Defenses dominate annual Sno-Bowl thriller For fifth time, game ends scoreless
Dozens of New Prague High School alums took part in the 64th annual Sno-Bowl football game Saturday at Memorial Park. The game ended in a scoreless draw for the fifth time. The contest featured gridiron greats from the early-1970s to 2019 and beyond playing for the Polars and the Ptarmigans. The series stands with the Polars leading 32-19 with 13 ties. (John Mueller photo)
The two end zones were uncharted territory when the Ptarmigans and Polars resumed their annual rivalry in the 64th annual SnoBowl tackle football game Saturday, Dec. 30, at Memorial Park.
Billed as the longest-running alumni snow football game – anywhere – Saturday’s contest was played on a snowless fast track. Both teams had opportunities to score but were unable to penetrate the fierce defensive efforts of the staunch defensive opposition. Early in the game, Kyle Zweber dropped back to pass and threw a deep fade pass to a wide-open Polars’ receiver Andy Zweber. The pass hit the receiver in stride. Unfortunately, for Zweber and the Polars, the pass bounced off his bare hands to the ground, denying Zweber of Sno-Bowl glory and making him an early candidate for the game’s Goat Award.
Although both offenses moved the ball, the real story of the game were the defenses able to come up with big stops in the red zone. The Ptarmigans battle-tested defensive line featured Jake Schoenecker, James Fuerniss, Tony Beranek, Tyler Lund and Alex Eide. They came up with several sacks in big situations. Veteran Snow-Bowlers Michael Coldagelli and Darrell Christianson led the Ptarmigans in tackles. In the secondary, both Michael Eide and Aric Becker repeatedly broke up passes, thwarting the opposing aerial attack.
For its part, the Polars’ defense was just as stout. Nate and Kyle Zweber led the team’s defensive effort at linebacker. Grizzled veterans...
To see more on this story pick up the January 4, 2024 print edition of The New Prague Times.
Category:
Publication:
