The Dragons found out they'd have a new opponent for their homecoming game in the middle of practice on Tuesday.
Pine City hosted the Columbia Heights Hylanders for homecoming. Pine City held the Hylanders to a three and out on their first drive. A couple plays later the Dragons gained 20 yards on a trick play. Dylan Petersen handed the ball to Jason Thieman, and he would toss the ball downfield to Petersen to get into Columbia Heights territory. Pine City picked up another first down, then on a 2nd and long, Petersen threw an interception. The Hylanders took over on their own five. The snap went over the quarterbacks head, and Jimmy Lindblom recovered the fumble in the endzone giving the Dragons a 6-0 lead. Neither team would put anymore points on the board and Pine City went into half with the lead. Pine City's defense grab three turnovers in the first half, one fumble recovery and two interceptions. Brody Clark and Jacob Lindahl each grabbed a pick.
Late in the third quarter Thieman grabbed an interception and took deep into Hylander territory, setting up the offense with a great opportunity to extend their lead. The 4th quarter began with Pine City facing third and short. Clark took the handoff and picked up the first down and was down at the half yard line. The very next play Petersen took a QB sweep off the right side and scored, Timmy Johnson converted the 2 and the Dragons lead 14-0. On Columbia Height's next drive they moved the ball on the Dragons side of the field. On third and long Colton Blaisdell picked off the ball and gave his offense the ball back. But that would be nullified by a pass interference and give the Hylanders a third and short. The next snap saw Thieman grab another interception but on the return he fumbled and gave the ball back to the Hylanders again. A few plays later they punched it into the endzone and cut into the Dragons lead 14-6. With their next possession, Pine City drove onto the Hylanders side of the field. The drive would end on a Johnson fumble and the visitors had life. As they reached mid field Lindblom tipped a pass to Johnson and he took the pick back to the house for a touchdown. Lindahl put two more points on the board with the conversion and the Dragons lead 22-6. Before the conclusion of the game both teams had a couple turns with the ball. Blaisdell and Petersen would each grab an interception from Columbia Heights. A kneel down after Petersen's INT would seal the victory for Pine City on homecoming.
The Dragons had eight total takeaways, one fumble recovery and seven interceptions! As a team they ran 44 times with 165 yards and a touchdown. They also completed two passes for 43 yards. Both of those passes were from Thieman to Petersen.
Pine City improves to 2-3 on the season, and will travel up to Two Harbors on Friday to face the 3-2 Agates.
Photo Credit: Four Seasons Photography
