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First win for new coach Johnson
Saturday’s community college football game in Ely turned on one key play - that went for the Vermilion Ironhawks.
Amari Christie’s second- quarter interception not only wiped out a Mesabi scoring drive, but the Vermilion sophomore returned it 102 yards for an Ironhawks score.
That pivotal moment not only helped Vermilion shift momentum, but was key to building an 18-point lead that just barely held up as the Ironhawks hung on for an emotional, 18-16 victory at Ely School Stadium.
The win was not only the first for Vermilion against its down-the-road rival in several seasons, but also the first for Vermilion’s new head coach- Tyree Johnson.
Vermilion persevered despite being outgained significantly by the Norse. Mesabi racked up a 347-160 edge in total yards.
The Ironhawks also absorbed two Mesabi touchdowns in the second half and needed to stifle a two-point conversion attempt to win the game.
A Mesabi touchdown was also called back by penalty and Vermilion was the big winner in the turnover battle.
Mesabi quarterback Jonathan Mosley threw four interceptions, and the Norse also lost a fumble.
In addition to Christie’s interception that resulted in a touchdown, Vermilion’s Carlos Brown, Aaron Butler and Meguel Johnson all had picks. Connor Reece had six tackles and scooped up a Mesabi fumble.
Vermilion, which was still stinging from a 58-2 loss to Rochester in the season debut, came out blazing and out to turn things around.
Tawann Tutwiler, who stepped in at quarterback for Vermilion, completed an eight-yard pass to Kendall Aguirre to put the hosts on the board in the opening quarter.
Montrel McCarty’s twopoint conversion run made it 8-0.
Mesabi seemed to be in position to tie the game, but that’s when Christie came up with his game-changing “pick six.”
Late in the half, the Ironhawks took an 18-0 lead on a booming, 45-yard field goal from Logan Bubar.
The kick was another play that loomed large during the second half Mesabi cut into the lead on Daniel Bibb’s 60-yard kickoff return.
A safety trimmed the gap to 18-10 and Mosley finally connected for a scoring pass - this time with Kobe Hayden from 10 yards.
Although hampered by the four interceptions, Mosley completed 16 passes for 238 yards and also ran for 82 yards, His favorite target was Roosevelt Hunter, who had five receptions for 101 yards.
Tutwiler was efficient for the Ironhawks, going 10-for-16 for 52 yards. Back Tremayne Graham finished with 52 yards on 11 carries.
The Ironhawks are on their bye week and their next contest is Sept. 21 at Fergus Falls, with a home date against North Dakota State College of Science to follow Sept. 28.
