(Audubon, IA) — Thursday is a somber day in Audubon after Bishop Garrigan ended the Wheelers season in the 8 Man Semifinals Wednesday morning 60-36. Five turnovers ultimately hurt Audubon with four of them turning into Golden Bear touchdowns. The Wheelers had committed just 2 turnovers combined in their three previous playoff games. Aiden Kjergaard had not thrown an interception all year but threw one against Garrigan — Head Coach Sean Birks gives credit to the Bears for helping to create those turnovers
Even though the score ended up one sided, Birks says that the kids stayed in the moment the whole game and never lost focus. He says this team was special and one game does not define the season
Audubon will lose some key starters — two way players Brody Weber, Carson Wessel and Austin Christensen, nose guard Izik Sorensen, offensive lineman Sullivan McClain, kicker Orm Voight, plus Jacob Barclay and Jesus Zuniga. However, Aiden Kjergaard, Mason Kasperbauer, Jorgen Nowatzke are all sophomores. Paxton Beane is a sophomore and will push for more playing time. Brody Otten is a freshman who has potential. Karter Obermeier and Hayden Larsen will be seniors next year. So will Offensive Lineman Lane Meyer and Clayton Van Aernum. This team is set up to have more success next year and Birks says beyond
Audubon lost a total of 8 seniors and went 11-1.
