MILTON While the final result was 21-18 in favor of Sun Prairie East, it would be hard to argue that the Milton Red Hawks didnt leave it all out on the field on Friday night during their Badger Large Conference matchup with the Cardinals.
The Red Hawks (3-4, 3-2 Badger Large) found themselves down two possessions heading into the fourth quarter against the Cardinals (4-3, 3-2 Badger Large), but were able to score a late touchdown and even have a two-minute drill opportunity to tie or win the game at Jerry Schliem Stadium. However, Milton came up just short in their comeback attempt, seeing their three-game win streak snapped in the process at the hands of Sun Prairie East.
These kids have shown tremendous resolve the entire season, not only on a week-by-week basis but even over the course of a game Milton head coach Jeff Spiwak said. You could see right up through that final minute that we werent going to quit.
We put ourselves in a position to win this game, we drove down, and it just didnt work out. The kids are really hurting but that was still a really great high school football game.
The Milton defense, much like last weeks low-scoring affair against DeForest, came out ready to play against the Cardinals by forcing an early punt out of Sun Prairie East.
The Red Hawk offense followed it up with a lengthy 14-play, 80-yard drive that resulted in a one-yard rushing touchdown by Caden Pernot. Owen Fishers extra point was no good, but Milton had an early 6-0 advantage with 3:46 to play in the first.
Sun Prairie East responded with a long touchdown drive of their own, taking 12 plays to march 83 yards down the field. Eventually Braylon Peterson found the end zone from four yards out, and a converted PAT gave the Cardinals a 7-6 lead with 11:48 remaining in the second quarter.
A quick three-and-out by the Milton offense gave Sun Prairie East the ball and the momentum, as the Cardinals once again drove down the field. SPE quarterback Carter Kavanaugh ended up finding Kellen Russell for a seven-yard passing TD and the Cardinals were ahead 14-6 at the 6:59 mark of the quarter.
Milton found their response, nickel and diming their way to another Caden Pernot rushing touchdown, this time from two yards out. Owen Fisher once again missed the point after, giving Sun Prairie East a 14-12 lead.
The Milton defense gave the Red Hawks a chance to retake the lead after Jayden Cadd forced a fumble that was recovered by Connor Janisch on the very-first play of SPEs ensuing drive. However, Milton was unable to make anything out of the turnover.
The rest of the time drained off the clock, and Sun Prairie East took its 14-12 lead into the half.
Miltons offense stalled to open the second half with a three-and-out, which opened the door for the Cardinals to balloon their lead up to two possessions.
Braylon Peterson ended up finding the end zone again for Sun Prairie East on the ground, and Milton found themselves in a 21-12 hole with 7:38 left to play in the third.
The Red Hawks continued to see their wheels spin on offense, but a a massive three-and-out forced by Miltons defense provided a much-needed spark for the team.
As a result, Milton put together another long, methodical drive that spanned across the third and fourth quarters. The drive ended up lasting 16 plays and 77 yards, but ultimately Brice Remington found a wide open Max Grady on a 17-yard touchdown strike to bring the Red Hawks back into the game.
The Red Hawks elected to go for two but failed to convert, giving Sun Prairie East a 21-18 lead at the 9:26 mark of the fourth and final quarter.
Both teams traded the ball a handful of times, and eventually Sun Prairie East found themselves with the ball close to midfield as time ticked down in the game. The Red Hawks not only started using their timeouts, but also started coming up with some big stops, leading to a Cardinal punt.
Starting from their own 20 with 1:58 left to play, Milton had a chance to tie or win the game.
Remington proceeded to lead his team down the field. The Red Hawks would eventually reach a fourth down and one to go situation at the Sun Prairie East 19 yard line with the game on the line.
Remington dropped back and had his pass batted back into his arms. Remington attempted to throw the ball again and failed to hit his target, though the second pass was deemed an illegal forward pass by the officials. The Red Hawks had come up just short.
With the scoreboard reading 21-18 in favor of the Cardinals, Miltons win streak had come to an end.
Remington put together one of his best performances of the season for Milton since being forced into the starting role in Week 1. His night ended with him going 17 for 29 for 266 yards and a touchdown.
Hes shown tremendous growth, Spiwak said of his quarterback. Thats Brice Remington, but thats really everyone on this team. If you wouldve said back in Week 3 that we wouldve played this kind of game against Sun Prairie East, nobody would have believed you. Thats a testament to that resolve that I mentioned.
Caden Pernot was also a standout for Miltons offense. Not only did he contribute a pair of rushing TDs, but he added eight catches for 155 yards through the air, both team highs.
Max Grady added five catches for 67 yards for the Red Hawks. He had the lone receiving TD of the day for Milton. Brayden Dopkins really struggled to move the ball against a tough Cardinal front seven, as his night ended with only 50 yards on 17 carries.
Miltons lengthy homestand now comes to a close as the Red Hawks hit the road next Friday, October 9 for the teams penultimate game of the regular season at Watertown (1-6, 0-5 Badger Large). Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
SUN PRAIRIE EAST 21 MILTON 18
Sun Prairie East 0 14 7 0
Milton 6 6 0 6
FIRST QUARTER
M Caden Pernot 1-yd rush (Fisher kick no good).
SECOND QUARTER
SP Braylon Peterson 4-yd rush (Crase kick good).
SP Kellen Russell 7-yd pass from Carter Kavanaugh (Crase kick good).
M Caden Pernot 2-yd rush (Fisher kick no good).
THIRD QUARTER
SP Braylon Peterson 4-yd rush (Crase kick good).
FOURTH QUARTER
M Max Grady 17-yd pass from Brice Remington (2-point no good).