It took all of regulation and four overtime periods, but Fredonia defeated Cherryvale 28-22 to earn its first win of the season Friday night. 

 

The first quarter went by without any scoring, but the two teams traded blows in the second. Cherryvale scored first on a 7-yard touchdown run by Trevin Elam. Fredonia then responded with an 8-yard touchdown run by Colten Dinkel. With 43 seconds before the half, Cherryvale put itself up 14-6.  However, Dinkel once again hit paydirt on the first play of the ensuing Fredonia drive, with a 61-yard score up the right sideline to send the teams to halftime tied at 14-14. 

 

The second half proved to be frustrating for both sides, as Cherryvale frequently got into goal-line situations before fumbling the football away. Meanwhile, Fredonia struggled to get out of their own territory, with penalties often negating their biggest plays. Overall, the two teams combined for 10 turnovers, with the Chargers giving up 7 (including 4 lost fumbles inside the Fredonia 10-yard line) and Fredonia giving up 3. Neither team was able to score in the second half, bringing the game into overtime at 14-14.

 

The first two overtime periods went by without either team scoring, but Fredonia would make things interesting in 3OT through Dinkel's third touchdown of the day. However, Cherryvale would answer with a touchdown of their own, continuing on into a fourth overtime period. Finally, after stopping Cherryvale yet again, and facing 4th down from the 5-yard line, Fredonia would rely on Dinkel once again to end the game once and for all.

 

Dinkel picked up four touchdowns in Friday's game, three on the ground and the game-winner through the air. Both teams are now 1-2 on the season.  Next Friday's Game of the Week is our 8-man debut and a battle of the undefeated, as West Elk takes on Sedan. That game can be heard on 690AM, KGGF.