Hatchets take down Hodags in football opener
For the Tomahawk Leader
RHINELANDER – The Tomahawk Hatchet football team kicked off its season on a high note with a 27-13 nonconference road win over Rhinelander.
The Hatchets struck first, capping an eight-play drive with a 28-yard touchdown run by quarterback Tyler Jablonski in the second quarter.
Jablonski added another scamper for a score in the third quarter, this time from 14 yards out.
Mason Evans found the end zone in the fourth quarter on a seven-yard run, and a pair of fourth quarter field goals by William Tombs helped seal the Hatchet victory. Tombs’ two field goals marked the first time a Hatchet kicker has done so since 1960. Tombs also made three extra points.
The Hatchets forced three turnovers, while giving up one of their own. Brayden Larson notched an interception and a fumble recovery, while Addison Peissig picked off one pass.
The Hatchets outpaced the Hodags in total yards (277 yards/171 yards) and rushing yards (275 yards on 50 attempts/82 yards on 23 attempts). Rhinelander was ultimately more effective through the air, tallying 89 passing yards to Tomahawk’s two.
Tomahawk converted 10 first downs, and Rhinelander had nine.
Both teams struggled on third down. Tomahawk converted once on ten attempts, while Rhinelander went three for 11. On fourth down, the Hatchets converted two of three attempts, and the Hodags were successful on one of three tries.
Tomahawk and Rhinelander each had three penalties, costing the teams 35 yards and 46 yards, respectively.
The Hatchets won the time of possession battle, controlling the ball for 27:23. The Hodags were in possession for 20:37.
Jablonski completed one of three passing attempts for two yards.
Jablonski also had 203 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries. Mason Evans, Logan Seymour and Caleb Dickens also chipped in on the ground, with Evans scoring one touchdown.
The Hatchets will hit the road again this week for a matchup against Lakeland on Friday, Aug. 26. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.