A game that was close for three and a half quarters got out of hand quickly late in the 4th quarter as Little Chute pulled away late to retain the traveling trophy in the Battle of the LCs, taking down Luxemburg Casco 49-14 as heard on 104.1 WRLU.
After honoring a pair of veterans, and three Gold Star families, the Spartans would get the opening kickoff but were forced to punt on its opening drive. On its opening possession, Little Chute drove down the field, capping off its opening drive with a 1 yard touchdown run by Jaden Hermsen. The Mustangs would go for 2, but were turned away. Luxemburg Casco took advantage, riding the momentum and going down the field, finishing the drive when Eli Derenne connected with Joey Jeanquart for a 4 yard touchdown run. Wyatt Bailey's point after kick was good, giving the Spartans a 7-6 lead. Early in the 2nd, Little Chute went back in front on another 1 yard sneak by Hermsen, but were once again denied on the 2 point conversion. The two teams exchanged empty possessions over the remainder of the half with the Mustangs holding the 12-7 lead into the break.
Little Chute got the opening kickoff of the second half but fumbled near midfield, giving the ball back to the Spartans with excellent field position. Luxemburg Casco marched down the field but were turned away on 4th and goal with an opportunity to take the lead. Instead, Little Chute was able to extend its lead when Charlie VandenHeuval found the endzone on a 5 yard rush. The Mustangs converted on the 2 point conversion, holding a 20-7 lead that it would take into the 4th quarter. Early in the 4th, Tyler Hietpas gave Little Chute a three possession lead when he scored an 11 yard touchdown and converted another two point conversion. Down but not out, the Spartans went down the field with Ben Klass finding the endzone to cut the deficit in half. Luxemburg Casco attempted an onside kick, but just missed the opportunity to recover it, giving the Mustangs excellent field position. Reece Joten found the endzone shortly after from 8 yards out. With one last gasp, the Spartans tried to mount a comeback but Mason Schneider intercepted a Derenne pass and took it to the endzone to put the game out of reach. The Mustangs defense was able to score again against the Spartans reserves after a fumble to close out scoring.
After the game we caught up with Spartans coach Neil Seering, who reflected on a tough loss but was also thankful for the community showing up to honor the areas veterans on the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
Luxemburg Casco will be back in action next Friday night, when the Spartans travel to Wrightstown to take on the Tigers, who fell 16-14 to Xavier. That game will be aired on 104.1 WRLU.
