(KWMN)- STORY BY RYAN GLYNN
The Winona Winhawks (1-1) defeated Columbia Heights (0-2) in a convincing 53-12 win in their home opener at Paul Gield Field.
The Winhawk Offense wasted no time by scoring on the first play from scrimmage when senior running back Michael Burke took the ball 55 yards to the house to make it 7-0. After a Columbia Heights three and out, Burke capped a four play Winona drive with five-yard touchdown. A missed extra point kept the score 13-0 Winhawks. The Hylanders would be forced to punt quickly on their next two drives and Burke added two more scores on the ensuing Winona drives. The second of the two was a 19-yard reception from Junior Quarterback, Kyle Keller to make the score 26-0 Winhawks.
Columbia Heights got their first spark offensively from Senior Running Back, Sahvar Harvey who ran away for an 80-yard score of his own to make it 26-6 after unsuccessful extra point. The next Winona drive ended in four plays with Burke adding his fifth total touchdown on a nine-yard run. His score was set up by tremendous 37-yard catch by Senior Wideout, Brayden Styba. The scoreboard read 33-6 Winhawks with 11:52 left in the 2nd quarter. Both teams traded possessions over most of the next 10 minutes of game time before Junior, Running Back Logan Gappa added a score of his own to make 39-6 at the break.
The Hylanders scored on a five-yard reception by Senior Receiver, Nas Burton and the score was 39-12. Another touchdown by Gappa and one from Xavier Vargas finished the scoring for the game. On the Winhawks last defensive drive, Sophomore Defensive Back, James Tentis recorded the only interception of the game. 53-12 Winona was the final score from Paul Gield Field.
The Winhawks will be back in action next Friday at home against Faribault. Pregame coverage will begin at 6:45 with kickoff at 7 on KWMN.
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