‘Bago’s Indians make statement in season opener

By Chris Johnson

Reporter

The question of playing for the win at home is one that many coaches face as a season progresses. On Friday night, Aug. 26, as the 2016 fall sports season got underway, the Winnebago Indians scored late and pulled to within one point of the 2015 Big Northern East defending champion Marengo Indians, 29-28.

Following the time out after score, Head Coach Mark Helm gave his approval to play for the win.

With the ball inside the two-yard line, the snap occurred. A whistle sounded seconds later as the pass thrown to an Indian receiver fell incomplete.

Marengo grabbed the lead after the first quarter of play with a successful drive that concluded with an extra-point attempt splitting the uprights.

The host Indians were down a point after the first period of play, 7-6.

As the second quarter rolled towards the half, the teams exchanged scores twice. The difference was found through the extra point.

At the half Winnebago turned the one-point deficit after the first, into a one-point advantage, 22-21.

Where the team was and how well it was performing, according to a pre-game plan, was addressed by both team’s coaching staffs during the halftime break.

As the Indian’s dance team wrapped up their performance, the tee was put in place and game-play resumed.

Marengo would keep Winnebago away from the end zone throughout the third period. Winnebago struggled to accomplish the same feat, as they saw their visitors cross into the end zone on two occasions. The first was a touchdown strike. The second was the two-point companion. After three, Marengo held the 29-22 edge.

Winnebago’s defense would allow no more, as game play moved into the final frame.

Marengo would move the ball and keep the chains active, but they would not score again.

As time wound down, to just minutes to play, opportunities for a comeback were fading for Winnebago.

The hosts got their last chance and managed to make it work, as they punched the ball across with time winding down and moved to within a single point. With the score sitting at 29-28, Helm made his decision. The Indians went for it.

Some successful coaches say they would do the same. Play for the tie on the road and the win at home. It is a general topic of discussion.

Winnebago, on Friday night, went for the win.

With the ball under center and the snap away, time passed.

The play didn’t work. The score remained the same. Winnebago fell to Marengo 29-28.

Individual performances of excellence included a nearly 270- yard passing day for Winnebago quarterback Jess Smith, who added four touchdown tosses.

Indians’ receiver Kenzell Jones picked up almost 190, of Smith’s offerings.

Marengo grabbed the non-conference win and moved to 1-0 on the season. They will host Elmwood Park this Friday night, with kick-off scheduled for around 7:30 p.m.

The Winnebago Indians fell to 0-1 on the season and have another challenge waiting, as they prepare for a visit to Stillman Valley this Friday night, for the 2016 Big Northern Conference season opener.

Austin Leitzinger scores on the 2-point conversion to put Winnebago up by one at the half, 22-21, in the Indian’s home opener on Friday, Aug. 26.