Homecoming dramatics keep Huskies undefeated at home
HOUGHTON, Mich. – The No. 25-ranked Michigan Tech football team defeated Upper Iowa 33-32 in overtime on Homecoming Saturday at Kearly Stadium. The Huskies blocked an extra point in the extra session, and Avery Kucharski kicked in the walkoff winner after Alex Bueno scored from one-yard out on fourth down.
Tech improved to 3-1 in the final non-conference game of the season, winning its first game as a top 25-ranked team since Oct. 2015.
“It was sloppy and bad football for the most part, but I’m happy that our guys found a way to get the win,” Tech coach Dan Mettlach said. “We have a lot to fix in the bye week, and it needs to get fixed in a hurry. A win is a win, but we need to start playing to our standard with clean football and not letting teams benefit from our mistakes.”
The Huskies scored points in all five periods and trailed until the fourth quarter.
Down 20-17 entering the fourth quarter, Tech found some quality field position after Jaiden Bolden intercepted the Peacocks and returned it 16 yards to the 50, followed by a pair of personal fouls by the visitors.
The Huskies’ offense turned to the ground game with three straight rushes. Jake Rueff went for one yard, Alex Bueno went for 12, and then Elliott Larner scrambled into the end zone on an 18-yard dash to put Tech in front. The extra point was missed.
Upper Iowa quickly responded with a 10-play, 75-yard drive that chewed up 6:01 on the fourth-quarter clock that ended with a rushing score by Ronald Wilson, Jr. Chase Koch blocked the extra point to keep it a three-point game, 26-23.
Tech got the ball back with 3:16 on the clock and worked its way down the field. Jake Rueff rushed for 39 yards, but the Huskies’ drive stalled at the 33. Out came Avery Kucharski for a 50-yard attempt to tie the game. He nailed the field goal with 50 seconds left, his second 50-yarder of the season.
The Peacocks worked their way into position for a 51-yard attempt of there own, but Nathan Behne’s attempt was blocked by Chase Koch as the clock expired in regulation.
Upper Iowa got the first possession of overtime and found the end zone after a four-play drive. Damon Head, Jr. scored the touchdown, but the extra point was blocked by John Hagelstein.
Jake Rueff had a 20-yard gain on first down to set up a first-and-goal on Tech’s OT possession. On fourth and one, Alex Bueno rode his teammates into the end zone to tie the game. Avery Kucharski sealed the win with the extra point.
Upper Iowa opened the game’s scoring 9:57 after kickoff when Zamar Wise scored on a one-yard keeper to cap off a five-play, 34-yard drive.
The Huskies quickly responded when Elliott Larner scored on a 75-yard run on first and ten for the longest play of the season for the Black and Gold.
The Peacocks took the lead back, scoring on their next possession after Nathan Behne hit a 27-yard field goal after an 11-play, 64-yard drive.
Tech fumbled on its next possession, and Nathan Behne hit another field goal—this time from 40 yards out for a 13-7 advantage.
The Huskies scored their second touchdown when Darius Jones, Jr. picked off Zamar Wise and returned it 35 yards to the end zone. Avery Kucharski’s extra point was good.
Upper Iowa retook its lead with 26 seconds left in the first half after a 34-yard pitch-and-catch from Zamar Wise to LJ Nyenow, Jr.
The Peacocks led in total offensive yards, 391-275, and time of possession, 34:45-23:28. Tech was only 1-for-10 on third down but 3-for-4 on fourth down. Upper Iowa was 5-for-14 on third down.
Eliott Larner was 6-for-14 for 23 yards passing, and Alex Bueno was 5-for-7 for 15 yards. Larner had 131 yards on the ground with two touchdowns. Jake Rueff finished with 101 yards rushing while also catching three balls for 11 yards.
Zamar Wise was 16-for-27 for 187 yards and two interceptions. He also rushed for 147 yards and a score. Logan Rosauer had five catches for 56 yards.
On the defensive end, Chase Koch had 14 total tackles with five solos and nine assisted. Jackson Zachary added 12 total tackles, a sack, and two for a loss. Darius Jones, Jr. had five tackles, including 1.5 sacks and the big interception.
Tech has a bye next week before traveling to Roosevelt on Oct. 3 to begin GLIAC play.
