Week 3: Galena vs Orangeville
The Galena Pirates advanced to 3-0 to start their 2021 spring season, the best start for the boys in blue since 2008, after a 14-8 thrilling win over the Orangeville Broncos. A team that the Pirates have faced nearly as much as any other program, and the last such game for the two combatants for the foreseeable future.
The game was not as relaxed as the previous two games as the stout defenses for both teams were the storyline of the game.
Both teams began the game with a four-and-out as neither team could find an easy path to the first down markers. For Galena’s second drive, the path was more clear as a pass from junior Ethan Hefel to senior Will Nack was completed for a first down on a third-and-two to give Galena a redzone drive at the 17-yard line.
On the next play, senior Peyton Bauer took the ball into the endzone for the 7-0 Galena lead.
On the next drive, Orangeville was unable to maintain traction in their run game as a seven-yard run by Chase Jordan was the most productive play of the drive. Galena was not able to capitalize on the momentum as Galena also went four and out.
The Orangeville third drive of the game saw the wheels start to churn for the Broncos, a preview of the second half, as the Broncos were able to go on a ten-play drive, but were halted after a false start penalty stopped momentum.
After another pair of four and outs by both squads, but the Pirates were finally able to get a drive going as a balanced run and pass attack brought the team to the Bronco 18 yard line, but a personal foul stopped the drive from finding the end zone as the teams went to halftime.
At the half, the Broncos were able to regain momentum and found a successful run attack. The first drive was stopped by a Ethan Hefel interception, but after a four-and-out by the Pirates, the Broncos were able to continue their successful ground game. An 11-play drive saw the Broncos wind down the clock and gain yards as a Chase Jordan 15-yard touchdown on third-and-11 and the ensuing two-point conversion gave the Broncos a 8-7 lead.
A Bauer fumble stopped the Pirates next drive after two plays as Orangeville continued to gain momentum. A crucial fourth down stop by the Pirates at their 26-yard line provided the Pirates a glimpse of hope, but the next drive for each team resulted in four-and-outs once again.
The Pirates would take over with under six minutes to play. Galena turned to their passing game as the rush attack wasn’t effective against the vaunted Orangeville offense.
After a sack on first down put the Pirates behind the chains, followed by a delay of game, the Pirates were behind the sticks at their own 24-yard line. A pass to senior Sam Hesselbacher for eight yards and an ensuing third down pass to Nack gave the Pirates some breathing room and a first down at their own 41- yard line. After an incomplete pass, Hefel completed a pass to Bauer in the flats as he was able to take the ball another 39 yards and deep into Bronco territory.
The Pirates were unable to gain many yards on the first three plays, and on fourth-and-nine at the Bronco 27-yard line Hefel was able to complete a 15-yard pass to Hesselbacher to move the chains. Another pass, this time to junior Brady Schemelhorn brought the ball to the seven yard line.
The successful quick pass game continued as Hefel completed a short pass over the middle to junior Isaac Somers to bring the ball to the two-yard line. With about 20 seconds left on the clock, the Pirates were hoping to find the endzone and a power run by Bauer gave them the lead, 14-8 with 20.2 seconds on the clock.
The Orangeville Broncos received the ball at their 13-yard line and an incomplete pass followed by an interception by Brady Schemelhorn gave the Pirates the win.
The Pirates will next host Stockton at L.B. Carns Field in Hazel Green, Wis.
By the numbers
The win gave the Pirates its 40th win over the Broncos since 1959, bringing the record over the past 60 years against the two teams to 40-9-1
The 50 matchups since 1959 are the third most for the Pirates against another school behind Stockton and Lena-Winslow.
The Pirates are 3-0 for the first time since 2008, but the 19th 3-0 start for the program since 1981.
The Pirates have only allowed 14 points through three games, the fewest points allowed since 2002 when they allowed seven points through its first three games.
Since 1961, the following PIrate teams allowed 19 points or less through its first three games:
0 points: 1980, 1985, 1986, 1994
5 points: 1988
6 points: 1962, 1972, 1978
7 points: 2002
8 points: 1981, 1983, 1984, 1991, 1997
10 points: 1966
12 points: 1977
13 points: 1961
14 points: 1977, 2000, 2021
16 points: 2007
18 points: 2008
19 points: 1996