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Mountaineers rock Norway

Iron Mountain races to 4-0

Theresa Proudfit/The Daily News Iron Mountain’s Dante Basanese hauls in a first-quater touchdown pass over Norway defensive back Ethan Sabotta Friday at Mountaineer Stadium.

IRON MOUNTAIN — A trick play and efficient passing by the home team were keys of the game, as two long-time local rivals squared off at Mountaineer Stadium Friday night. The host Mountaineers came out on the winning end of a 39-0 shutout of the Norway Knights.

Norway won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. The Mountaineers took over at their own 28-yard line. Ten plays and 72 yards later Bryce Pietrantonio scored on a three-yard run at the 6:40 mark. Caleb Evosevich-Hynes added the extra point.

After a Norway three and out, Iron Mountain got the ball back on their own 21. After a six-play drive, Iron Mountain took a 13-0 lead on a 27-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Marcus Johnson to Dante Basanese.

Five plays later Norway punter Parker Lasater pinned the Mountaineers inside their own 10. A 33-yard run by fullback Caleb Burklund got the Mountaineers near midfield. Four plays later, Evosevich-Hynes scored on a 10-yard run at the 8:46 mark. A successful two-point conversion pass from Johnson to Colin Visintainer gave Iron Mountain a 21-0 lead.

Norway’s ensuing drive ended with a punt after nine plays. Four plays later, Johnson again hit Dante Basanese for a touchdown strike, this time amassing 51 yards to take 27-0 lead.

Zachary Seat’s kickoff return got the Knights around midfield. On the next play from scrimmage for Norway, Visintainer intercepted quarterback Nathan Paulich’s pass and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown at the 2:46 mark of the second quarter.

“That was the play of the game for us, Vis made a nice play on the ball,” said Iron Mountain head coach Robin Marttila.

At the 8:32 mark in the third quarter, on the fifth play of a 55-yard drive, Johnson threw a backward pass to Visintainer, who then threw a 30-yard touchdown to Dante Basanese for the game’s final tally.

“Iron Mountain is an excellent team, they played hard and were well prepared. All of their plays were working, even their trick plays. We have to keep our heads up and come ready for next week” said Norway coach Scott Popp.

Norway was held to 188 total yards, 99 on the ground. Iron Mountain gained 407 total yards on the night, 156 rushing on 29 carries. In the passing department, Johnson was 8-for-11 passing for 221 yards and two touchdowns. Visintainer was 1-for-1 on the aforementioned 30-yard touchdown pass.

In the rushing department, the Mountaineers were led by Evosevich-Hynes with 81 yards on 8 carries. Caleb Burklund added 73 rushing yards and had two sacks defensively. Basanese had three catches, all for touchdowns and his 108 yards led all players in receiving on the night.

“It was a great team victory on homecoming. Hats off to both teams for playing hard on a hot and humid night. Our mix of pass and run was excellent tonight. Marcus threw the ball very well, and our guys caught passes. Caleb Burklund made some strong runs tonight, as did Evosevich-Hynes” said Marttila.

Marttila also noted that when Norway ran the ball on offense, his team’s defense bent, but didn’t break in allowing any big plays. “With No. 80 not out there, he’s such a big part of their game on both sides of the ball, things weren’t the same as we would have seen from Norway” said Marttila.

No. 80 for the Knights is senior tight end/defensive end Cody Hendricks. Marttila noted that he hopes to see Hendricks back on the field soon. Acknowledging that he feels Hendricks has the potential to play at the next level.

Iron Mountain (4-0) hits the road next week, traveling to Delta County on Friday night to play Bark River- Harris in a West Pac crossover game. Norway (1-3) returns home to entertain crossover opponent Calumet on the same night. Both contests have a 6 p.m. start.

NORWAY 0 0 0 0 — 0

IRON MOUNTAIN 13 20 6 0 — 39

1ST QUARTER: IM Bryce Pietrantonio 3-yard run (Caleb Evosevich-Hynes Kick) 6:40.

IM Dante Basanese 27 yard pass from Marcus Johnson (Kick Failed) 2:14.

2ND QUARTER: IM Evosevich-Hynes 10-yard run (2-point Pass from Johnson to Colin Visintainer) 8:46.

IM D. Basanese 51-yard pass from Johnson (Kick Failed) 3:07.

IM Visintainer 55-yard Interception return (2-point failed) 2:46.

3RD QUARTER: IM D. Basanese 30-yard pass from Visintainer (Kick Failed) 8:32.

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