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Rockets Rally in 4th Quarter for 18-14 Win Over Owls

By Craig Olson, 10/10/23, 10:15AM CDT

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The Underwood Rockets overcame a 14-6 fourth quarter deficit to defeat the Hancock Owls 18-14 on Friday night.  The Rockets had 233 yards of total offense and played turnover free football against the Owls.  Hancock finished with 198 total yards and lost the football four times, twice on fumbles and twice on interceptions.

Underwood jumped to a 6-0 lead when Owen Harig hauled in a 21 yard pass from Evan Lundgren on the Rockets first possession of the night.  Hancock responded with a 75-yard kick-off return by Nathan Kellenberger and a successful two-point conversion for an 8-6 lead. 

That score stood up until the third quarter when the Owls connected on a 25-yard TD pass from Brady Luthi to Kellenberger for a 14-6 lead.

In the fourth quarter, the Rockets scored on a one yard run by Lundgren, but failed to convert, leaving Hancock with a 14-12 lead with 8 minutes to play.  The Rockets got the game winner when they moved the football 70 yards, converting a pair of fourth downs, and scoring on a 35 yard pass from Lundgren to Harig with just 30 seconds on the clock.  To complete the win, Soren Floden executed a pooch kick and Kaleb Hammes intercepted the Owls, ending the game.

Lundgren led way with 7 completions on 20 attempts for 144 yards and 3 TDs.  Harig caught 5 passes for 118 yards and 3 touchdown receptions.  Collin Lukken ran for 32 yards on 9 carries and Lundgren picked up 29 rushing yards on 12 attempts.  Defensive leaders were Gaiden Hoeper (7 tackles, Fumble Recovery), Michael Lanoue (7 tackles, 1 sack), Brock Hasling (6 tackles), Hammes (2 interceptions), Lundgren (Sack), Kale Rich (1 fumble recovery) and Leo Bye (1 fumble recovery).

Hancock was led by Chase Evink (8 carries, 60 yards, 3 receptions, 32 yards) and Brady Luthi (3 completions, 6 attempts, 32 yards).  Evink led the defensive effort with 5 tackles, including a sack.  Donovan Curfman also recorded 5 tackles and Hudson Versteeg had 4.

Underwood (3-3) will travel to Rothsay on Friday night to face the Tigers, while Hancock (3-3) will host Hillcrest Lutheran Academy.