Russell Wins Triple Overtime Homecoming Thriller

It took three overtime sessions, but the Russell High School football team defeated rival TMP-Marian 23-17 on Friday, September 10 at Shaffer Field in Russell on homecoming night.

Russell (2-0, 2-0 Mid-Continent League) scored on its opening possession when running back Jacob Windholz scampered 67 yards for a touchdown with 5:43 to play in the first quarter. Charlie Krug's extra-point kick was good and the Broncos led 7-0 after one period.

With 1:37 remaining in the second stanza, Krug made a 23-yard field goal to extend the RHS lead. However, with just 45 seconds left in the first half, TMP (1-1, 1-1 MCL) quarterback Kade Harris connected with receiver Andrew Schwartz for a 34-yard touchdown pass. The extra-point attempt was good and Russell led 10-7 at halftime.

The only score of the third quarter was a 30-yard field goal by TMP's Jace Wentling. The score was tied 10-10 entering the fourth quarter.

Neither team scored in the fourth period and the first overtime began tied 10-10.

Neither team scored in the first overtime, so the second OT session began. Russell had the ball first and scored a touchdown on a 16-yard pass from quarterback Andrew Roth to tight end and Homecoming King Josh Sohm. Krug's extra-point kick was good. However, Harris then rushed for a one-yard TD for the Monarchs, the extra-point attempt was good and the game entered the third overtime tied 17-17.

TMP had the ball first in the third OT, but Harris threw an interception to Russell's Windholz. On the second play of Russell's possession, running back Wyatt Middleton rushed 17 yards for a touchdown and the Broncos won 23-17.

Russell outgained TMP 267 total yards to 240. The Broncos totaled 230 yards on the ground and 37 through the air. The Monarchs finished with 119 yards rushing and 121 yards passing.

Roth finished with 74 yards rushing on 17 carries for Russell. Windholz totaled 91 yards rushing on eight carries.

Harris led TMP with 66 yards rushing on 20 carries and passed for 121 yards on 10 completions. Running back Lance Lang caught three passes for 46 yards.

Also, the Broncos forced two turnovers, a fumble and an INT. RHS is plus-six in turnover margin through two games.

Also, the aforementioned Josh Sohm was crowned Homecoming King Friday night and Camille Dortland was crowned Homecoming Queen.

Russell next hits the road for the first time this season on Friday, September 17 to battle Norton. Catch the game on KRSL AM 990, 98.1 FM and KRSL.com.