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White Hawks No Match for North Polars in the Snow

By Christy Zachow, 10/27/20, 2:00PM CDT

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Minneapolis North came into Saturday’s game not only with an advantage having a record of 2-0 and three players already committed to Division 1 schools, but were also the number two ranked team in the state as well. The Polars are also accustomed to the snow and cold, and it seemed like this day they even preferred it.

Although Westonka knew they could be potentially outmatched by the Polars, the White Hawks were ready to play before their first COVID-capacity home crowd. It was senior day for the White Hawks and despite the final score, Westonka fans got to see first hand the contributions of their senior leadership.

The opening kick off was a good indicator that this was going to be a new week and a new Westonka.  The week before we had barely generated a return. Bowe’s return provided good field position to start, and despite a few first down conversions, the Polars big line stopped the White Hawks forcing a punt.

The Polars didn’t waste time in showcasing the talent of their Division 1 prospect, Terrance Kamara, and he slipped through the White Hawk defense, scoring a touchdown. Although the White Hawks couldn’t stop #2, they could stop the two point conversion.

After another good return by senior captain Trent Bowe, and a series of offsides by Polars, the White Hawks soon found themselves 22 yards from the endzone. They made the decision to go for it on fourth down, but the big defensive line stopped them short again, turning the ball over on downs.

The Polars took quick advantage of the turn in momentum and with 2:48 left in the quarter they took a 12-0 lead with a long pass to Mario Sanders. Trying to make up for the missed two point conversion, the Polars tried again, but seniors Michael Nolan and Tucker Anderly stopped their effort once again. The first quarter ended with a 12-0 North Polars lead.

The Polars started their migration down the field again, but the White Hawks stopped their 4th down attempt and took over on their 7 yard line. Despite the big stop, the White Hawks continued to struggle in their march down the field and Westonka was forced to punt from inside the 10. Unfortunately the punt was blocked and the Polars recovered first and goal. They capitalized on the amazing field position and the quick score and extra point made it 19-0.

With time running out, and what seemed like a Polars dominated first half, the White Hawks weren’t done yet and dug deep to respond. They finally managed to string together a series that worked and on 4th and goal, a screen pass to Anderly with extra point by Neve  made the score 19-7 with less than 4 minutes remaining in the half.

Still, 4 minutes left plenty of time for the Polars to convert one more time and in less than two minutes scored again making it  25-7 with 1:56 left. The White Hawks had a little left in them too and as hawks should, they took to the air for a long touchdown reception to Logan Leonard. Extra point by Manu Jordan made it 25-14 and the White Hawks went into halftime still very much in the game.

The Polars received the ball in the second half and Kamara showed us again why college football is in his future. His 70 yard run made the score 31-14.  Once again the White Hawks failed to convert and the Polars picked up Bowe’s punt inside the 10. Zachow forced a fumble on the punt and Leonard covered it inside the 10. Despite the big play, the Polars defense held strong and the White Hawks could not capitalize on this turnover.

The next 15 minutes of play was a whirlwind of penalties. Minneapolis seemed to be moving backwards with a series of holding, personal foul, and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Still the White Hawks could not capitalize. The Polars would score two more times in the 4th quarter before it ended at 47-14.

Seniors Tucker Anderly and Logan Leonard led the White Hawks on defense with 19 tackles between the two of them and each with a touchdown. Junior Adam Mack contributed 6 tackles with Joe Zachow with 5 and Tyler Von Bank and Cam Peterson each adding 4.

After the game, senior captain Logan Leonard stated, “The score doesn’t tell the full story. It was a hard fought game in cold conditions, but we just didn’t finish when we needed to. I’m excited for our matchup against Fridley since they beat us at home last year.”

“I was pleased with the fight in our boys today. They fought all game long and never backed down to a very talented Minneapolis North team” said Coach David on the loss.  “Unfortunately we are dealing with several injuries in which key starters are out. We need several underclassmen to step up this week as we have our work cut out for us as playing on the road at the #3 ranked Fridley Tigers this Friday night.”