By GEORGE THOLE
September 15, 2011

It's been almost a year since Sam Pearson calmly came through with a late field goal in Stillwater's 31-28 football victory over Cretin-Derham Hall.

He hit a 27-yarder on Friday in the Ponies' hard-fought 17-14 win at White Bear Lake.

Bears quarterback Eric Gebeke provided 122 yards of total offense for his team, but his counterpart Nate Ricci amassed 202 for the Ponies. SAHS outgained their opponents 391-247, which normally would end in a higher scoring game, but both teams made defensive stands at the right time.

Any time you gain 391 yards your offensive line is playing well, with the likes of center Cody Holsten, guards Kyle Kazmierczak and Tyler Beadleson, tackles Richard Pearson and Austin Conery. Don't forget about fullback Nate Law's sound blocking. Ricci completed 10 of 14 passes for 120 yards and TD passes to Charlie Register and Josh Weess. Zach Krenz rushed for 98 yards, Ricci added 82 and Nick Anderson, who didn't play until the third quarter, finished with 63.

Linebackers Sam Hodnefield and Evan Ostrom and free safety Tait Delahunt improved their play and all things said, I like Krenz. The Ponies are 2-0 with Cretin on tap this week. I like our chances to three-peat 21-14, but it will take a max effort.