Armstrong football remained undefeated last week after hosting Mahtomedi in a 62-34 win at home Oct. 10, improving their record to 4-0 in the Northstar East-Maroon conference, earning the conference title, and 7-0 overall.
Mahtomedi entered last week with a 1-5 record, their one win coming early in the season against St. Paul Central. More recently, the team has struggled in Northstar East-Maroon play, losing to Hastings, St. Thomas Academy, and Cretin-Derham Hall.
Quarterback Dawson Franke combined well immediately with receiver Lucas Wodtke and running back Kevon Johnson. Wodtke collected a 33-yard pass for the first touchdown of the game, while Johnson ran in three touchdowns in the first half. a Miller nailed all four extra point attempts along the way. Two Mahtomedi touchdowns late in the second quarter kept the game close, but the Falcons were largely in control by halftime, ahead 28-13.
The fun continued offensively for the Falcons in the second half. Johnson made it look all too simple with a weaving run to score his fourth touchdown of the day on a drive helped along by receptions for Wodtke.
Armstrong benefited from big defensive moments from Cal Pilon, Dylan Gillies, Evan Mendoza, Fred Dassin, and Noah Miller in the second half, but a number of personal fouls helped Mahtomedi mount a quick response in the third quarter, scoring a touchdown and a two-point conversion to make it 35-21.
The pace did not slow and within two minutes Johnson had scored yet another touchdown, a 27-yard carry, after well-coordinated drive between Wodtke, Franke, and himself. Everett Daly had big tackles in the following Mahtomedi drive to force a punt, setting up a touchdown for Franke on a 44-yard run. Mahtomedi, looking to keep the night interesting, scored on the kick return to make it 49-28 heading into the fourth quarter.
The trading of punches continued in the final quarter, with Eli Kuempel and Jackson Wylie scored touchdowns for Armstrong, split by one for Mahtomedi. Kuempel ran in his touchdown for 67 yards, while Wylie ran for 63 yards.
Franke ended the night with a strong day of passing, throwing for 264 yards and two touchdowns from 15 completitions. Johnson yet again led the way on rushing, gathering 178 yards and five touchdowns. He now has 24 for the season. Wodtke led on receiving yards with 115 and one touchdown.
It was a complicated night defensively for Armstrong, who have typically been strong on that side of the ball this season. Several players still shined, however, with Dassin, Wylie, Daly, and Mendoza collecting eight total tackles each. Ray Ayala added seven total tackles, while Avery Oseth and Miller had six each.
Armstrong will play on the road the following week, traveling to Andover for the final game of the regular season Wednesday, Oct. 16.
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