(Cedar Falls, IA) — The Audubon Wheelers saw their outstanding football season end Wednesday afternoon, falling to Gladbrook-Reinbeck 44-39 in a Class 1A state semifinal at the UNI-Dome.
The game featured an explosive first half, with both offenses finding the end zone repeatedly before the defenses took control after halftime.
Audubon opened the scoring with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Aiden Kjergaard to Ty Bowlin, but Gladbrook-Reinbeck answered with a 15-yard touchdown run by Treyvon Herron for a 7-6 lead.
Kjergaard responded with 47- and 65-yard touchdown runs, while Herron added a four-yard scoring run. The teams continued trading scores, with Bennett Sieh connecting with Devin Boldt on a 44-yard touchdown pass to tie the game.
Herron later scored on an 18-yard run to put the Rebels ahead 27-20. Kjergaard answered with a six-yard touchdown run, but Sieh found Herron on a 30-yard screen pass for another score. Gladbrook-Reinbeck took a 34-26 lead into halftime.
The only third-quarter score came on a 20-yard field goal by Brayden Utter, extending the Rebels’ lead to 37-26.
Kasperbauer’s one-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter cut the deficit to 37-32. However, Gladbrook-Reinbeck answered with a key 35-yard completion from Sieh to Chad Gutknecht, followed by Herron’s fourth touchdown run of the game from one yard out. The score made it 44-32 with 9:38 remaining.
Audubon mounted a lengthy drive that consumed approximately eight minutes, eventually scoring on a 10-yard fourth-down touchdown pass from Kjergaard to Hudson Hocker with 1:35 remaining. The Wheelers’ onside kick attempt was unsuccessful.
After Gladbrook-Reinbeck went three-and-out, Audubon got one final opportunity, starting at its own 11-yard line. Four consecutive incompletions ended the comeback attempt, securing the Rebels’ 44-39 victory.
Following the game, Kiergaard credited Gladbrook-Reinbeck while reflecting on the Wheelers’ effort.
The junior said the seniors set a great example and that the team had become a close group of friends.
Looking ahead, Kjergaard said the returning players will need to take the offseason seriously and work toward setting an even higher standard next season.
Statistically, Kjergaard turned in a tremendous performance, carrying the ball 35 times for 324 yards and three touchdowns. He also completed 9-of-16 passes for 93 yards and two touchdowns. Mason Kasperbauer caught five passes for 52 yards.
Wheelers Head Coach Sean Birks says it was hard for Audubon’s defense to bring down Glad Rein RB Trey Herron
For Gladbrook-Reinbeck, Herron rushed 20 times for 144 yards and four touchdowns. Sieh completed all 11 of his pass attempts for 221 yards and two touchdowns.
Gladbrook-Reinbeck advances to next week’s state championship game, where it will face Woodbine.
Audubon finishes its season with an 11-1 record after another outstanding postseason run.
Box Score: Audubon v. Glad Rein
