Gregory defeated Webster Area 48-20 to win the 2016 9AA state football championship. For the Gorillas, this is their second state football championship in the past three years.
Kickoff
The Bearcats began the game with the ball, capping off their opening drive with a two-yard touchdown run by running back Hunter Gaikowski. The two-point conversion was good to give Webster Area an early 8-0 lead.
Gregory answered back on their first drive of the game when Andy McCance found Joseph Veskrna for a 57-yard touchdown connection. The Gorillas were unsuccessful on the two-point conversion, and Webster held onto an 8-6 lead through the first quarter of play.
End of 1st Quarter: Webster Area 8 Gregory 6
On the first play of the second quarter, Kelby Hawkins found Colton Koslowski for a 22-yard touchdown connection. The two-point conversion was no good, but Webster Area extended their lead to 14-6.
Gregory answered right back on another big play. Jayd VanDerWerff broke loose for a 49-yard touchdown run. They were successful on the two-point conversion – tying this game at 14-14.
The Gorillas got the ball back after a punt and capitalized. McCance found JJ Beck in the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown reception. With 7:48 to play in the half, Gregory led Webster Area 20-14.
At the 4:21 mark of the second quarter, Hawkins found Riley Reetz for an 18-yard touchdown. A missed two-point conversion by the Bearcats kept this game tied 20-20.
Gregory broke the tie when McCance passed to Veskrna that went for a 35-yard touchdown. After the two-point conversion, the Gorillas led Webster Area 28-20 late in the half.
A Hawkins interception gave Gregory the ball back with three seconds to play in the half. McCance connected with Vomacka from 19-yards out as time expired. At halftime, Gregory led Webster Area 36-20.
Halftime: Gregory 36 Webster Area 20
Both teams started the second half with non-scoring drives. With 3:13 to play in the third quarter, McCance found VanDerWerff for a 17-yard touchdown. This gave the Gorillas a 42-20 lead over Webster Area.
End of 3rd Quarter: Gregory 42 Webster Area 20
McCance continued his ways in the fourth quarter when he passed for his sixth touchdown of the game. He found VanDerWerff for his third touchdown reception on the day from 22-yards away. This extended the Gorilla’s lead, 48-20, over Webster Area with 8:54 to play in the game.
Final: Gregory 48 Webster Area 20
Andy McCance of Gregory wins the 9AA Joe Robbie MVP award with 95 rushing yards, 258 passing yards (13 of 16), and six passing touchdowns.
