Gophers Survive Panthers

It was almost a trap.  One week after a key play-off seeding win over St. Charles, Chatfield football (5-2) entertained Pine Island (2-4).  Stand-out RB Sam Backer returned, but the Gophers narrowly escaped.  Austin Koenigs’ sack/forced fumble, Chance Backer recovery, set up a quick Chatfield score (S-Backer 5-yard run).  The Gophers grabbed an early 7-0 lead.  The Panthers used an odd string of events to get two scores.  Gopher Corey Ericson intercepted PI QB Dylan Holzer at the Chat one yard-line.  Backer then was tackled in the end zone for a safety.  After a free kick, the Panthers took the ball and went 49 yards in eight plays.  Max Owen’s 1-yard TD run made it 8-7 PI.  Holzer was lost to injury during the drive.  The lead stayed 8-7, as each offense struggled to string first downs together.  Chatfield engineered its best drive early in the fourth, going 63 yards in 10 plays.  Backer’s five-yard sprint to the pylon (plus Max Aug to Reid Johnson two-point pass) made it 15-7.  The drive could’ve easily ended via turnover.  Backer fumbled on the series’ fifth play.  Pine Island had first shot.  Gopher Tate Karver got it, a key pendulum play.  Chatfield’s defense held on two PI possessions late.  In a defensive scrap, the Gophers prevailed 15-7. S-Backer (27-127, 2 TDs) led the way, topping 1,000 yards for the season.  Chatfield threw for just 14 yards (2 INTs).  Pine Island threw for 107, but were held to net 11 yards rushing.  The Chatfield “D” has allowed two TDs the last four weeks.  The Gophers finish at 3-2, 6-2.  They are 1AA’s 3-seed and will host 6-seed K-W (3-5).