×

Football: Crivitz edges Predators for MONLPC crown, 40-34

CRIVITZ, Wis. — Northern Elite Predators’ bid for the MONLPC football championship fell short Friday.

Crivitz overcame Brent Dumke and the shorthanded Predators 40-34 in a battle of league unbeatens.

“It was a great high school football game for the championship,” said Predators head coach Ben Laarman.

Dumke rushed for 223 yards on 47 carries and scored four touchdowns. The senior completed 3 of 9 passes for 52 yards including a scoring toss to Charles Schaefer.

“We knew we had to pound it out,” Laarman said. “Crivitz has so many athletes. We did a god job on offense but we couldn’t match up with their athletes.”

The Predators (6-3, 5-1) played without injured 1,000-yard back Landen Kaldor and standout lineman Braiden Bousley was limited.

“That really hurt us,” Laarman said of injuries. “Landen is a jack of all trades and Braiden is the best lineman in the conference.”

The Wolverines held a 21-18 halftime lead but the difference was 28-26 after three quarters.

In the fourth period, Crivitz pulled ahead 40-26. Dumke’s fourth TD run, this one from eight yards out in the final minutes, narrowed the gap to 40-34.

One of four Crivitz fumbles gave NE another chance late in the game. But that effort stalled.

Evan Metras added 47 yard rushing for the Predators, who ran 77 plays and posted 32 first downs. Crivitz ran 33 plays, compiled 340 yards of offense and had 10 first downs.

Dumke, who also intercepted a pass, and Metras each had five tackles to lead the Predators.

“It was frustrating,” said Laarman, noting mistakes that led to Crivitz points. “I’m proud of the way our guys battled. They could have easily come in here with a poor attitude knowing they were were missing some many guys. I’m proud of the mental toughness.”

Jaden Bemis led Crivitz with 115 yards rushing. Kody Richlen paced the defense with 16 tackles.

The Predators find out their WIAA Division 6 playoff opponent this weekend.

Northern Elite 6 12 8 8 — 34

Crivitz 14 7 7 12 — 40

First Quarter

C — Lawrence 34 run (Bemis kick)

C — Jopek 60 run (Bemis kick)

NE — Dumke 1 run (2-pt failed)

Second Quarter

C — Witmus 7 fumble return (Bemis kick)

NE — Dumke 5 run (2-pt failed)

NE — Schaefer 25 pass fro Dumke (2-pt failed)

Third Quarter

C — Bemis 9 run (Bemis kick)

NE — Dumke 4 run (2-pt conversion)

Fourth Quarter

C — Bemis 80 run (kick failed)

C — Lawrence 4 run (kick failed)

NE — Dumke 9 run (2-pt conversion)

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today