by CANTON, OH – The Anna Rockets looked like one of the best teams in Division VI history today with a 48 – 14 dismantling of the New Middleton Springfield Tigers. They scored in every quarter and never let the Tigers get close.
Much like La Salle did last night, the Rockets ran the ball at will to capture championship gold. They finished the mornings game with a whopping 322 yards on the ground. Also, just like last night with the Lancers, it was the Rocket using the masterful legs of their quarterback who was incredibly mobile.
Bart Bixler ran for 168 yards, two touchdowns, including one for 76 yards to set up a touchdown. He also passed for 51 yards and a touchdown to Nolan Emerson.
As good as Bixler was, his main tailback Riley Huelskamp was every bit as impressive. This young man ran through the opposition all morning with ease and control! He piled up 146 yards on 17 carries, including 3 touchdowns.
One of those scores was a 72-yard spring that left Tiger defenders in his dust. He also had a pick six on defense for a score to put the game away.
The Rocket defense was stout against the run as well, holding the Tigers to only 21 yards on the ground. They also forced the Tigers to cough up the football twice.
The only momentum the Tigers could get came through the air as their quarterback Beau Brungard who threw for 213 yards on 17 of 35 passing with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Rockets kept constant pressure on him and sacked him 3 times.
His main target was Garrett Walker who pulled down 8 catches for 106 yards. Also making an impact was Evan Ohlin with 6 catches for 83 yards and a score while David Duvall found the endzone from 16 yards out on his one catch.
Both teams did combine for 15 penalties taken, totaling 111 yards. That is a surprising number you don’t expect to see in a state title game.
Despite putting up 48 points, the Rockets first score didn’t come until a little over 4 minutes remained on the clock in the first quarter. From there, they blasted off scoring 28 points in the next 15 game time minutes.
The scores came on two touchdown runs by Huelskamp of 72 and 2 yards. A touchdown run by Bixler from four yards and out and also a Bixler touchdown pass to Nolan Emerson from 38 yards out.
The Tigers did their best to stay in the game and only trailed 28-14 at Half after touchdowns passes to Duvall and Ohlin. They would not get any closer.
The second half was all Rockets as they sealed the deal with Huelskamp’s pick six to start the half, followed by two more touchdown runs from Bixler and Huelskamp.
Congrats to the Division VI state champion Rockets.
Photo courtesy of Anna Athletics
