KCC Bearcats keep the golden helmet in 28-24 defeat of the Chargers

By Nick Johnson Assistant Coach
KCC 28 – GGG 24
The KCC Bearcats continued their 2025 season with a matchup against the Chargers of Goodridge-Grygla-Gatzke in Hallock. The rainy, wet conditions added to the intrigue of this Top of the State Conference matchup.
The Bearcats got the ball to start the game, but were quickly forced to punt. The Chargers marched down the field on their first possession, putting together a 73-yard touchdown drive capped off by a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Landon Norby to receiver Sawyer Jacobson giving the Chargers a 6-0 lead.
The Bearcats quickly had a response however, with Ashton Knutson breaking off a 76-yard touchdown run just one play later, helping the Bearcats retake the lead 7-6. In what became a game of timely responses for both teams, the Chargers made another long scoring drive where Norby tossed his second touchdown pass of the day, connecting with Trustin Wiseth for a 20-yard score, retaking the lead for the Chargers 12-7.
The Bearcats again answered in the form of a big run by Ashton Knutson. Knutson broke off a 79-yard touchdown run this time, giving KCC a 14-12.
To open the second half, the Chargers had another answer of their own, striking quickly with a 4-play, 65-yard scoring drive. Shay Jacobson scored on a 37-yard touchdown run taking the lead back for the Chargers 18-14. However, that lead did not last long. The Bearcats got another big play from Knutson, this time in the form of a kickoff return touchdown.
Knutson took it 78 yards for the touchdown, giving the Bearcats a 21-18 lead and taking momentum back for KCC. The Bearcats achieved their first takeaway of the night, recovering a fumble by the Chargers and setting up the offense in excellent field position. A few plays later Eli Peterson connected with Brody Scalese on a 3-yard touchdown pass, extending the Bearcat lead to 28-18.
The Chargers scored one more time, on a 12-yard touchdown run by Shay Jacobson, putting the pressure on the Bearcats to close out the game. The KCC offense sputtered, turning the ball over on downs in Charger territory after a promising drive. The Chargers got the ball back with a chance to steal the game from the Bearcats. The KCC defense however, answered the call, sealing the game on an interception by linebacker Brody Scalese, finishing off the win for the Bearcats.
The Bearcats move to 5-0 on the season, while the chargers drop to 3-2. KCC’s season will continue with a trip to Clearbrook, for a matchup with the Bears of Clearbrook-Gonvick on Friday, Sept. 26.

Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Norby 20 yard touchdown pass to Sawyer Jacobson (Shay Jacobson run No Good)
Knutson 76 yard touchdown run (Brewer kick Good)
KCC 7 – GGG 6
2nd Quarter
Norby 20 yard touchdown pass to Wiseth (Shay Jacobson run No Good)
Knutson 79 yard touchdown run (Brewer kick Good)
KCC 14 – GGG 12
3rd Quarter
Shay Jacobson 37 yard touchdown run (Shay Jacobson pass No Good)
Knutson 78 yard kickoff return touchdown (Brewer kick Good)
Peterson 3 yard touchdown pass to Brody Scalese (Brewer kick Good)
KCC 28 – GGG 18
4th Quarter
Shay Jacobson 12 yard touchdown run (Shay Jacobson run No Good)
Final
KCC 28 – GGG 24

KCC Offensive Leaders
Passing:
Eli Peterson – 2/5, 24 yds, 1 td, 1 int
Rushing:
Ashton Knutson – 11 att, 189 yds, 2 tds
Eli Peterson – 8 att, 21 yds
Receiving:
Kellen Johnson – 1 rec, 21 yds
Brody Scalese – 1 rec, 3 yds, 1 td

KCC Defensive Leaders
Brody Scalese – 9 tkls, 8 ast, 1 int, 1 pd
Keaton Brewer – 4 tkls, 7 ast, 1 tfl, 1 sack
Kellen Johnson – 4 tkls, 6 ast, 1.5 tfl, 1.5 sack, 1 fmr
Brock Scalese – 8 tkls, 1 ast, 1 int
Willie Nelson – 2 tkls, 6 ast,
Ashton Knutson – 5 tkls, 2 ast
James Cerkowniak – 5 tkls, 2 ast
Track Folland – 4 tkls, 2 ast
Eli Muir – 3 tkls, 1 ast
Kamden Gullickson – 1 tkl, 3 ast, 1.5 tfl, 1.5 sack