This past Friday night the mighty Cadets football season came to an end in heartbreaking fashion.
The team traveled to Southmont to face the Mounties in the second round of sectionals. The Cadets came into the game with a record of 6-4 after finishing the regular season 5-4 for the second year in a row, and the first back-to-back winning season since ’05-’06.
The Cadets were coming off of a dominating 41-20 victory over the previously 8-1 South Vermillion Wildcats in the first round of the tourney.
Southmont won the coin toss and deferred to the second half giving the Cadets the ball first. After a big opening kickoff return by junior Tyler Hege, sophomore Dayton Mink capped off a 14-play, six minute drive with a three yard touchdown run giving Cascade an early 7-0 lead.
Unfortunately, the Cadets leading rusher, sophomore, Toby Savini was lost for the game on the opening play with a leg injury. The Cadets controlled most of the first half with outstanding defense. The offense mad a move late in the second quarter until the drive was stalled by penalties, resulting in a missed field goal.
When senior Damien Appleby, a key running back who also plays defense, was lost to an ankle injury, younger players had to step up. But before they could, Southmont tied the game with a touchdown pass, making the halftime score 7-7.
In the third quarter, Southmont drove for a TD to take a 14-7 lead. The Cascade offense tied the game 14-14 with 9:23 to go in the game with a quarterback sneak by sophomore Brady Trebley and an extra point by senior Chase Schnarr.
Southmont began to drive again, but the Cadets defense got a huge stop deep inside their own territory with two minutes left. The Cadets offense ran the clock out sending the game into overtime.
Cascade started overtime on offense scoring on their first play with Mink’s second touchdown of the night and Schnarr’s extra point, making the score 21-14.
Southmont scored on the third play of their drive with a touchdown pass, and after a time out, made a gutsy call and won after a good 2-point conversion.
“I Thought our players gave every ounce of effort they had from the first and last snap. Injuries forced some younger players to step up and they did just that. It’s unfortunate, but our kids fought the entire game. Southmont just made one more play.”
Cascade football has a very bright future with many returning starters and many under classmen who will continue to improve and contribute greatly to the team.
