By Matt Hutcheson

Friday night’s Luverne versus Goshen game was a crucial regional contest with the top spot in Class 2A Region 3 as the prize, and both teams played as if acutely aware of that fact, but it was Luverne who prevailed 27-26.

Luverne received the opening kickoff but quickly surrendered possession when quarterback Tanner Simmons’ first pass landed in the arms of Goshen’s Dee Maddox.

The Eagles took over and immediately made a statement with a 46-yard touchdown run by quarterback Bryan Galloway.

After a missed extra point, the dust settled on an early 6-0 Goshen lead with 11:24 still remaining in the first quarter.

The Tigers struck back on the next possession, utilizing running back Keeshaun Glanton for a 3rd down conversion that continued the drive.

After a pass interference call against Goshen, Luverne scored on a 29-yard reception from Simmons to receiver Satyler Wilson.

Luverne’s extra point was good, taking the score to 7-6.

Back on offense, Goshen erupted again with a 65-yard touchdown pass from Galloway to RaQuan Martin.

The extra point was accurate this time, leaving the score at 13-7 with just over 8 minutes remaining in the first.

Luverne scored on their next two drives, while Goshen was forced to punt on two consecutive possessions.

With the score now at 20-13 with Luverne in the lead, a series of penalties slowed the pace of the game.

The teams traded possessions throughout much of the second quarter.

A pivotal moment came when, with just under six minutes remaining until halftime, a Goshen defender was called for roughing the punter.

As a result, Luverne was given back possession of the ball and took advantage, marching down the field and scoring to cause the biggest deficient of the game, 27-13.

Goshen punted on their next drive, and Luverne took back over and began another dangerous-looking drive.

This drive stopped short, however, when Simmons threw his second interception of the night to Goshen’s Dakari Pelton.

The Eagles were unable to score off this turnover before halftime.

Although Goshen’s offense struggled beyond the two breakout scoring plays in the first half, they would find more success in the second.

The teams traded turnovers to start the second half, but a 93-yard touchdown run by Galloway halfway through the 3rd quarter suddenly shifted momentum in the Eagles’ favor.

Luverne’s next drive ended in a blocked punt, which Goshen recovered at Luverne’s 21-yard-line.

This drive ended in a missed Goshen field goal.
A Luverne fumble on their next drive was recovered by Goshen, and the Eagles, facing 4th and nine of the nine-yard-line, scored via a pass from Galloway to Tre Dix.

The extra point went wide, leaving the score at 27-26 with 11:50 remaining in the 4th quarter.

Luverne’s next drive ended in a punt, but Goshen fumbled early in their next drive.

The teams traded short drives and punts, and soon Goshen held the ball with just over three minutes to go.

A series of incomplete passes left the team facing 4th and six, which they were unable to convert.

Luverne was able, with the ball in their hands, to run out the clock.

Luverne’s win in this regional contest puts them in the lead of Class 2A Region 3. Goshen will face Calhoun at home next week, while Luverne will face another tough regional contest at Highland Home.