I Was Thinking... 18 Seconds

If you were lucky enough to be in U.S. Bank stadium last week, you will probably remember those 18 seconds for a very long time. But there is a lot more to relate before we get to those final moments.

The whole football season for the KoMets had been something special and this day would be no different. Normally, you would expect the middle of November to be cool, cloudy, with a chance of snow. But Friday, Nov. 14 was anything but normal. The day broke with bright sunshine and temperatures that would set record highs. Instead of fans wearing winter coats, some showed up wearing shorts.

Grand Rapids and Kasson-Mantorville had made it through the quarter final round and were set for the semis. It was probably the first time they had ever played each other, but it would be a game neither would ever forget.

K-M won the coin flip and decided to defer their choice to the second half. We kicked off and the Thunderhawks showed why they had made it this far, because they marched steadily down the field. But as had happened so often this season, the KoMets eventually held. After more exchanges, the first quarter ended scoreless.

During the second quarter, K-M drove down the field, and Jeremiah Peterson-Gordon scored on a three-yard off tackle run. As he had all season, Miles Bungum kicked the extra point, and the KoMets led 7-0. K-M kicked off and put Grand Rapids deep in their own territory. But in their first series, the snap between the center and quarterback was fumbled and K-M was there to recover. It looked like the blue and white would be able to cash in big time. But GR stiffened, and the KoMets had to try for a field goal. The ball split the uprights, and K-M was ahead 10-0. That is how the first half ended. Things just seemed to be going the KoMets’ way, and the fans were enjoying the flow of the game.

In the third quarter, each team traded blows, with both big offensive and defensive plays. They were well-matched opponents. The KoMets were deep in their own territory when quarterback Grady Babcock faked a handoff and dropped back and launched a long pass down field. Camryn Tottingham had beaten his defender and gathered in the pass and completed the 76-yard play with a touchdown. But this time, the extra point try went a little wide. But still the KoMets had a 16-0 lead. Fans were thrilled and had visions of the championship game ahead. But to quote Yogi Berra, “it ain’t over till it’s over.”

The game went into the fourth quarter with KoMet fans sitting back just watching the clock count down. For much of the game, the Grand Rapids quarterback had not been a very effective passer. But as the clock neared the two-minute mark, it was evident that if GR had any chance, they would have to throw the ball. They knew it, K-M knew it, and all the fans knew it. The KoMets held them on several downs, but a Thunderhawk receiver finally beat a KoMet defender, and the GR quarterback connected for a 72-yard TD. They tried for two and made it. Suddenly the K-M fans straightened up and took new interest in the game even though they still led by 8.

For Grand Rapids, it was late in the game. Would they try the low percentage play and try an onside kick? The ball was kicked, bounced and a slew of players ended up in a big pile. When the officials peeled everyone off, the Thunderhawks had the ball. But time was on our side. Suddenly, the relaxed K-M crowd was no longer overconfident. Everyone’s concentration sharpened. GR drove toward the goal line and got to the 10-yard line. The quarterback threw to the end zone, and the ball bounced off his receiver but before it could hit the ground, another receiver dove and made the catch. It was now 16 to 14, with a two-point conversion coming. Would they tie the game? The GR quarterback tossed a pass for the end zone, but K-M’s Tottingham made the interception to stop the attempt. The KoMet fans gave a collective sigh and sat back into their seats.

With about 20 seconds left, everyone knew what was going to happen. GR would try another onside kick. But now we were expecting it. What was the chance of a team recovering two consecutive onside kicks? The ball was teed up, kicked, and for a second time, recovered by GR. Momentum had definitely swung to the orange and black of Grand Rapids. But they only had 18 seconds left.

The first play took only four seconds off the clock as they moved closer. Fourteen seconds, and it was still anyone’s game. Time outs were called by both sides and strategies planned. I can’t really tell you what happened next, because I was in a daze. When I looked at the clock again, there were two seconds left. One last play would decide the game. The ball was snapped, the KoMet defense applied good pressure, but the quarterback was able to launch a final pass down field. It flew through the air but fell incomplete. Everyone looked around for a possible flag and when none was seen the K-M faithful erupted realizing the KoMets had won. They had done it again. They had won and made sure their fans had to stay to the very end.

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