The Manawa Wolves faced up against Weyauwega for the final game of the season Friday night finishing strong with a 41-6 win. In the last seconds of the game, Kyler Heimbruch intercepted the Indians pass and ran it back 75 yards for the final touchdown of the game and season.
The Wolves looked strong, running for 190 yards compared to the Indians 92. Leading rusher for the game was Kenny Dearth, carrying the ball five times for 59 yards including a 43-yard touchdown run to put the Wolves on the board. Also contributing in rushing was Garrett Griffin carrying the ball two times for 35 yards and a touchdown, Logan Hass carrying the ball eight times for 22 yards and a touchdown, and Kyler Heimbruch carrying the ball nine times for 20 yards and a touchdown. Manawa also passed for 55 yards compared to Weyauwega’s 71.
Manawa started the game strong on defense with an interception on the first play by Christian Bertram. On the Wolves’ first play on offense, Kenny Dearth scampered 43 yards for a touchdown, which set the tone of the game.
Four plays later Bertram came up with the second of three interceptions in the game, coming up just one interception short of setting the school record. Also adding defensively in the first half were fumble recoveries by Wes Kraus and Logan Hass. Going into half time the Wolves led the Indians 29-0 with touchdowns scored by Kenny Dearth, Garrett Griffin, and Logan Hass.
The Wolves came out strong in the second half as well, adding two more touch downs by seniors Kyler Heimbruch and Clayton Piskorski. Piskorski’s touchdown was the first of his career. At half Clayton asked coach if he could get a chance in the game to run the ball for a touchdown and coach replied, ‘if you get a fumble recovery.’ Clayton came through with a fumble recovery caused by Brandon Bartel’s quarter back sack, and Clayton got his chance to score a touchdown. Also adding to quarterback sacks in the second half were Ian Vanrossum and Kyler Heimbruch.
The Wolves had their share of ups and downs on the season finishing with four wins and five losses. Wolves wins came against Marion, Oostburg, Iola and Weyauwega. Many of the losses this year were close games that could have easily swung this young Wolves team’s way. The Wolves won two of their last three games and Coach Sell commented “The team is getting it now, wish we could have gotten it a little sooner. If they come out next year playing like we finished, it will be a great season.” The last three games there were three things coach Sell stressed for them to do: 1. Be your best; 2. Have fun; 3. Win. The Wolves are looking forward to next year-another year older and more experienced.
The Wolves will hold their banquet this Saturday at Cedar Springs Golf Course starting at 4:30 p.m. with dinner to follow at 5 p.m. The Manawa Cowboy banquet will be held immediately afterwards as well.