NGM Topples Montello/Green Lake/Princeton on the Road

On Friday night, the NGM Football team hit the road with an extra-long trip to Princeton, Wisconsin, to play the Montello/Green Lake/Princeton Phoenix. The trip was full of construction and winding roads, but the Knights finally made it to Princeton for the game. The evening was full of festivities as the host team was celebrating Parent's Night, Senior Night, and Youth Night.
When the game finally started, the Phoenix were in control. The host team drove down the field for a score as BJ Konkel scored on a 6-yard run to give the Phoenix a 6-0 lead. The Knights followed with a couple of punts as NGM relied on its defense to keep the game close.
In the second quarter, NGM put together a strong drive that resulted in a score. Quarterback Mason Martinson scrambled for 9 yards to start the drive and on the next play, connected with Darris Schuett for a 30-yard gain. The drive culminated with a Martinson to Schuett pass for 13 yards. Connor Siegenthaler kicked the extra point and the Knights led 7-6.
The NGM defense held strong over the next two possessions and with less than a minute, forced the Phoenix to punt from deep in their own territory. This time, it would only take the Knights one play to score as Martinson again connected with Schuett, this time from 53 yards. Siegenthaler again was successful on the point after attempt and the Knights took a 14-6 lead into halftime.
In the second half, the defense was solid, holding the Phoenix to minimal yardage. Connor Siegenthaler and Josh Wieser both provided pivotal interceptions to keep the home team in check. Perhaps the biggest highlight of the evening was a pivotal goal line stand early in the fourth quarter. The Phoenix had a first and goal situation inside the five yard line, but were turned away by the NGM swarming defense.
The Knights responded with a long drive, paced by the hard running of Connor Siegenthaler and Holden Latsch. The offensive line of Cole Walter, Jaxson Darrow, Brock Hummel, Deven Vasquez and Reece Rufer paved the way as the Knights drove down the field. The drive culminated with a 14-yard pass from Martinson to Nathan Streiff. Siegenthaler added the extra point and the Knights led 21-6, which ultimately was the final score.
Offensively, Martinson led the Knights with 14 of 26 passing for 189 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for another 51 yards. Siegenthaler led all rushers with 78 yards on 10 carries and also added three catches for 9 yards. Darris Schuett led all receivers with six catches for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Siegenthaler and Josh Wieser both added interceptions for the Knights.
This week, the Knights travel to Waterloo to face the Pirates in a Capitol South Conference game. Game time is 7:00 p.m.