Warrior Football Win Barn-Burner 50-40

By Zach Throne

The Waldorf football team won against Mayville State on Saturday, 50-40, in a back-and-forth battle, notching the first career win as head coach for Will Finley.

“It might have been a rough game, especially defensively, but we ultimately got the win and that is what we care about,” said safety Trevor Gunderson. “The offense did its job and put up a 50-burger, and we always like when we put that many points on the board.”

The Warriors started fast and gained a 14-0 lead by the middle of the first quarter. Both touchdowns were throws to All-American wide receiver Ryan Martinez.

After that, the Comets battled back to make it a 28-26 deficit. Then safety MaCoy Yeakel intercepted an overthrown pass and set up a Jatoviay Hill score in the fourth quarter.

The scoring didn’t stop there, though.

The Comets responded with a 79-yard throw and catch to Elijah Roundtree to bring the game to two points again.

Waldorf put together its own drive and a finishing touch of tight end Chase Hansen scoring from 22 yards out with 5:39 left in the game.

Linebacker Wayne Parrish distanced the Warriors with a pick six soon after, followed by a two-point conversion to Chase Hanson, to make the score 50-33.

The Comets scored with less than a minute left in an already-decided game, which led to a Warrior kneel to run out the clock and win the first game of the year.

Senior transfer quarterback Taylen Alexander made his presence known in his first career Waldorf start with five touchdown passes and 278 yards. Martinez finished with his two touchdowns and 96 yards receiving.

Hill led the Warriors rushing attack with 71 yards on 13 carries.

Parrish, along with his pick, led the Warriors in tackles with 8 and added a sack.

“We played very sloppily, but it says a lot about our guys to still pull out the win,” said assistant defensive backs coach Drew Christianson. “We need to be much much better to win next week at Valley (City State), but I feel our guys will be ready.”