It wasn’t the way you want to end a season.
Second round of the state playoffs. A long bus ride. A frigid early-November evening. The short end of the final score.
Although Boone Central’s 21-12 loss at Minden last Wednesday left something of a hollow feeling at present, Cardinal players, coaches and fans will certainly be able to bask in warm memories when the time is appropriate to rewind and replay a successful 7-3 2011 season.
Boone Central very nearly kept that success going at Minden with a performance that could well have been worthy of victory save for a handful of plays and a few bounces of the frozen football.
Cold reality saw the outcome of the game swing in the hosts’ favor on three key plays, even though the Cardinals outgained Minden by more than 100 yards.
– Minden scored the game’s initial touchdown by recovering its own fumble after two Cardinals had clear shots at the football in the end zone.
– Boone Central lost a fumble at the Cardinal five-yard line in the third quarter, setting up a Minden touchdown that produced a 14-6 Whippets lead.
– And, in the final period, Minden fullback Jack Rafferty broke loose for a 45-yard run on a fourth-down play, leading to the clinching score after Boone Central had closed the gap to 14-12.
Excruciating. Frustrating.
Though disappointed, Boone Central Coach Arnie Johnson had praise for the effort of his squad – in this game and over the entirety of the season.
“Our defense played a great game, holding a very potent Minden offense well below their average yardage,” Johnson commented. “Our offense moved the ball, but we needed to get a little more out of the opportunities we had.
“This team came a long way from the beginning of the season. They always gave great effort and should be commended for that. Our seniors have done a good job laying a firm foundation for the future.
“I would like to thank all the people from our communities for the great support they gave us,” Johnson added. “We have a fantastic Booster Club and fan base!”
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