# 5 Santiam Upsets # 1 St Paul On Last Second FG /# 2 Monroe Wins vs # 3 Knappa 47-42
St Paul and Santiam know each other well, as this was the second time these two teams faced off this year being friendly Tri-River rivals. The two teams met earlier in the year on September 29th, at The Rodeo Grounds to kick off the 2017 league season. Both teams came into the contest unbeaten until St Paul handed The Wolverines their only loss on the season to this point, 38-12. The Bucks would continue unbeaten winning the conference crown, and have added two convincing post season wins to get to this Semi-Final rematch.
The Wolverines may have fallen to The Bucks clear back on that night in September, but they have ridden a six game winning streak since then including two of their own playoff blowouts. Sure I may be a little biased having connections to both teams, however that aside, I had a strong feeling that game one between these two teams, would not be the last meeting of these two powers here in 2017 easily making it “The Game Of The Year”, at least for me anyways. It truly lived up to that hype and more.
Cottage Grove’s Don King Field- Santiam struck first on their second drive of the night, when Sophomore RB Brody Davidson plunged into the house on a third and goal from the one yard line. The two point conversion was not successful, but The Wolverines led early 6-0 with 4:24 left in the opening quarter.
Santiam would extend that lead after holding St Paul on The Bucks next drive, as Sophomore QB Colin Thurston hit Senior WR Jordan Lanham from 23 yards out but once again the two point conversion run was stuffed by The Bucks but 9 minutes into the contest, The Wolverines had payback and upset on the mind with the 12-0 early lead.
St Paul dealt themselves right back into the contest as the second quarter got under way, when Sophomore RB Saul Martinez would plunge into the end zone from the right side but The PAT would sail left leaving it 12-6 Santiam with 11:12 left in the half.
After a trade of a few series, St Paul struck again late in the half when Smith would connect with Junior WR Jaidyn Jackson from 42 yards out and only 32 seconds left in the half. Martinez would add the two pointer up the middle and for the first time all night, the # 1 Bucks had their first lead of the contest.
