This was the state quarterfinal game played at Miller Stadium in front of a standing-room only crowd, which included the entire corps of St. Thomas cadets. Our opponent came into the game boasting no fewer than four division one players. Trailing by 14 points early in the fourth quarter and facing a driving rain, the Ponies finished off one of their patented ground attacks to pull within seven points. The Pony defense, led by Jeff Nelson, Eric Rhodenbaugh and Paul Hoppe, was able to stop the Cadets short of a first down and the Ponies took over deep in its own territory with time running down. The offense, led by quarterback Jim Hoy, came alive and moved the chains with continuous first downs behind the blocking of the offensive line, anchored by tackle Joe Weimann. Running backs Kurt Gunning and two-way player Dave Runk alternated carrying the ball for positive yardage. In the pouring rain, the option was providing to be our best weapon against the massive Cadet defensive front. Upon reaching the red zone, Coach Thole made the decision that when we scored, (we would be behind 34-33), we would not kick the point, but would go for two. For the two-pointer, Hoy faked inside to Gunning, pulled the ball, and pitched to Dave Runk, who went in untouched, advancing the Ponies to the state semifinals.