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It’s over.
Zach Pechous returned a third-quarter kickoff 95 yards for the go-ahead touchdown, and Class 2A top-ranked Iowa City Regina ended Solon’s 42-game winning streak, 21-15, in a non-district football game Friday night at Spartan Stadium.
The Spartans had not lost since the 2006 Class 2A state final.
This was no fluke. Regina (2-0) outplayed and outmuscled its nemesis — Solon had beaten the Regals three times in the past two seasons, including last year’s playoffs — much of the game.
“I’m really proud of these kids,” said Regina Coach Marv Cook. “It’s a tribute to our off-season. To be honest, a lot of our success is because of Solon. They’ve set the benchmark very high.”
Iowa City Regina's Anthony Halsch dives into the endzone for a toughdown against Solon during the first half at Solon High School in Solon on Friday, September 3, 2010. (Cliff Jette/The Gazette)
A back-and-forth game early, 3A No. 2 Solon (1-1) took a 12-10 lead on Marshall Koehn’s 24-yard field goal with 3:29 left in the third quarter.
It lasted a matter of 15 seconds, the time it took for Pechous to receive the ensuing kickoff, head upfield, shift to the right, then sprint past the Spartans’ coverage.
Ninety-five yards later, the Regals had the lead for good. John Verducci added the two-point conversion on a keeper, and Regina led 18-12.
“I looked for a hole, and I found it,” Pechous said. “Everybody was getting into it (after the touchdown). We had to calm some people down.”
A turnover on the next Solon drive gave the ball back to Regina, and the Regals converted on Daniel Larew’s 36-yard field goal.
The third of Koehn’s three field goals — a 23-yarder with 2:30 left — got the Spartans back with six. But the Regals powered the ball with fullback Berkley Grimm, who carried the ball five straight times and pick up a first down. Regina punted the ball with 15 seconds left, and the Spartans couldn’t do anything with it.
Anthony Halsch rushed for 84 yards, Grimm 61 for the winners. Regina enjoyed a 244-181 advantage in yards.
“This is amazing,” Grimm said. “I respect Solon so much. I’m 40 pounds heavier than I was last year, and I have to credit (strength and conditioning coach) Alex Kanellis.”
Regina led 10-9 at halftime. It would have been a larger margin, but a short punt and a muffed punt gave the Spartans short fields twice, and they cashed in for nine points.
Solon scored first on a 6-yard pass from J.J. Hanus to Colin Stebral. A punt of minus-1 yard gave the Spartans a short field, and they journeyed 22 yards in six plays for the TD.
Koehn missed the PAT.
Regina answered with an 80-yard drive, culminated with a fourth-and-goal, 1-yard dive by Halsch.
Koehn (22 yards) and Larew (27) exchanged then field goals. Larew’s three-pointer came at the halftime horn and put the Regals in front.
Solon opens Class 3A District 6 action next week at Benton Community. Regina is at Wilton in its 2A-5 opener.
7 Responses to Regina rips Solon to end 42-game winning streak
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Special Teams!!! It will give you the win or the loss! Hats off to Regina.
yes we lost that game but we will be better then ever so who ever has to play usenext should watch and. And Regina only beat us due to 1 luck kick off return.
@Solon…I dont agree with you about the luck kickoff return. I watched the game and that was great blocking and a great return. As far as the next opponent, yes they should watch out! I think Solon is going to go on a mean streak again. But as far as the game, they obviously didnt capitalize on the field position alot. Btw…I was on the Solon side
@Solon
I also disagree with you. I was there and Regina handled you on Defense, other then the QB keep, and you couldn’t stop the run on offense. It was a great game on everyones part and I hope that Solon wins 3A and Regina wins 2A!
While I was not at Solon on Friday night I do know that both teams will have a great season. I would have to guess that this will be the toughtest game for Regina until the playoffs. On the other hand Solon is just starting to get into the tough part of it’s schedule. 3A football will not be a walk in the park especially in the district. They still have tough games left with W’burg, Grinnell and other contenders. Solon is still one of the top teams in the state but the quality of their depth will be tested in the NEAR future. Good luck to both programs.
Dear: Solon Team just remember that the short term goals come first never try and plan the future… Play it day by day game by game play by play. Don’t open ur mouth without being able to back it up, in the long run… P.S. The kick off return was off the charts. See what i mean solon PLAY BY PLAY!!! Anything can happen…
Even though the Spartans came up short, it took alot to beat them. My question to the coach though if he reads comments. You have the Loveless kid who I hear is a pretty good athlete. Why was he not used alot. I was at the game watching your smaller backs running into a wall of 250 plus lineman, i saw only one atempt using this kid in the back field. It sometimes amazes me to see team with good athletes in big games and they are not used enough to help try and win. You can’t start using the weapons late, everything team is going to key on them by that time. What was the reasoning I guess I wold like to know.