Football

From The Cumberland Advocate

Football Team Comes up Just Short in 7-6 Loss

The Cumberland Beavers fell just short of victory last Friday as they dropped a 7-6 decision to the Spooner Rails in Spooner. The Beavers' record now stands at 2 and 2, with the undefeated Northwestern Tigers on the schedule this Friday in a 7:00 pm home contest at Endeavor Stadium. The game will feature Teacher Appreciation Night.

In Friday’s contest, Spooner scored early in the game to take a 7-6 lead. They kept their lead for much of the contest, thanks to their fast, pursuing, penetrating defense. The Beavers kept battling, however, finally getting on the board with 7:14 left in the contest on a beautiful halfback option pass from halfback Rhowan Ruppel to Max Odden of 74 yards. Unfortunately, the extra point kick was missed wide left leaving the Beavers still one-point down.

With 7:14 left in the game, the Beavers hoped to get the ball back for one last chance for victory. The Rails strong running game, however, kept the ball for the rest of the contest running out the clock for their first win of the year. In the drive, Spooner overcame both a holding and blocking in the back penalties.

Cumberland made a strong effort despite playing without two talented seniors out with injuries, Mitchell Monchilovich and Brody Gilbertson. Their presence might well have made a difference in the outcome.

The Beavers were held to 193 total yards of offense, 74 coming on the one play. Max Odden led the team with 52 yards on the ground in 19 carries while the passing game only yielded three completions in nine attempts. Spooner had one interception for the game's only turnover.

Defensively, Senior Max Odden had an impressive 17 team-leading tackles, while Graier Corns had nine and Sophomore Jake Gilbertson eight.

Northwestern will prove a tough test this Friday as they are coming off a 68-0 victory over Hayward. They are averaging 50.8 points per game in their four victories. Cumberland fans know, however, the Beavers will come ready for the challenge.