Winhawks Beat Falcons to Advance in Section 1AAAA Playoffs

(KWMN)- RECAP BY RYAN GLYNN

The Winona Winhawks trailed in the 3^rd quarter but scored 21 consecutive second half points to secure the Section 1AAAA Quarterfinal win.

The visiting Falcons struck first with an eight-play drive that ended in a 5-yard touchdown pass from Mayson Grob-Drake to Ike Teske. A missed extra point kept the score 6-0 Faribault. Early in the second quarter, the Winhawks got a spark offensively from a 21-yard touchdown strike thrown by Kyle Keller to Jaxon Millen. Winona led for the first time at 7-6. After a quick Faribault three and out the Winhawks responded with a seven-play drive ending with a 23-yard throw from Keller to Easton Nissalke.

Holding a 14-6 lead the Winona defense aimed at keeping the Falcons offense in check but three costly penalties by the home squad kept the drive alive that ended with Grob-Drake connecting with Grady Freelove for a 23-yard score. After an unsuccessful two-point attempt the score read 14-12 Winhawks at the half.

Winona started with the ball in the 3^rd and had to run the punt team on after three plays. The snap flew over punter Preston Van Beek’s head and set up the Falcons with excellent field position at the Winhawk 20-yard line. It took only two plays for Mavrik Gordon to rush for the go-ahead 8-yard touchdown. Another failed two-point attempt kept the score 18-14 Falcons. With just over six minutes left in the 3^rd quarter the Winhawks were on upset watch.

Facing a 3^rd and 8 from the Faribault 49-yard line Keller chucked the ball deep down field to find his wideout Van Beek who hauled it in at the two-yard line. The very next play Logan Gappa bulldozed his way to a score and Winona reclaimed the lead at 21-18. Faribault was forced to punt quickly by Winhawks on their next possession. Nissalke who already score once added on a 60-yard punt return for a touchdown to give Winona two-score cushion at 28-18.

The Winahwks shut down the Falcons the rest of the way and Keller linked up with Nissalke once more on the night in the 4^th quarter on a 30-yard strike. Keller threw for three total TD and Nissalke matched that number in total scores with two receiving and one for a return.

Winona has won 12 consecutive home playoff games at Paul Gield Field dating back to 2010.

The Winhawks will play at the 1-seed Byron on Saturday, October 31st at 1:00PM in the Section 1AAAA Semifinals.