Entering Friday nights game between M-S and Rochester, both teams were undefeated in the Corn Belt Conference. Rochester was ranked 5th, while M-S was ranked 6th in class 4A. Rochester's stadium was packed and there was standing room only. The atmosphere was set to be a great game, and early into the third quarter it was facing up to be that way.
Rochester came out with the opening series marching down and scoring on M-S, taking a 6-0 lead. M-S struggled early as Rochester's speed up front caused Mahomet's offensive line some problems, but the O-line came back strong the rest of the game, making holes for running back Andrew Brewer to chew up over 300 yards on the ground. It was an impressive night for the junior running back, as he scored 5 rushing td's and 1 punt return, which would have been the number one play on ESPN for sure. Andrew Brewer caught the ball with a defender in his face, stiffed arm him away and hurdled another while racing down the sidelines with his fist pumping in the air to an ecstatic M-S crowd. A big up to Andrew Brewer for running hard all night long and propelling Mahomet to a well deserved victory.
Mahomet's defense was going to be tested through the air all night long. This was the first game where M-S's defensive backs would have to have there A game for Mahomet to have a chance to win this game. It was a struggle early, as Mahomet gave up 20 first half points, the most all season. To start the second half, Mahomet had the ball inside their 20-yard and Lyle Shallenberger threw an INT that was returned to the house. Mahomet was down 26-20, and the defense was determined not to allow another point the rest of the game. They did just that, they didnt allow Rochester's passing game to get comfortable applying pressure from both sides of the ball. The only negative on the night, was the injury to Jon McComb. He dinged up his knee, and had to sit out the majority of the second half. Back-up LB #34, came in and played well behind a well-coached defensive unit.
Mahomet played well and woke up in the second half to take control of the game. Next week, M-S is on the road for another tough test taking on 4th ranked BCC in a show down, again, of undefeated teams.
