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Redhawk Homecoming dashed by Comets

Night ends in defeat, 26-20, for North Tama

Wide receiver Logan Siemens (far right) scrambles his way out of a Comets’ melee on his way to sprinting across much of the field for a Redhawks’ touchdown before the incredible run was negated – and points nullified – due to a North Tama holding penalty. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON
The Redhawks including the Homecoming King Levi Zobel (68) take the field following halftime during last Friday’s Homecoming game in Traer against the BCLUW Comets. The Redhawks led the Comets, 20-6, as the third quarter began but ultimately lost, 26-20, in a gut-wrenching defeat. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON
North Tama 2022-2023 Homecoming King Levi Zobel pictured on the sidelines just ahead of the start of the second half on Friday, Sept. 30 in Traer. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON
Running back Gavin Rausch (7) works his way through the BCLUW defense during the third quarter on Friday, Sept. 30 on Dennis Field. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON
Wide receiver Logan Siemens (24) runs into the endzone on Friday, Sept. 30 in Traer during North Tama’s Homecoming matchup with the BCLUW Comets. Siemens' touchdown was negated due to a holding penalty. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON
Starting quarterback Kolt Knaack reaches seemingly to the stars for a high snap last Friday night in Traer. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON
North Tama quarterback Kolt Knaack punts the ball near the end of the game last Friday, Sept. 30 in Traer. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON
Shae Ewoldt – surrounded by her parents Josh and Tasha Ewoldt – smiles joyfully as she is crowned North Tama 2022-2023 Homecoming Queen by 2021 Queen Jules Breakenridge during halftime on Friday, Sept. 30 in Traer. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON
North Tama 2022-2023 Homecoming Queen Shae Ewoldt – with her parents Josh and Tasha Ewoldt by her side – smiles while receiving a hug from 2021 Homecoming Queen Jules Breakenridge during halftime on Friday, Sept. 30 in Traer. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON
Shae Ewoldt pictured with her parents, Josh and Tasha Ewoldt, after being crowned Homecoming Queen on Friday, Sept. 30 in Traer. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON
Members of the North Tama Dance Team perform during halftime on Friday, Sept. 30 on Dennis Field in Traer. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON
Ava Monat smiles while performing with the North Tama Dance Team during halftime on Friday, Sept. 30. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON
The Redhawks cheerleading squad smiles for a photo along the Dennis Field sidelines during North Tama’s Homecoming game against BCLUW on Friday, Sept. 30 in Traer. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON

After an exhilarating first half in which the Redhawks (1-5) led the BCLUW Comets 20-8 at halftime, North Tama’s Homecoming hopes ended in defeat Friday night following a second half marked by turnovers and penalties.

The BCLUW football team forced six turnovers and scored the game’s final 18 points to beat North Tama 26-20, snapping the Redhawks’ six-game win streak against the Comets in the process.

The game began on a high note with North Tama scoring the only points of the first quarter, pushing expectations high in the Dennis Field bleachers for a Redhawks’ second win this season.

The Redhawks led the Comets 8-0 entering the second quarter.

After a touchdown by the Comets with roughly two minutes left in the first half, the Redhawks quickly answered back with a touchdown of their own – scoring what would turn out to be the final North Tama points of the game with less than a minute remaining before halftime.

The Redhawks led, 20-6, as the third quarter began.

But the tide turned quickly for the Comets in the second half. Following a Redhawks turnover on fourth down due to a high snap, BCLUW took possession on the eight-yard line leading to another touchdown and bringing the Comets within six points of the host school.

At this point, the game still had the potential to end in a Homecoming victory for the Redhawks. On the kickoff return, Logan Siemens – after clawing his way through a mess of Comets’ defenders – ran practically the entirety of the field for a touchdown before having the incredible run negated and points nullified due to a Redhawk holding penalty.

The remainder of the third quarter was marked by more Redhawk errors and a turnover, as well as penalties on the part of both teams.

BCLUW scored again right out of the fourth quarter gates – tying up the game, 20-20.

The final quarter featured much of the same as the third from the Redhawks – errors, penalties, and turnovers – which the Comets capitalized on. At one point – in the wake of another round of yellow flags littering the field – North Tama head coach Taylor Wurth could be heard pleading with his players from the sidelines, “Don’t beat ourselves right now!”

North Tama did shed one more light on their offensive abilities before the game ended – executing a successful double handoff that saw Knaack end up back with the ball but gut-wrenchingly his pass was intercepted, putting the Comets on the Redhawks’ 22-yard line with less than six minutes to play.

BCLUW scored another quick touchdown about a minute later, putting the score at 26-20 where it would remain.

Against the Comets, Knaack went 18-for-38 connecting with five receivers for 127 yards but four interceptions.

Josh Dostal caught seven passes for 58 yards, while Michael Schrier had five grabs for 56 yards.

Michael Schrier led the Redhawk rushing attack with 11 carries for 108 yards and a touchdown. Knaack added 47 yards and two scores on the ground.

North Tama’s defense was led by sophomore Gavin Rausch who recorded 8.5 tackles (five solo) and senior Ayden Staker with eight tackles (6 solo).

The Redhawks – now 1-5 on the season – have two games left in the regular season. After playing Wapsie Valley (4-2) on the road this Friday, North Tama will face longtime rival, the undefeated Grundy Center Spartans at home on October 14.