Big Plays And Turnovers Doom Spartans

The Spartans took on the division rival Minnesota West on Saturday and were defeated by a score of 36-12.   Five Spartan turnovers and several big plays through the air put the game out of reach.  The game started out as a defensive battle throughout most of the 1st Quarter until the Bluejays were able to connect on a 49 yard TD pass.  The turning point in the game came in the second quarter when the Spartans were backed up to there end zone and Freshman Peyton Pruett completed a short swing pass to a Lucas Maloney who was tackled in the end zone for a safety.  Following a free quick, the Bluejays threw another long TD pass for a touchdown. The two scores in a span of 15 seconds on the stadium clock gave the Bluejays a two-score lead.

The Spartans were able to put some points on the board right before half when Freshman Nazurus Richardson was able to run it in from 4 yards out to bring it to a two score game at half.  The Spartans started the 3rd quarter with back to back turnovers leaving the Minnesota West offense with short fields.  They were able to connect with passing touchdowns on both drives and put the game out of reach.  

Richardson helped the Spartans tack another touchdown in the 4th quarter as he caught a pass from Pruett and raced 41 yards into the endzone. 

Head Coach Cory Miller had these thoughts on the game.  "Turnovers and big plays through the air have plagued us all year.   You can really see our inexperience at times.  I was very pleased with how our team responsed in the 4th quarter and continued to fight until the end.  Our offense made significant strides this week and defensivly were were in there backfield alot but were unable to tackle the QB.  These situations were facing while frustrating right now will help us in the future as we continue to mature as a team. 

The Spartans will continue division play next week as they travel to Thief River Falls, MN to take on Northland CTC.  Kick-Off is scheduled for 1:30pm.