The Woonsocket/Wessington Springs/Sanborn Central Blackhawks punched their ticket to advance to the second round playoffs last Thursday during a demanding postseason game against Aberdeen-Roncalli, coming out on top with a final score of 14-13.
“Wow! What a game. Both teams played really well. We were able to create some turnovers and take advantage of some things,” said W/WS/SC Head Coach Michael Schmitz. “Offensively we were able to move the ball in the air and on the ground. Our kids came together and played a tough, physical game.
The Blackhawks took a 7-0 lead in the second quarter when Ryder Michalek caught a 15-yard pass from Havlik. After Roncalli tied the game 7-7 in the third quarter, Havlik found Wesley Molnar on a 28-yard pass to retake the lead.
Havlik completed 15 of 21 passes for 131 yards to help boost the Blackhawks. Payton Uecker had seven carries for 39 yards and Tyson Eddy had five carries for 22 yards. Michalek had six catches for 29 yards and one touchdown.
Defensively the Blackhawks came away with three interceptions, recovered one fumble and had two sacks. Nathan Gaikowski had nine tackles, Uecker had 5.5 tackles and one of the two sacks, with Caleb Kneen also having a sack.
Karter Mebius, Bryce Larson and Michalek all had one interception each. Molnar had four catches for 55 yards and one touchdown.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our kids,” Schmitz added. “Thursday, we will go up against a very good Winner team.”
The Blackhawks travel to play Winner for second round football playoffs on Thursday, October 31, 6 p.m. at Winner.