Hornets’ hopes dashed in rematch with Saints

By Nathaniel Underwood

The Colby Hornets were able to force four turnovers and racked up a season-high 208 yards through the air in their second round playoff matchup with Saint Croix Falls, but struggled to find the end zone against a tough Saints defense. The first-seeded Hornets ultimately fell 22-6 to the fifth-seeded Saints, ending their 2023 playoff journey.

Last Friday’s game, which needed to be held in Stanley as rain throughout the week had rendered Colby’s field unplayable, was a rematch of last year’s second round contest. In that game, the fourth-seeded Hornets forced five turnovers and shut out the top-seeded Saint Croix Falls team 28-0.

Colby’s defense once again forced mistakes from the Saints, recovering two fumbles and picking off Saints quarterback Jayden Adams twice, but they were unable to turn those errors into points. Two turnovers of their own and an inability to run the football effectively hurt the Hornets on the offensive side of the ball.

While both teams were more well known for their vaunted rushing attacks heading into the contest, it was big plays through the air that highlighted the evening. The Saints had seven completions of 18 or more yards in the contest, including their two touchdowns in the first half. Meanwhile, the Hornets’ biggest plays of the game came on throws from quarterback Tayt Smith, twice finding running back Gavin Voss for big gains and then connecting with tight end Frankie Castro for Colby’s only score.

That touchdown was one of the most electric plays of the game. With the Hornets down 14-0 late in the fourth quarter, they reached deep into their playbook and dialed up a trick play. What initially looked to be a run with Voss to the right of Colby’s line turned into a reverse that then found its way back into Smith’s hands. The Saints defense bit hard on the fake run, allowing Castro to streak down the field unabated. Smith launched a perfect ball, hitting the wide open Castro in stride, who easily took it the rest of the way for the Hornets’ touchdown. Colby failed to convert on the ensuing two-point attempt, but had pulled themselves within a single score with just over four minutes left in the game. If the Hornets could come up with a stop on the next drive and give the ball back to their offense, they could perhaps force overtime.

Colby’s defense never got the opportunity to try. Aiden Meador, the Saints’ top running back, returned the following kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown and after a successful two-point conversion, the Saints went up 22-6, all but ending the playoff hopes of the Hornets.

“We certainly are disappointed that our season came to an end during Level 2 but our players gave everything they had during this game,” head coach Jim Hagen said following the loss. “We got behind early and were down 14-0 at halftime but we scored on a trick play to cut it to 14-6 in the fourth quarter. The back breaker was giving up a kickoff return right after that and we never recovered.”

“We had several opportunities during the game but we just couldn’t find the end zone when we got close to the goal line,” he added. “Saint Croix Falls is a very good football team and they controlled the line of scrimmage, which was a major factor in the game.”

The Saints nullified Colby’s ability to run the ball, holding them to just 57 yards on the ground on 29 attempts over the course of the game. The Hornets only gained a single first down in the first half as they tried to find ways to create holes in Saint Croix Falls’ defense, but they were never able to establish much control over the Saints’ front.

Colby had opportunities to get back into the game, but were unable to come away with points. Near the end of the first half, Smith had Voss open in the flats for what looked to be a big gain, but the pressure from the Saints pass rush rendered the throw incomplete. The Hornets also had two fourth quarter drives end on downs inside Saint Croix Falls’ 20 yard line. Interceptions from Caden Kleparski and Brody Viegut as well as fumble recoveries courtesy of Castro and Jacob Hoppe all ended Saints’ possessions in Colby territory, but the Hornets were unable to capitalize on the following drives.

And while the Colby defense were able to relatively hold Meador in check, a few big runs from the Saints back and a host of first half completions in the passing game allowedw the visitors to overcome a multitude of turnovers and penalties. They scored on their opening drive, a 25-yard touchdown pass from Adams to Jared Desmith setting the tone for the game. They then picked up another score on their final possession of the half when Adams connected with Desmith once more, this time on a 33-yard completion for a touchdown. The Hornets were able to hold their opponents to just four first downs and one pass completion in the second half, but the damage had already been done.

Tanner Halopka led the defense with 12 tackles. Viegut added 10 more and Luis Nava Rojas had seven.

Voss had three catches for 82 yards, Castro had two catches for 47 yards, Kleparski brought in four receptions for 47 yards and Viegut and Brennan Geiger each had a catch, recording eight and 14 yards on the catches respectively. Smith finished the game 11-17 passing for 208 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Geiger was the team’s leading rusher, finishing with 26 yards on eight carries. Voss had 15 yards, Viegut added 12 and Smith had six.

Colby finished the season with an 8-3 record overall and a 3-2 record in the Marawood conference, where they took third place.

“As a team, we have a lot to be proud of finishing 8-3 and we faced a lot of adversity this season with some major season ending injuries,” Hagen said. “I would like to thank our seniors who provided great leadership this season and did a great deal for the Colby football program during their four years.”

GOING, GOING, GONE - Frankie Castro breaks away from the Saints defense to score a touchdown on a trick play in the fourth quarter. The senior’s score was the only source of points for the Hornets in their 22-6 loss.

STAFF PHOTO/NATHANIEL UNDERWOOD

FINDING THE EDGE - Brody Viegut looks for room to operate as he tries to help the Hornets maneuver out of their own end zone late in the game against Saint Croix Falls.

STAFF PHOTO/NATHANIEL UNDERWOOD