Sports
Simley Drops Hard-Fought Contest To Hill-Murray
The Spartans dominated the game defensively in the first half and lead 6-2 at the break, but Hill-Murray scored three second-half touchdowns to claim a 23-12 victory.
Host Hill-Murray scored three touchdowns in the second half to turn back an upset bid by the Simley High School Spartans, winning 23-12 in a Classic Suburban Conference football game Friday night.
Simley led 6-2 at the half after dominating the first two quarters defensively. Strong winds throughout game worked to Simley’s advantage; limiting Hill-Murray’s pass-oriented offense.
But the Pioneers got their offense back on track in the second half and went on 76- and 81-yard scoring drives.
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Simley had pulled to within 16-12 with 9:13 to play on a 28-yard scoring run by junior running back Jake Short. A key third-down 12-yard pass from junior quarterback Nick Wanzek to senior wide receiver Darion Fletcher set up the scoring run by Short.
The Pioneers responded with their best drive of the night, going 81 yards in 10 plays to take a 23-12 lead with 4:17 to play.
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It was a frustrating game for the Spartans, who played well enough to knock off the Pioneers.
Simley dropped to 1-5 overall and in conference games.
"We didn't expect to be 1-5," said Simley head coach Rex King. "We knew we kicked the game against North St. Paul and we knew Hill-Murray was going to be tough.
Hill Murray boosted its record to 5-1 overall and 4-1 in the conference.
Both teams made their share of mistakes in the first half. The Pioneers lost two fumbles and had an interception. Simley had a punt blocked out of the end zone for a safety. But the Spartans defense played well, giving up just three first downs in the first two quarters.
Hill-Murray plays second-ranked St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights next Friday.
Simley hosts Duluth Denfield (2-4) Friday in a non-conference contest starting at 7 p.m.
Despite the loss, wins the next two weeks would set Simley up favorably for the first round of section play.
"I love our kids," said King. "I love 'em. They fight all the time and nobody can ever question that. Nobody."
HM -- LaValle 1 run (Gonzalez kick)
Simley -- Short 28 run (run failed)
HM -- Krueger 27 run (Gonzalez kick)
