The Luverne Cardinals extended their winning streak to four games on Thursday, Nov. 12, with a 27-13 victory over Worthington. With the win, the Cardinals end the regular season with a 5-1 record.
Luverne’s defense made the first impact play of the game when Ethan Beyer intercepted a Worthington pass. Beyer’s interception set the Cardinals up at Worthington’s 41-yard line.
It took only six plays for the Cardinals to convert the turnover into points.
LaShad Smith scored on a six-yard rushing touchdown to put Luverne up 6-0. The Cardinals were unable to score on the two-point conversion to extend their lead.
On the first play of the second quarter, Smith scored his second touchdown of the game. This time the senior tailback scored on a two-yard rushing touchdown. Shaid Shearer converted the extra point to put the Cardinals up 13-0.
After Luverne’s defense forced a Worthington punt, Smith struck again. This time Smith scored on a 63-yard rushing touchdown with 9:50 remaining in the first half. Shearer converted the extra point to put the Cardinals up 20-0.
With the Trojans facing a fourth and six from Luverne’s 21-yard line, Nathaniel Cole-Kraty recorded a tackle for a loss to put a stop to the Trojans’ drive.
The Trojans got on the scoreboard with 6:31 left in the third quarter to cut Luverne’s lead to 20-6.
With the Trojans threatening to cut Luverne’s lead to one possession, it was Luverne’s defense once again coming up with a big play. Bailey Cowell came up with an interception inside their own 20-yard line.
It took the Cardinals five plays to convert the turnover to points. After intercepting the pass to set up the scoring drive, it was Cowell scoring on a two-yard rushing touchdown. Shearer made the extra point to put the Cardinals up 27-6.
Smith finished the game with 213 yards rushing and three rushing touchdowns. Smith added three receptions for 68 yards.
Zach Kruse led the team with 4.5 tackles. Zach Ahrendt recorded four tackles and one sack.
Next up for the Cardinals is the Section 3AAA tournament. The Cardinals earned the No. 1 seed with their 5-1 record and received a first-round bye.
They’ll play at home on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 1 p.m. The Cardinals will play the winner of the Fairmont and Tri-City United matchup.
Luverne 6 14 0 7 27
Worthington 0 0 6 7 13
Passing: Cowell 6-8, 133 yards
Rushing: Smith 22-213-3
Receiving: Smith 3-68; G. Ahrednt 1-38
Tackles: Kruse 4.5; Z. Ahrent 4; Beyer 4; Cowell 3.5; C. Wenniger 3.5
Sacks: Z. Ahrednt 1; Sandbulte .5; Kruse .5
Interceptions: Beyer 1; Cowell 1