FOX 47

In the third round of the WIAA playoffs, two of the Rock Valley’s best faced off in Evansville. The Cardinals of Brodhead-Juda took their playoff powerhouse into Evansville to face a Blue Devil team that handed the Cards a 40-20 loss in the regular season. In the first quarter, two very physical teams were in a dog fight. Both teams were scoreless after the first quarter. They went into the second with more of the same. Neither team could move the ball, but neither defense would give in. As the teams headed into the locker room, it was still scoreless at half. As they came out at half, the defenses still dominated for both teams. After yet another scoreless quarter, the two Rock Valley foes headed into the fourth still tied at zero. It was midway through the final quarter with both teams still scoreless. One couldn’t help but wonder when something was going to give. The emotions were running high on both sidelines; neither team wanted to end their season. As the end of the game approached, each team had one more shot. Evansville was unable to do anything and punted yet another time. Now it was the Cardinals’ turn to see what they could do. Starting their drive from about midfield with three minutes left, it was now or never for the Cards. And how would Brodhead-Juda do it? With a heavy dose of McAdory, as usual. It was first down after first down for the Cards. The clock was ticking, and the Cards needed a score. Inside the ten with very little time left, Brodhead-Juda knew it was their time. On the two-yard line, with under 10 seconds to play, the Cardinals needed a play to put them in the end zone. With the fake to McAdory, the entire defense closed in on him, only to find that Tyler Lincoln had snuck behind the defense and across the goal line for the Cardinal touchdown! With only six seconds to spare, the Cardinals were on top of the Blue Devils 6-0. Evansville would have one last chance. And as every Cardinal fan knows in the playoffs against Evansville, it only takes one. Everyone remembered last year’s heave for a score to eliminate the Cards from the playoffs. This time it was a little different as the Blue Devils threw a short pass and failed to get out of bounds on time. The Cardinals advanced past the Blue Devils and will face West Salem for their chance at another state appearance. The game will be played in Portage, with the day and time TBA. So keep an ear out and help cheer on the Cardinals!

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