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Rivermen clobber Cogs in round one of playoffs
By Trenten Scheidegger
The Durand-Pecatonica Rivermen took things up a notch when they entered the 2024 postseason. After finishing the year with an overall record of 8-1, the Rivermen earned the three seed in this year’s 3A bracket. That had them set up to take on the 14th seeded Genoa-Kingstan Cogs on Nov. 2.
There have been question marks surrounding the Rivermen’s defense all year. Three times this season, the Rivermen allowed more than 25 points to their opponents. The offense remains a consistent part of Du-Pec’s success, but the defense has had its ups and downs.
When the Du-Pec defense showed up for round one of the playoffs, they came with a chip on their shoulder. Holding Genoa-Kingston to just three first downs, the Du-Pec defense answered the call. It was a recipe for success as they pitched a shutout while the offense ran up the points.
Quarterback Cooper Hoffman, who recently became the NUIC all-time touchdown leader, had another big day. Four passing touchdowns, zero interceptions, completing 10 of his 11 passes for 163 yards, Hoffman was nearly perfect. He also rushed for 44 yards and a score on the ground.
Jaxon Diedrich remained the favorite target in the passing game. Five catches for 92 yards and a pair of scores had Diedrich and Hoffman feeling good about the connection. Brody Black caught a pair of passes for 23 yards and a score. Jordan Gassman and Cooper Hamilton each caught touchdown passes in the game, as well.
A 66-0 victory over Genoa-Kingston punched the Rivermen’s ticket to round two of playoffs. They will hit the road to take on Paxton-Buckley-Loda on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. PBL is 7-3 on the season. They picked up a 22-20 victory over Monmouth-Roseville in their round one.
