Kingerski’s Late Kick pushes Mokel and the Rockets over Hickory

Tagged under: District 10, Gameday Hub, News

John Robbins | September 30, 2022

Pre-game between Hickory and Slippery Rock

In a thrilling 23-20 victory for the Slippery Rock Rockets their star quarterback Will Mokel shined brightest. Despite a three-and-out resulting in a 62-yard punt return for a touchdown by Hickory’s Will Acrie. Following a blocked point after attempt by John Sabo and Brett Galcik, Mokel responded with a 65-yard touchdown pass to Maddox Allen to put the Rockets ahead 7-6 at the end of the first.

Zander Telesz opened up the second quarter with a 36-yard touchdown run to put the Hornets in the lead once again. Deep into the second Mokel would have his turn when he found Sabo in the endzone who made the diving effort to complete the 10-yard pass for six. Slippery Rock’s defense would do their part by batting the ball into the air resulting in defensive linemen Brett Galcik catching the interception. The Rockets would go into their bag of tricks with a jet sweep to Eli Anderson turning into a 20-yard pass to put Slippery Rock at the Hickory five-yard line. Mokel would find Anderson for his third touchdown of the night and put Slippery Rock up 20-13 at halftime.

A scoreless third quarter led into an exciting fourth. Hickory’s offense would continue to stall until Will Acrie would force a fumble on a punt return by Slippery Rock. Hickory would take over deep in Rockets territory. Then on fourth and four Telesz would scramble and find Ty Holland in the endzone. Slippery Rock would commit an offsides on the ensuing PAT that was blocked resulting in a rekick that would go through tying the game at 20.

Slippery Rock would start to drive with five minutes to go and with Sal Mineo’s 28-yard carry, his longest of the night, they would end up in field goal range. The Rockets would call upon Nick Kingerski to put them ahead. He would drill the 30-yard field goal with ease. The Slippery Rock defense would protect the 23-20 lead with a stop a yard short of the first down marker on 4th and 14. Slippery Rock improves to 4-2 while Hickory falls to 2-4. Hickory travels to Grove City next Friday, while Slippery Rock starts a two-game homestand against Sharon.

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