The Edgerton Flying Dutchmen secured a commanding 56-0 victory over the Heron Lake-Okabena/Fulda Coyotes on October 6, 2023, marking their fifth consecutive win in the 9-Man football season. With this win, Edgerton improved its record to 5-0, showcasing a potent offensive and a resolute defensive performance throughout the match.
Edgerton quickly seized control of the game, scoring on their first drive and then capitalizing on a fumble during the subsequent kickoff. The Flying Dutchmen have established an impressive defensive streak, having not allowed any points in their last four games. Head coach Andrew Fleischman praised his team’s dedication and focus during practice, stating, “We’re playing well right now. Our kids are really practicing hard… We’ve had some good results on the field.”
Defensive Dominance and Offensive Balance
The strength of the Flying Dutchmen lies in their cohesive defensive system. They excel at filling gaps and creating turnovers, limiting the Coyotes’ offensive opportunities. Senior defensive back Michael Gunnink was particularly impactful, recording three interceptions in the first half alone. Fleischman noted, “We’re not a real big team, but we have a lot of guys that present a lot of different abilities… Ultimately, we want our guys to really focus on just doing little things well on defense.”
On the offensive side, Edgerton demonstrated versatility, effectively mixing their running and passing game. Although they had struggled to find a balanced attack earlier in the season, the Flying Dutchmen showcased their ability to move the ball through the air against the Coyotes. “That’s so big for us if we can force teams to be a little bit more balanced defensively,” explained Fleischman. Quarterback Colin Scholten played a key role, supported by targets like Tucker Arp, Kade Koffit, and Kaisen Hendriks.
Gunnink, who also contributed significantly as a runner, found success on the ground and in the passing game. “There are just so many different ways that we can get them the ball, whether it be running or passing,” Fleischman said, attributing much of their offensive success to the offensive line, which provided ample protection and room for runners.
Challenges for the Coyotes
Despite their struggles, the Coyotes attempted to mount an offensive response. However, they were not at full strength, as senior quarterback Brenton Erdmann sustained an injury early in the game. Sophomore tight end Jxon Fisher stepped in as quarterback, but the team struggled to maintain consistent offensive pressure. Junior fullback Bryce Nielsen managed a few significant rushes, but the Coyotes were unable to find the rhythm necessary for sustained success.
This defeat leaves Heron Lake-Okabena/Fulda with a record of 1-4. They will look to rebound in their next game against Westbrook-Walnut Grove, while Edgerton prepares to face the undefeated Hills-Beaver Creek in what promises to be a highly anticipated matchup. “Hills has been the big dog on the street for a long time,” Fleischman remarked. “Our work is cut out for us, but our guys have really worked hard, and we are excited about the opportunity.”
As the season progresses, both teams continue to strive for improvement, with Edgerton aiming to extend its winning streak and the Coyotes looking to capitalize on their next opportunities.
