Winner defeated Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan in the 11B state championship game on Friday 40-8 to capture their ninth state title in program history.
It was a disastrous start for the Seahawks as they went three-and-out, and then on Winner’s first offensive play of the game, Kaden Keiser took a halfback pitch 61-yards to the house.
Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan’s second offensive possession did move the chains a couple of times, but again, the Warriors defense didn’t break. Winner then blocked the punt, and two plays later Aiden Barfuss broke free for a 35-yard scamper and score.
End of the 1st Quarter: Winner 16 Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan 0
Warriors quarterback Joey Cole made it a 24-0 game within the first minute of the second quarter on a two-yard keeper. While Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan’s offense continued to try and find a rhythm, their defense did start to toughen up, and they held the Warriors from scoring again in the first half.
Halftime: Winner 24 Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan 0
Winner scored early in the third quarter, courtesy of a one-yard quarterback plunge by Cole – his second of the game. The Seahawks answered on their first offensive possession of the second half, getting into the scoring column with a one-yard quarterback keeper from Kaden Klumb.
End of the 3rd Quarter: Winner 32 Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan 8
With 9:35 to play in the ballgame, Cole hit Ethan Bartels for a 9-yard scoring strike. This made it 40-8 in favor of Winner.
Both teams gave the reserves some playing time throughout the remainder of the fourth quarter, and the score would stand.
Final: Winner 40 Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan 8
Aiden Barfuss finished the game with 126-yards rushing and a touchdown, and Joey Cole had two rushing scores and a passing touchdown in the contest for Winner. Kaden Klumb threw for 140-yards for Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan.
This is Winner’s ninth state football championship in program history, and their fifth in Class 11B. The Warriors also beat Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan last year in the state title game.
