the preview of upcoming Kasson game.

BOMBERS WIN AT GOODHUE

The Bombers notched their second win of the season, with a 26 - 6 victory over the Goodhue Wildcats friday night. The game was even at 6-6 at the half, but the Bomber broke the game open with three unanswered touchdowns in the second half. Full details and stats to follow.

BOMBERS TRAVEL TO GOODHUE

Sorry about the late preview of this game, due to technical problems I was unable to post for a few days. We are back on and ready to go with the Wildcats. The Bombers travel to Goodhue to take on the Wildcats, this friday at 7:00. The Bombers come off a convincing win over the Winona Cotter Ramblers 27-14.  The Bombers started slow trailing the Ramblers 14-7 at half time. The Bombers offense took control of the second half, scoring 20 unanswered points and the defense stepped up and made big stops in that second half.
The Goodhue Wildcats got a victory over Pine Island 36-14. Goodhue's Doug Hueman scored 4 touchdowns for the Wildcats. He had 237 yards rushing on 33 carries, Kyle Drehmel had 101 yards on 17 carriers and 1 touchdown. Sophomore quarterback Tyler Schumacher was 9 for 14 for 109 yards passing. Goodhue also had 2 interceptions. The Wildcats, like the Bombers lost many seniors last year, the Wildcats are returning only 6 seniors this year.
The Bombers will have a test tonight, they must stop the run, like they did friday against the Ramblers. That means stopping Doug Hueman and Kyle Drehmel. Goodhue has traditionally loved to run the ball, they like to try and control the line of scrimmage, then play action to the running backs coming out of the backfield. The Bombers defense needs to stop the run which they did very well last friday, but need to defend the pass better. The offense has to continue to run the ball and then look for opportunities in the passing game.  You can bet the Wildcats will not let the tight ends run free down the middle of the field. The defense needs to shut down the running game, make the sophomore quarter feel uneasy in the pocket and tighten up the pass coverage. The offense has to run the ball, the Bombers had 274 yards rushing, and 160 yard passing. They will need to have that kind of performance this week.   Prediction   Bombers 31 Wildcats 14

BOMBERS REBOUND TO DOWN RAMBLERS

         The Cannon Falls Bombers overcame an early deficit to beat Winona Cotter Ramblers Friday night at John Burch Field. The Ramblers took the opening kickoff and drove the ball down to the Bombers 25 yard line. Then on a 4th and 12 from the Bomber 25 yard line, nose guard Taylor Carlson broke through the line and forced quarterback John Marais to step up into the pocket, where he was met by a host of Bomber defenders. The Bombers took over the ball at their own 30 yard line. Two plays later the Bombers gave the ball back on a fumble at the Bombers 32 yard line. The Ramblers took advantage of the fumble and drove 32 yards for the first touchdown of the game. Key plays for the Ramblers were a 10 yard run by Ryan Grant, on a less than stellar tackling job by the Bombers, and a 4th down 17 yard pass from Marais to receiver Jon Eichman. Kick was good. Score  CF 0  Cotter 7  The Bombers started  at the 20 yard after the kickoff. After a nice 27 yard run by Ian Althoff the Bombers lost possession on downs at the Ramblers 41 yard line. The Ramblers drove down to the Bombers 22 yard line when the Bombers forced a fumble and  Brock Peterson came up with the ball. The Bombers failed to get a first down and at the start of the 2 quarter the Bombers were forced to punt.
1st Quarter score: CF 0 Cotter 7. 
Noah Callister kicked  a nice 38 yard punt and the Ramblers started at their own 42. Then it was the Ryan Grant show, he had a 22 yard run, 14 yard screen pass from Marais and after a 20 yard pass from Marias to Eichman for a TD, Grant kicks the extra point and Cotter had a 14-0 lead. The Bombers start the next possession from their own 25 yard line. Nice carries by Althoff, Jordan Lundell, Zach Holes and Sterling Carlson behind lead blockers Andrew Anderson and Sterlin Carlson, take the ball down to the Ramblers 33 yard line. At this point the linebackers were creeping closer to the line of scrimmage to try and stop the run.  Coach Josh Hofstedt, called for a pass. Resulting in Johnson hitting Callister down the middle for a 33 yard TD.  Derek Johnson's kick is good.  Score CF 7 Cotter 14. The Ramblers return the kickoff 45 yards, to the Bombers 45 yard line. After a couple of nice carries by Grant, the Bombers hold and take over at their own 14 yard line. Three and out for the Bombers.  Callister kicks another good punt and the Ramblers take over at their own 45 yard line. Then on Cotters 3rd down play Lundell makes a nice interception of a Marais pass and the Bombers take over at their own 44 yard line. The Bombers fail to get a 1st down and Callister has another good punt that is downed on the Ramblers 14 yard line. The Ramblers go three and out and punt. Bombers take over at their own 27. Johnson scrambles for good yardage and Lundell takes a screen pass down to the 25 yard line as time runs out on the first half.
Half time score: CF 7 Cotter 14.
Althoff returns the second half kickoff to the 27 yard line. The Bombers have a 9 play 73 yard drive for a TD. Key plays: Lundell pass reception for 20 yards, Althoff 3 carries for 28 yards, Holes 1 run for 6 yards and Lundell 3 carries for 20 yards and a touchdown. Nice blocking by the offensive line and the lead blockers. D Johnson kicked the extra point to tie the game at 14. D Johnson's kickoff  was returned to the Rambler 37 yard line. The Ramblers drive down to the Bombers 27 yard line, where Alex Bultena makes a great defensive play. He swats a Marais to Eichman pass away in the end zone. The Bombers hold on 4th down to end the Rambler threat. The Bombers start the drive at their own 20 yard line. 9 Plays and 65 yards later the 3rd Quarter comes to an end with the Bombers at the Rambler 15 yard line.
3rd Quarter score:  CF  14  Cotter  14 
The first play of the 4th quarter the Bombers score on a Johnson to Colton Sande, 15 yard pass play. Johnson rolled right, pressure from the Ramblers made Johnson roll back left, Sande did a good job moving with his QB.  He found an open area and Johnson hit him for the touchdown. Key plays of the drive were Johnson's 22 yard scramble run and a 17 yard pass to Bultena. D Johnson's kick was blocked. Score CF 20 Cotter 14.  The Ramblers return D Johnson's  kickoff to their own 40 yard line. Bomber defense holds the Ramblers on downs, and takes over on their own 43 yard line. The Bombers proceed to score on a 10 play 57 yard drive. Key plays: the Bombers catch the Ramblers leaving the middle of the field open again, on a 3rd down and 20 from the bombers 25 yard line, Johnson hits TE Austin Lauridsen with a pass down the middle and Lauridsen takes it down to the Ramblers 25 yard line for 50 yard gain. Bombers score 5 plays later on QB sneak by Johnson.           D Johnson kicks the extra point. Score CF 27 Cotter 14. D Johnson's squib kick recovered by the Ramblers on their own 43 yard line. The Ramblers completed a few passes but the defense stayed strong stopping the Ramblers 4 times from the 4 yard line. The Bombers were able to run out the clock and seal the victory.
Final Score: CF 27 Cotter 14
The luxury of having a 2 score lead with 6 minutes to go was huge for the Bomber defense.  They just needed to play sound defense and not give up a big play.  And this was exactly what they did.
This was a good test for the Bombers, they will need to have this second half intensity at the start of every game. I liked how they ran the ball in the second half with the power game, that will open up opportunities in the passing game. The defense has to be happy about shutting down the Rambler passing game, it has always been a large part of Cotter football.

Wednesday I will be back with the preview of the Goodhue game.

BOMBERS WIN HOME OPENER

The Cannon Falls Bombers won their home opener 27-14 Friday night over the Winona Cotter Ramblers. The game was much like last year with the Bombers trailing at half time 14-7. The Bombers took control in the second half scoring easily taking a 20-14 lead. A wild 3rd and 4th quarters dominated by penalties and big  plays capped off a good first win for the team. I will have full story and stats of the game to follow.

RED STORM UPDATE

I received a message from the Callister's reporting that Chip wore the RED colors in 1976. Thanks Micki for the correction.

Remember I will tweet the game live at @CFBombers.

RED STORM

Have you heard about the RED STORM coming? The red jerseys are coming back.  The last time the red jersey were worn, if our memory is correct,  was this writers senior year, the 1973 bomber football team. No we didn't wear leather helmets. Our squad posted a 7-2 record. So it is great to see the red jersey take the field again.  If anyone wants to dispute that the reds were last worn in '73 leave a comment for me.

PROBABLE STARTERS VS RAMBLERS

OFFENSE

QB    5    Hunter Johnson
RB    6    Ian Althoff
H      15   Jordan Lundell
R      3     Colton Sande
R      22   Alex Bultena
Y      85   Noah Callister
C      51   Quentin O'Reilly
G      55   Taylor Carlson
G      70   Zak Prybl
T      65   Austin Noble
T      75   Jake Langevin

DEFENSE

N       55  Taylor Carlson
E       66   Saul Carter
E       65   Austin Noble
LB    30   Andrew Anderson
LB    61   Clay Broze
LB    3     Colton Sande
D      44   Sterling Carlson
D      18   Alex Brummund
C      15   Jordan Lundell
C      10   Ian Althoff
S      11   Brock Peterson

  

PREVIEW BOMBERS vs RAMBLERS

       The Bombers open up the season at home hosting the Winona Cotter Ramblers.  The game against Cotter last year was a tale of two halves. The Ramblers John Marais threw for 170 yards and the Ramblers had 10 first downs in the first half, but the Bombers defense muscled up and the offense prevailed in the second half, by a run it down your throat mentality. The  Ramblers return 15 seniors to their squad.  New this year the Cotter Ramblers co-op with Hope Lutheran School, it pushes them into class 3AAA. The Bombers will have to stop Marais and his talented receivers again this year.  The addition of Hope Lutheran players will add to the all ready talented Rambler squad. The Bombers will have to move the ball on the ground, winning the time of possession. If they can do that and the defense can run with  the fleet footed Ramblers receivers, and put pressure on Marais,  I think the Bombers will win. My prediction:  Bombers 28   Ramblers 17

Football Captains

The Red Storm is brewing

 

2012 Bomber Football Captains
Front L to R: Quinton O'Reilly, Zak Pribyl and Jordan Lundell
Back L to R: Noah Callister and Colton Sande

 

Cannon Falls Bombers Football Coaching Staff
Front L to R: Brett Zimmerman, Bucky Lindow, Josh Hofstedt and Scott Safe
Back L to R: Clinton Sjoquist, Brandon Mattson, Josh Sauter, Derek Staley, Kraig Zibolski, Cruz Barrett
Not Pictured: Tyler Quinlan, Mike Johnson, Matt Norstad
 

Headcoach Josh Hofstedt gathering the troops

Derek Johnson takes over kicking duties from Cam Adell