Ithaca football falls in level 2 action

The season came to an end for the Ithaca football team in level two of the WIAA playoffs. For the second year in a row, the Bulldogs lost at Johnson Creek in a close game. The final on Friday night saw the Blue Jays win 31-21 and they now advance to play Kenosha St. Joseph Catholic during the 3rd round of the post season.

Ithaca jumped out to a 14-0 lead when quarterback Keegan Jones threw a 24 yard pass to Wes Nelson for the first score, and early in the 2nd quarter Nelson ran for a 3 yard touchdown. Balthsar Kaiser kicked both extra points and it seemed the Bulldogs momentum had the Blue Jays reeling. The hosts than proceeded to score 21 unanswered points. The game was tied at 14 at half after quarterback Tanner Herman threw strikes of 20 and 16 yards to Luke Hartz. Hartz ran for a 20 yard touchdown midway through the 3rd quarter to put Johnson Creek up 21-14. After an interception by Keegan Jones, the Bulldogs would get the ball at the Blue Jays 31 and proceeded to score on a 21 yard run by Nolan Waldner. Kaiser’s kick made it 21-21. The would be the last score for the Bulldogs. Tanner Herman ran 21 yards for a touchdown late in the 3rd and later kicked a 24 yard field goal to cap the scoring.

Ithaca turned the ball over 4 times, twice on interceptions and twice on fumbles. The season ended at 10-1 for the Scenic Bluffs conference champs. Johnson Creek at 10-1 will play in the third level of the WIAA playoffs

Author: Phil Nee / Adam D. Hess