File photo.By Khue Lor
October 12, 2012
Wausau– Cole Nelson led his Lumberjacks to the playoffs as he threw a late strike in the final seconds to Adam Urmanski for a spectacular game winning touchdown, as Wausau East came back from behind to defeat the Wausau West Warriors in their annual Log Game, 23-21.
On Friday night, the annual Log Game between Wausau East and Wausau West displayed the most exciting and dramatic finish of the season. After the Warriors scored on the preceding drive to take the late lead in the 4th quarter, Lumberjack senior QB Cole Nelson marched his team down the field in the final minutes.
With about thirteen seconds left on the clock, Nelson targeted senior receiver Adam Urmanski inside the red zone for a short pass down the middle. Urmanski caught the short pass and ran through the defense for the end zone. As he was about to be tackled, Urmanski extended the ball out as he crossed the goal line to lift The Lumberjacks to a 23-21 lead with four seconds remaining.
The Wausau East offense took plenty of shots down the field as they aired the ball out and took their chances throughout the game. Nelson stepped back to pass on numerous occasions and tried to find his reliable offensive weapons through the air.
Wausau East head coach, Steve Jung said, “This win has to start with Cole, our quarterback, getting the ball to our two primary receivers Logan Taylor and Adam Urmanski.”
The Wausau West Warriors left the game disappointed but they gave a great effort throughout the entire game.
Their offense scored all their touchdowns on the ground. Three different Warriors players reached the end zone. As the Warriors running game kept them close and even gave them the lead late in the game, it was just not enough to hold the Lumberjacks off in this close game.
“Well anytime you lose like this, it’s always tough, our kids played hard, it’s a great effort on both teams” said Wausau West head coach Kevin Grundy.
This was the last game for Wausau West. The Warriors end their season with a 2-6 record.
Grundy said, “I’m proud of all of them, I love and care about all of them.”
As for Wausau East, they finish their regular season with a 5-3 record. Lumberjacks clinched a playoff spot with this Log Game victory.
Coach Jung said “We’re in the playoffs and we get the Log, I can’t think of a better ending for us.”
