Mounders defeat Buffaloes in final seconds

by Gabby Scott, student writer

The Mondovi Buffaloes football team took on the undefeated Elk Mound Mounders on Friday, Sept. 25, in a big Dunn-St. Croix Conference game that came down to the final seconds.

Mondovi grabbed the early 8-0 lead that held until the fourth quarter when the Mounders added two scores to Mondovi’s one to notch a tough 20-16 win over the Buffaloes.

The Buffaloes’ bleachers were packed with family and fans to see the Buffaloes take on the state-ranked Elk Mound Mounders.

Senior Sawyer Hayes got the Buffaloes off to a promising start by scoring a touchdown with 7:26 left to go in the first quarter. With a successful two-point conversion, also by Hayes, the Buffaloes lead the Mounders at halftime by a score of 8-0.

The start of the third quarter featured both teams struggling to gain the advantage. With 4:15 left to go in the third quarter, Noah Zurbuchen successfully ran for a 15-yard touchdown. Yet the Mounders were unsuccessful in their attempt at the two-point conversion, leaving the Buffaloes holding on to the 8-6 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.

The intensity of the game heightened throughout the final quarter. Benjamin Mack from Elk Mound ran in a 22-yard touchdown to take the lead in the game with 6:35 remaining. But the Buffaloes would strike back with under a minute left in the game when senior quarterback Greg Poeschel scored a touchdown to regain the lead.

The Buffaloes seemingly took control when Hayes added the two-point conversion, making the score 16-12 in favor of the Buffaloes. 

Elk Mound received the ensuing kickoff with 44 seconds remaining and drove the length of the field. With eight seconds left on the clock, Dane Lew threw a 42-yard touchdown pass to Cole Tyman, making the score 18-16 in favor of the Mounders. With a successful two-point conversion run by Zurbuchen, the Mounders defeated the Buffaloes 20-16. 

The Buffaloes tried to respond in the game’s final seconds as senior Austin Fedie battled his way toward the goal line, but he was pulled down at the five-yard line on the game’s final play.

Poeschel led the Buffaloes (2-4 overall, 2-2 DSC) in passing, completing 3-for-11 for 97 yards. Garrett Kees led the Buffaloes in rushing with eight carries for 35 yards. Fedie had one reception for 45 yards and Boe Olson added one reception for 41 yards.

The Buffaloes will continue DSC action on Friday, Oct. 2, at Colfax.