Messenger carries Genoa to victory over Oak Harbor
It's important to Genoa senior Robert Messenger that he occupy a leadership position.
Two touchdowns in the fourth quarter Friday in a 28-25 victory over Oak Harbor in the Celestial Bowl rivalry matchup that started more than 100 years ago would put anybody in that seat. Messenger knows it's more than that.
So, he plays with a chip on his shoulder.
"Some of the seniors and captains stepped up," he said. "We were flat. I'm not a captain, but I like to be a leader. I'm not that vocal, but I try to lead on the field. I have to leave it all on the field my last year."
Oak Harbor's Hayden Buhro scored from one yard for an 18-14 advantage in the third quarter. Michael Lalonde rushed 14 yards to the 7 on fourth-and-8.
Genoa (1-1) responded with a 16-yard touchdown pass dropped on Messenger in the back corner of the end zone by Aiden Brunkhorst as the Comets took the lead for good at 21-18.
"It was one of those games, a lot of things the crowd doesn't see," Brunkhorst said. "Guys care so much and give everything they've got. The touchdown was a go route. That was a check. We looked at each other and I knew he'd go deep, and not stop.
"We knew that would work. The crowd probably thought it was a called play, but we trusted each other. When the chemistry is there, we're tough to stop."
Aidan Antry rushed for a first down and Brunkhorst completed passes for two more. Brunkhorst rushed 19 yards to set up Messenger's score.
Messenger scored from nine yards out for a 28-18 margin with about 3 minutes left to play. Mason Drummond caught a 20-yard pass on fourth-and-5 to set up the touchdown.
Antry caught a third-down pass to extend the drive.
Brunkhorst rushed 22 yards to ignite a drive in the second quarter. Antry scored from 15 yards for a 14-6 advantage.
"They came out in what we practiced for," Brunkhorst said. "We had to slow down and settle down. It came down to not riding the highs and doing our thing playing Genoa football. The offensive line played fantastic. We put it on the ground and our mindset switched.
"We can do our stuff and we're driving, hard-nosed. It gave us confidence."
It wasn't the wing-T, but it was Mike Vicars, who returns this season as offensive coordinator. It's a passing attack now, but the Comets sent a message on the ground.
"It's a lot more spread," Antry said. "This year we have an empty backfield. We have speed, and people who can carry the ball."
Genoa's backs are versatile.
"Being able to catch and run hard is a dangerous combination," Comets coach Bill Fisher said. "When you mix speed and power, with that hit-stick mindset. [Aidan] stays on his feet and makes things happen."
Antry played a similar role as a sophomore last season. He worked for even more.
"I want to be one of the main players on offense," he said. 'We work really hard in the summer. Everybody showed up. We knew we were good [last year]. We didn't always play to our potential. The new coaching staff helps us believe we can be NBC champs."
Genoa qualified to the postseason last year, winning in the first round.
Austin Teet caught a 9-yard touchdown pass from Brunkhorst for a 7-6 lead. Antry rushed for 13 yards and added two short runs for first downs to extend the possession.
Drummond caught a pass on fourth down on Braylen Bryant added two short receptions.
"Everybody has taken on a role and accepted their role and practices have been competitive," Fisher said. "From special teams to starters. We're clicking and meshing as one unit, one program. Do your part, whatever that may be and whenever that may be, we have a chance to do something special."
Brunkhorst had 130 yards on 19 carries. He completed 18 of 30 passes for 171 yards.
"It was a roller coaster of emotions on the sideline," he said. "I'm trying to be level-headed and keep everybody's head on. This game is so big because for the Genoa community it's like the Super Bowl. It's different. The amount of emotions on the field.
"There's nothing like it, everybody plays their heart out. A close game makes the win even more special."
Genoa had 374 yards of offense, including 213 rushing and 23 first downs.
"We ran the ball well when we needed to," Fisher said. "Guys stepped up big toward the end. Aiden took control and Robert carried us home."
Lalonde completed 12 of 19 passes for 159 yards, including Hayden Buhro's 60-yard touchdown reception to give Oak Harbor life with 2:48 left.
Genoa recovered Oak Harbor's onside kick.
"They had a big play here and a big play there," Fisher said.
Buhro had 149 yards on nine catches, including a 32-yard scoring reception from Lalonde. Donald Tucholski hit Lalonde to help force an incomplete pass that left the game 14-12.
Oak Harbor (1-1) had 287 yards of offense, including 139 on the ground. Ninety-one came on one touchdown run from Jaqui Hayward in the first quarter.
Hayward, who battled cramps the entire game, added several nasty hits on defense.
Oak Harbor sophomore Jacob Ridener had 15 unassisted tackles and one sack.
Genoa won consecutive games in the matchup.
"We talked about this game since we started in the summer," Messenger said. "When you get the win, it's a relief. There's no other game like it. We don't like them. They don't like us. There's no rivalry bigger."
mhorn@gannett.com
419-307-4892
Twitter: @MatthewHornNH
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Genoa tops visiting Oak Harbor in Celestial Bowl matchup.
