A dramatic moment gave way to a series of turnovers that made the difference Friday in the Class 2A semifinals of the football state tournament.
Peyton Amundson forced two fumbles, helping Barnesville rally in the second half to beat Jackson County Central 38-23 at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The game took a big turn one play into the second half. The Huskies led 15-6 at the break on the legs of sophomore quarterback Roman Voss. He had 58 yards, but his last yard left the stadium in silence. As Voss was tackled, his head bounced, and he was left motionless on the turf. He was stretchered off the field with family by his side.
"That is tough duty," Huskies coach Tom Schuller said about returning to play after such a moment. "The football game is secondary. The great news is, I think he is cleared. His neck is completely good. We're thankful for that. That's more important than the football game."
Two plays later, Amundson forced a fumble that began a string of three lost fumbles on three consecutive offensive plays by Jackson County Central (11-1). Barnesville (13-0) turned two of the turnovers into touchdowns that gave the Trojans their first lead of the game.
"I was out there just thinking we need the ball back," Amundson said. "I was just playing my game. I happened to hit them, and they dropped the ball twice."
Cameron Halverson led Barnesville with two touchdown runs and two two-point conversion runs. Zach Bredman threw for two touchdowns, and Major Ness had a touchdown run and a touchdown catch.
Seth Stai had three touchdown runs and two two-point conversion runs for Jackson County Central.
