By John George
Text.Despite racking up 317 yards in total offense, the Class AAA Yellowjacket football team narrowly escaped Barnesville with a win last Friday as they edged Agassiz Valley, 6-0.
"Give them credit," head coach Howie Kangas said. "They (Agassiz Valley) rose to the occasion."
Perham's lone score came with 8:50 left to play in the game when Brian Schroeer plunged into the endzone from three yards out. A two-point conversion pass failed.
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Perham narrowly averted disaster following the score as they attempted an on-side kick, which was recovered by the Thunder. To make matters worse, a personal foul penalty was tacked on after the play.
But as they did all night, the Jacket defense made the necessary stop to preserve the win.
"Our defense played an outstanding game," Kangas said. "They made the big stops when we needed them."
Perham had one touchdown nullified by a questionable call by the referee, and another called back because of penalty. Penalties were the Jackets biggest obstacle, as they committed a total of seven infractions costing them one touchdown and a total of 76 negative yards.
"It seemed like each penalty was a drive killer," Kangas said. "They had a sound kicking game and they never gave us a short field. We'd get the ball moving then make a mistake to stop us short of scoring."
Kangas continued by saying that his team needs to cut down on mistakes. Penalties, missed assignments and turnovers have played a part in each of the teams five games.
"We're addressing those things," Kangas said. "Hopefully this is a wake-up call. Hopefully this will get them to focus a bit harder this week and for the rest of the year."
Perham will need to focus this week as they prepare for their Homecoming Game against Roseau.
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The Rams (3-2, 2-2 HOL) are coming off a 24-0 win over D-G-F and have won two straight after dispatching Agassiz Valley, 25-6, two weeks ago.
"Roseau will be a tough team," Kangas said. "We're going to have to have a great week of practice to get ready for them."
Homecoming fireworks
Following the Homecoming Game at Meinhover Field Friday, Mike's Pyrotechnic will put on a fireworks display over the field. The show is set to begin seven minutes after the final horn blows after the game.
