Krumpak kick lifts S. Range
By Brandon judeh
HANOVERTON
Kickers don’t often get to be in the spotlight in high school football. South Range’s Cole Krumpak made the most of his chance in Friday’s 23-20 win over United.
Tied 20-20 with 2:40 left in the game, the South Range coaches gave Krumpak an option.
“Before the play, Coach (Alan) Kimmel asked me if I wanted to win the game or throw a jet pass,” Krumpak said.
Krumpak didn’t hesitate with his answer.
“I looked him in the eye and told him I want to win the game.”
Moments later, Krumpak kicked a 37-yard line drive through the goalposts as the Raiders spoiled the Eagles’ Homecoming game.
It was a back and forth match throughout that started off with a pair of Jake Arsuffi touchdowns.
He finished with 16 carries for 140 yards.
Arsuffi said that his center Tyler Bradley, tackle Garrett Sorley and guard Ryan Haynes were the key to his success.
Despite the early lead, United clawed its way back by scoring three touchdowns in three minutes.
With 4:27 remaining in the first half, junior running back Mike Martin ran his way through the Raiders defense and into the end zone to put the Eagles on the board.
On the following kickoff, South Range fumbled the return and gave the ball back to United.
Less than one minute later quarterback Garret Beech plowed his way into the end zone to tie the game.
On the Raiders following drive, Martin picked off a Ross Stoffer pass and returned it to the Raiders nine yard line. This led to a two yard run by Beech and gave the Eagles a surprise 20-13 halftime lead.
“We stayed positive going into the half and coach (Dan) Yeagley told us we need to keep playing South Range football and we came out and did so,” Krumpak said.
The second half was a defensive slugfest as neither team was able to get their offense going, something that United head coach Mike Ward is proud of.
“Our guys hung in there and played strong defense in the second half and got a couple turnovers, it was a well-played game by two good teams,” Ward said.
United’s Beech accounted for 138 total yards and two touchdowns, while Martin rushed for 100-yards and a touchdown.
For the Raiders, David McCabe rushed for 90-yards on 14 carries and added a touchdown, on defense, senior Robert Seman picked off two passes.
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