Bluejays Lose First Ever Bay Conference Home Game; Second Ever
New London 21, Menasha 20- OT
The New London Bulldogs handed ranked Menasha their first loss of the season, and first ever Bay Conference loss at home with a 21-20 win in overtime.
“Our theme of the week was believe” Coach Mark Marsh said after the game. “They thought they could win and they showed they could win.”
The Bulldogs stopped a game winning 2-point conversion in the first overtime to secure the victory. New London quarterback Jack Noffke scored all three of the teams touchdowns on the ground, and tossed for 168 yards in the contest. The Bulldogs had a big receiving night from Brayden Kurth with 115 yards. Menasha was led by Riley Zirpel, who scored twice.
“Our kids just fought like heck, and there is no better feeling than to come off of that field with a W, and there is no better feeling than that. I think we have a good vibe right now and they are buying into what we are saying.”
The Bulldogs found themselves down 7-0 in the first quarter and tie the game at 7-7 on a Noffke run. The game became tied at 14-14 at the start of the fourth quarter. Both teams played strong defense to send the game into overtime.
New London scored first, on a run by Noffke, and followed by connecting on the extra point. Menasha scored a touchdown when they had the ball, but an option run was stopped by the Bulldog defense.
New London is knocking on the door of being playoff eligible, needing one more win. The Bulldogs have not been in the playoffs since 2009.
“We have a buzz in the school and in the community, so it is fun to play football right now.”