Falcons complete undefeated regular season at Andover

Armstrong football completed an undefeated regular season Oct. 16 in a blockbuster 57-56 double-overtime win over Andover on the road.

Kevon Johnson starred once again with 309 rushing yards and five touchdowns from 34 attempts against Andover, while quarterback Dawson Franke threw for 83 yards and two touchdowns, Eli Kuempel being his best target with 55 yards from three receptions. Fred Dassin was tireless amongst Armstrong’s talented defense, completing 14 total tackles. Both Ray Ayala and Everett Daly had seven total tackles each.

Armstrong were quick to make a statement in Wednesday’s eventual three-hour marathon, scoring the opening touchdown after a minute of play with an 82-yard carry for Johnson. An Andover touchdown soon after was responded to with a fumble return by Dylan Gilles for 23-yards to make it 14-7 at the end of the first quarter. Noah Miller was two for two on extra point attempts.

The lead was extended to 21-7 two minutes into the second quarter with another rushing touchdown for Johnson, this time for 28-yards. Andover were ready to answer and scored two touchdowns and two extra points to tie the game up at 21-21 at halftime.

The third quarter turned into a slug fest as both teams dealt blows and found shots. Both teams scored two touchdowns, Armstrong’s a five-yard reception to Gideon Breker amid his recent return to the team from injury and the second a carry by Johnson. Breker’s return may well be a quiet victory in itself, as it provides an already electric Armstrong offense with yet another option via the experienced senior wide receiver.

Another exchange of touchdowns, Armstrong’s from Johnson in the red zone, made it 42-42 at the end of regulation with overtime on the horizon Kuempel got a key touchdown early in OT1, but was matched by Andover, who then scored the first touchdown of OT2. The Huskies, however, failed to score their two point attempt, leaving the door open for Armstrong to win it all with a three-carry from Johnson and extra point from Miller.

The Huskies, 6-2 after Wednesday’s game, were always going to be an important test. Andover were undefeated through six games from Sept. 6 to Oct. 11 and were firmly champions of the Northstar West-Gold Conference this season. But, there was more to it. In 2023, Andover handed Armstrong two of its three losses of the year, one at the end of the regular season and one in the first round of the Class 5A state tournament. Much like their win over St. Thomas Academy, it’s another demon exorcised from Armstrong’s journey to this coming post-season.

Armstrong football will begin play in the Section 5AAAAA tournament the following week, hosting the winner of Southwest and St. Louis Park Saturday, Oct. 26.