Sullivan Gives Hermann First Loss Of Season

Hermann underestimated the powerful Sullivan football defense.

Sullivan shut out the Bearcats on Friday, winning 6-0 and handing their conference rivals their first loss of the season.

Dominic Ransom’s interception in the fourth quarter stopped a potential game-tying score with under four minutes to play in the fourth quarter.

Franky Erxleben iced the game with two first down runs to run out the clock.

In the first quarter, Hermann received the ball but wentout on four downs. Sullivan stepped up but Gabe Dace threw an interception. Unable to capitalize on that, Hermann couldn’t connect to the end zone and went down.

Erxleben converted a third-and-4 with a 14-yard run, but the Eagles couldn’t find the end zone and the first quarter ended scoreless.

In the second quarter, the game was still scoreless. Ransom converted a first down to start but Hermann’s defense stopped Sullivan.

Sullivan’s defense stopped Hermman in return when Jonathan Martin, Colton Brendel, and Dayton Skaggs wrapped up the Bearcats on a tackle.

Sullivan Head Coach Eddie Haar took a timeout with 4:43.

Martin almost picked off the Bearcats.  Sullivan would eventually get the ball back, but were unable to break through.

In the third quarter, Sullivan finally got on the board after blocking a Bearcats field goal.

Hermann attempted a 46-yard try, but the ball was blocked by Sullivan. Erxleben recovered the bal to give the Eagles possession. Gabe Dace gained 12 yards for a first down conversion. Sullivan jumped on the board when Gabe Dace found Summers in the endzone for a 27-yard pass with a little under two and half minutes left in the third.

In the fourth quarter, Hermann fumbled the ball but recovered for a second-and-12.

Colton Brendel tackled Hermann and they gave up the ball on downs.

The first play of Sullivan’s possession, Gabe Dace was sacked for a loss. Sullivan took a time out with 7:52 left.

Hermann returned the pressure and Sullivan punted the ball away. Kayden Bryan made an outstanding punt to give Sullivan the edge.

He punted the ball 50 yards to start Hermann on their own one yard line. Hermann’s quarterback, Trenton Lampkin, made a 20-yard run to move the ball.

Sullivan tackled Hermann for a loss and they were forced to a third-and-11.

The Bearcats took a timeout with a little under four minutes left.

Hermann marched the football down the field and had Sullivan backed in a corner.

Ransom broke up a big Bearcat pass and they were at a fourth down and eleven. Hermann went for it, but Ransom got a huge interception to secure the win.

The Eagles used the big play for motivation and Erxleben had two back-to-back runs for first downs.

Sullivan went into victory formation and Gabe Dace ended the game with two kneels to secure the victory.

Sullivan tallied 137 rushing yards with Gabe Dace leading the pack with 53. Erxleben followed with 50 yards on eight carries.

Gavin Dace added 17 rushing yards.

Gavin Dace had the most receiving yards with 29. Gabe Dace threw for 88 yards in total.

He had one passing touchdown and threw one interception.

Sullivan is on the road again this Friday at St. James.