(Audubon) Audubon exploded for 50 unanswered points after falling behind early and cruised to a 72-30 victory over Clarksville in an 8-player second-round playoff game Friday night.
The Wheelers opened up a 50-6 lead early in the third quarter behind an explosive offensive performance, totaling 407 yards on just 32 plays. Audubon rushed 28 times for 393 yards and completed one of four passes for 14 yards.
Mason Kasperbauer scored four touchdowns, and Aiden Kjergaard found the end zone three times, while the duo rushed for 160 and 140 yards, respectively.
Nathan Moon led Clarksville with 33 carries for 187 yards and two touchdowns.
Clarksville took the opening kickoff and put together a drive that consumed 7 minutes and 5 seconds. Nathan Moon capped the possession with a three-yard touchdown run, but the extra-point attempt failed, leaving the Indians with a 6-0 lead.
Audubon answered quickly, covering 43 yards in three plays. Kjergaard finished the drive with a three-yard touchdown run, and the extra point gave the Wheelers a 7-6 advantage. Audubon Head Coach Sean Birks says the team did not panic.
Audubon then scored 35 unanswered points to take a 42-6 lead into halftime. Kjergaard scored on a 26-yard run, while Kasperbauer found the end zone on a 14-yard run following a fumble recovery and added a 53-yard touchdown run. Kjergaard scored another rushing touchdown before throwing a 14-yard touchdown pass to Jorgen Nowatzke with nine seconds remaining in the first half.
The Wheeler defense also played a key role in the first-half surge, stopping Clarksville on three fourth-down attempts in short-yardage situations.
Kasperbauer opened the second half with a 20-yard touchdown run, extending Audubon’s lead to 50-6.
Clarksville scored late in the third quarter on a three-yard touchdown pass from Moon to Hartley Barnett. Kasperbauer answered with a 41-yard touchdown run before Moon broke loose for a 55-yard touchdown.
Paxton Beane added a 32-yard touchdown for the Wheelers, while Brayden Klinghammer answered with a 65-yard touchdown for Clarksville. Brady Otten capped the scoring for Audubon with a seven-yard touchdown run.
Audubon will host North Union in a quarterfinal match up on Thursday, November 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on 96.5 FM KSOM.
