Wildcats defeat Cards

MINSTER - Three weeks ago, the Minster Wildcat unleashed a 301-yard rushing attack in defeating the New Bremen Cardinals 40-14.

This time Minster turned to their passing game as quarterback James Niemeyer completed 18 passes for 265 yards and three touchdowns in a 33-7 victory in the Division VII Region 28 quarterfinals on Friday night at Memorial Field.

The win puts Minster (9-2) into a regional semifinal matchup with top-seeded Marion Local at a location that will be announced over the weekend. The Flyers beat the Wildcats 42-7 in the regular season meeting.

"We've grown quite a bit (since the first Marion Local game)," said Minster coach Seth Whiting. "I told the kids that nothing exciting is worth it if you don't have some trials and tribulations along the way. Obviously, Marion is a heck of a hurdle, and we're excited for a chance to prepare and go compete."

What did not change in the Minster-New Bremen matchup was a dominating Wildcat defense, as New Bremen was held to 16 yards in the first half and 108 yards for the game.

"The kids came out and did what we expected them to do," said Whiting. "Their execution level on defense was fantastic today. Our defensive staff are doing a really good job of preparing our kids right now, and our kids are doing anything we ask of them."

New Bremen received the opening kickoff and gained 17 yards before punting. Minster replied with an 83-yard drive, but the Cardinal defense shut the Wildcats down on a fourth down at the New Bremen seven.

The first quarter would end in a scoreless tie, but momentum swiftly swung in the favor of Minster in the second period. Three plays in, Niemeyer found Caleb Couse for a 9-yard score. Then on the Cardinal's first play of the ensuing series, Will Frimel forced a fumble which was recovered by Will Knapke. Niemeyer connected with Noah Schwieterman on a 16-yard pass then found Dylan Heitkamp for a 17-yard score to increase the lead to 14-0.

Later in the quarter, Knapke intercepted a New Bremen pass at the 20-yard line. Justin Bergman was handed the ball five times, scoring on a one yard fourth down plunge with just over two minutes until intermission. The Wildcat defense again shut down New Bremen and regained the ball one last time in the half. Niemeyer took advantage by completing five of seven passes for 56 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown strike to Kole Richard to make the lead 27-0 at the break.

Minster received the second half kickoff and marched 68 yards to set the running clock in motion. After a 32-yard completion to Cole Albers and a 23-yarder to Richard, Connor Schmiesing capped the drive with a three-yard touchdown run.

The Cardinals would put together a 13-play, 73-yard drive in the fourth quarter. Roger Muether scored on a five-yard run to make the final score 33-7.

Justin Bergman was the leading rusher on the night with 59 yards on nine carries. Richard and Schwieterman had five receptions apiece, for 74 and 53 yards, respectively.

New Bremen wraps up its season at 5-7.