The current 8th grade class of Junior Blue Dukes football players have accomplished many things since beginning play in the AAYFL in 5th grade. Here's one of their proudest accomplishments: this grade of Junior Blue Dukes teams have defeated traditional rival Cedarburg four straight times.
These have been some of the tightest, hardest-fought games on our schedule, and Saturday's 14-8 victory over the Colts at Cedarburg was no exception.
After Bay’s opening drive fizzled, Cedarburg, employing its traditional tight formations disguised to hide the ball carrier, drove to the Bay 20. But safety Connor Kimple intercepted a Colts pass and returned it to the 30.
Cedarburg later intercepted a Bay sideline pass. Mixing runs and passes, Cedarburg scored on an inside run and kicked the 2-point conversion to take an 8-0 lead in the 2nd quarter.
Van Bassindale returned the ensuing kickoff to the Bay 38. With the offensive line opening holes, Bassindale ripped off several long runs to get Bay in scoring position. Then Kimple scored on a QB keeper with seconds left in the half, reaching the ball over the goal line. Kimple kicked the 2-point conversion for an 8-8 halftime tie.
Cedarburg returned Jonathan Downs’ 2nd half opening kickoff to midfield. Cedarburg drove to nearly the Bay 20, but on a 4th and 1 play, the Cedarburg back fumbled and Teddy Weber recovered for Bay.
On the ensuing drive, Kimple hit receiver Zach Casey in stride for a long gainer to the Cedarburg 30.
Unfortunately, the Bay drive petered out shortly after that, and the Colts took over on their own 29.
On 3rd down, Bassindale and Weber dropped a Cedarburg runner for a loss, forcing a punting situation. A high snap to the punter left him with no option but to go down with the ball, giving Bay prime field position at the Cedarburg 25. Kimple converted a 4th and 1 with a QB sneak, putting Bay on the 14. With less than 2 minutes left, Bassindale followed the block of Patrick Collins, plowing into the end zone for a touchdown. The conversion kick attempt was blocked. 14-8, Bay.
After the kickoff rolled out of bounds, Cedarburg started their final drive at their own 35. Cedarburg mostly threw. On one of the few well-placed passes, defensive back Matt Bernstein successfully pried the ball out of the receiver’s hands. Linebacker Alec Lindfors dumped a receiver who’d caught a pass in the flat. Justin Fisher and Evan Miller dropped the Cedarburg QB for a sack with 1:14 left on the clock, turning the ball over on downs. Bay ran out the clock and claimed victory.
Final score: Junior Blue Dukes Blue 14, Cedarburg Colts 8.
Final score: Junior Blue Dukes Blue 14, Cedarburg Colts 8.
