Jags beat Wildcat for first win

 
EAGAN, MN - From a game standpoint, sloppy execution and poorly timed penalties for both teams at the worst time outweighed the big plays and fundamentals of the game. From a fan’s perspective, they may need a defibrillator to make the ride home.

A lack-luster first half had the Eagan Wildcats going into halftime with the lead: nine to nothing. The second half is when the game starting to form personality and have the fans reaching for their backup fake nails.

A fumble in the end-zone by Bloomington Jefferson’s Derek Anderson was picked up amidst five Eagan defenders by the Jaguars Marcus Alipate to make it 16-13. Then, after Eagan drove nearly the length of the field for a touchdown, the Jaguars defense stood tall on fourth down and five to get the ball back with less than three minutes to go.

Bloomington Jefferson’s offense then started to find a rhythm and appeared poised to take the lead. And then, with under two-and-a-half minutes remaining, Eagan’s Alex Roundtree caught a bomb from Alipate for a game-changing interception. After another strong stand Bloomington’s defense, punter Nick Nietz changed the game for good with his negative-three yard punt.

Bloomington took the ball at Eagan’s 12-yard line and, after a touchdown catch by Matt Dammann, sealed the deal. Eagan had an under-one-minute surge down the field, but on a 38-yard field goal attempt by Eagan’s Greg Seely that missed short, Bloomington Jefferson held on for the win.

Eagan’s next opponent is Friday (Sept. 26) at Chaska and Bloomington Jefferson hosts Bloomington Kennedy.