The Hive Sports

by James Tate

The Hunter Wolverines (1-1) had to wait until the game’s final minutes to take their first lead and eventually pull out a 15-13 victory over the Clearfield Falcons (0-2). A 19-yard field goal by Siaosi Koloamatangi with 2:36 left in the fourth quarter was the game-winner in an epic battle of teams on the rise.

The Wolverines staged a remarkable comeback in the second half. Their punishing ground game, led by Kolomatangi, Isaac Fonua, Pasi Havea, and a determined offensive line, proved the difference. Both teams had their share of big plays on offense, defensive stops, and intensity that showed with hard-hitting and all-out winning efforts.

Isaac Fonua

First half

The Falcons’ opening drive saw the Wolverines intercept a pass by Falcons quarterback Jordan Tovey. After the turnover, the Wolverines were able to move the ball inside the Falcons’ five-yard line but were unable to score. A fourth-down stand by the Falcons’ defense turned away the Wolverines’ opportunity to score and returned the ball to the Falcons on the two-yard line.

The Falcons immediately took advantage of the momentum as Landon Hittle exploded for a 30-yard run to move the ball into excellent field position.

The Falcons scored the game’s first touchdown on Tovey’s 5-yard keeper up the middle. A perfectly executed screen pass to Gage Miles set up the score, which accounted for 20 yards. With 5:00 left in the second quarter, the Falcons held a 7-0 lead over the Wolverines.

On the ensuing kickoff, Falcons Ian Preston tackled the Wolverines returner inside the 20-yard line to keep the Falcons’ momentum. The Falcons’ defense stopped the Wolverines’ offense from moving into scoring position and took a 7-0 halftime lead.

Siaosi Koloamatangi

Second half

The Wolverines started the third quarter receiving the kickoff and immediately marched down the field deep into Falcon territory. Behind an aggressive offensive line, running back Pasi Havea ripped off a 48-yard touchdown and gave the Wolverines their first score. The Wolverines failed on a two-point conversion attempt, and the score had the Falcons ahead 7-6 with 9:22 on the clock in the third quarter.

Both defenses turned away the offenses in the middle of the third quarter until the Falcons scored on a remarkable fourth-down 16-yard touchdown pass from Tovey to tight end Griffin Dahl. Dahl made an excellent catch over the Wolverines defender to give the Falcons a 13-6 lead with 1:23 left in the third quarter. The Falcons would not convert on the attempted two-point try after the touchdown, and the score remained 13-6 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Wolverines took their next possession, and behind the running of Fonua and Koloamatangi, they quickly moved over midfield. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Fonua took the handoff on the left side of the line and raced 48 yards for a touchdown. The Wolverines would miss the attempted two-point attempt, and the score stood at 13-12 in favor of the Falcons with 11:51 on the clock.

Looking to extend their one-point lead on the next drive, the Falcons would drive down the field to the Wolverines’ 24-yard line before facing a fourth down decision. The Falcons elected to go for it on fourth down and Wolverines defensive end Uluaki Taukiuvea tackled Tovey in the backfield on an attempted reverse play. The Wolverines would take over possession on their own 46-yard line with 6:27 left in the game.

The Wolverines would continue to feature their running game with Havea, Fonua and Koloamatangi gaining yards downfield to the Falcons’ five-yard line. The tough Falcons defense would force a fourth down at the two-yard line, and Wolverines kicker Koloamatangi kicked the game-winning 19-yard field goal with 2:36 left in the game. The 15-13 score would be the first time the Wolverines would be in the lead. The Wolverines defense would close out the game and stop the Falcons final drive and the final score stayed at 15-13.

Jordan Tovey

Outstanding performers

The Wolverines offensive lineman, Kalekava Wall, Tuifao Tufuga, Daniel Misinale led the way for the outstanding rushing output for the offense. Tovey had a hand in both of the Falcon’s touchdowns, one rushing and the other a passing score. The Falcons defense held the Wolverines to 15 total points, the lowest point total for the defense since the 2021 season against the Bear River Bears.

photos courtesy of James Tate