Evergreens turn ball, game over to Trojans

The Northwood-Solon Springs football team opened its season Saturday with a 48-42 loss to the New Auburn Trojans in Rice Lake.

The Evergreens, playing their first season of eight-man football, led 20-7 at halftime but allowed the Trojans back to rally in the second half.

Northwood-Solon Springs recaptured the lead with 1:28 left in the game only to watch New Auburn score with 20 seconds left to claim victory.

“The only thing that stopped us was us,” said Evergreens coach Brian Trettin. “We beat New Auburn in every facet of the game except the scoreboard. I do not think I have ever been part of a game where a team rushes for over 400 yards and does not win. We do not turn the ball over, we win this game.”

Northwood-Solon Springs finished with 412 yards rushing and 47 yards passing Saturday. Quarterback Brett Missinne ran in three of the Evergreens’ six touchdowns. Brandon Wilcox scored a pair of touchdowns in the first half, and Austin Meyer scored on a 20-yard run in the second half.

Wilcox led the Evergreens with 192 total yards rushing, including 102 in the second half. Missinne finished with 138 yards rushing, Meyer had 59 and Mason Barth had 23.

The Evergreens averaged 7.3 yards per carry but also had four fumbles in the game.

“I know I am looking forward to the challenges ahead to watch this team grow,” Trettin said. “I saw a lot of heart out there today. This one burns, and after talking with the kids they are fired up to get better and make sure this does not happen again.”

One key for the Evergreens will be working on their defense. Trettin said playing eight-man “puts football players on an island.”

“We learned that we must take care of our assignments to help the team win,” Trettin said.

“Our kids and coaching staff have learned a lot from this loss. Our character has really been tested and now it is time to see what we are made of.”

Northwood-Solon Springs has a bye this Friday and returns to action Sept. 7 with a game at Prairie Farm.

Northwood-SS 12 8 8 14 — 42

New Auburn 7 0 14 27 — 48

First Quarter

NSS—Brett Missinne, 6-yard run (kick failed), 6:43.

NA—Brett Baker, 6-yard run (Sean Rae kick), 2:21.

NSS—Brandon Wilcox, 16-yard run (2-point conversion pass failed), 1:28.

Second Quarter

NSS—Wilcox, 7-yard run (Austin Meyer run), 3:51.

Third Quarter

NA—Baker, 50-yard run (Rae kick), 11:41.

NA—Joe Koteras, 15-yard run (Rae kick), 11:35.

NSS—Missinne, 2-yard run (Wilcox run), 5:19.

Fourth Quarter

NSS—Meyer, 20-yard run (2-point conversion run failed), 10:53.

NA—Baker 31-yard pass to Rae (Rae kick), 7:28.

NA—Baker, 15-yard run (kick failed), 6:07.

NA—Baker, 7-yard run (kick failed), 4:54.

NSS—Missinne 1-yard run (Wilcox run), 1:28.

NA—Baker, 4-yard run (James Elwood pass to Baker), 0:15.

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