Swifts fall to Wolverines, 54-50

The Nazareth Swifts lost a conference game this past Friday to the Springlake Earth Wolverines, 54-50.

The Wolverines got on the scoreboard in the first quarter on at 54-yard pass and extra points, to take the lead 8-0.

The Swifts answered with a rush and touchdown by Luke Schulte, followed by another Schulte 11-yard rush touchdown and extra points by Trent Gerber, to take the lead 14-8.

Sterl Welps added another Naz touchdown on a 1-yard rush with extra points by Gerber, to end the first quarter ahead 22-8.

The second quarter, the Wolverines came in with a touchdown on a 26-yard rush and extra points, to narrow the Naz lead to 22-16.

The Swifts came back with a Schulte touchdown on a 1-yard rush and extra points by Gerber, to push their lead to 30-16. Nazareth scored again on a 9-yard rush by Welps, extending the lead to 36-16.

As the second quarter ticked off the clock, the Wolverines cam through with a touchdown on a 42-yard rush and extra points, the close the first half out with Nazareth leading 36-24.

As the third quarter got underway, Swifts Schulte scored on a 34-yard rush, with extra points from Gerber, widening the gap to 44-24.

The Wolverines dug in and score on a 60-yard rush and extra points, to narrow the Naz lead to 44-32. Springlake scored again on a 34-yard pass and extra points, putting the score at 44-40.

The fourth quarter, the Swifts were unable to hold on to the lead, scoring a single touchdown on a Welps’ 9-rush. The Wolverines scored a touchdown on a 4-yard rush and a touchdown on a 70-yard pass, giving them the victory, 54-50.

Nazareth had 20 first downs, 51 rushes for 266 yards, seven of 12 receptions for 124 passing yards, three fumbles, seven penalties for 62 yards and 18 tackles.

Passing leaders were Trent Gerber with four of eight completions for 82 yards; and Luke Schulte with three of four completions for 59 yards.

Top receivers were Brett Heitschmidt with four receptions for 82 yards; Kayle Rogers with one reception for 29 yards; Sterl Welps with one reception for 12 yards; and Trent Gerber with one reception for 1 yard.

Rushing leaders were Luke Schulte with 32 rushes for 212 yards and four touchdowns; Sterl Welps with 15 rushes for 60 yards and three touchdowns; and Will Young with one rush for 4 yards.

Defensive leaders were Sterl Welps with 4.5 tackles; Brett Heitschmidt with four tackles; Luke Schulte, three tackles; Will Young, 2.5 tackles; Trent Gerber with two tackles; Tell Bagley, 1.5 tackles; and Kayle Rogers with a 0.5 tackle.

Lorenzo High School football has forfeited their season, so there will be no varsity game against that team. The playoff scenario is now centered on the game between Springlake Earth and Kress. Naz High School will be releasing those details as they become available.