Spencer-Columbus comes from behind to upset long-time nemesis

If there is any opponent the Spencer-Columbus football team probably does not want to see on a late-season schedule, it’s Amherst. Three times in recent seasons, strong Rocket campaigns have come to an end at the hands of the perennial power.

That’s why the Rockets’ 30-29 upset win over an undefeated Amherst team -- on the Falcons’ home turf, to boot -- was special. The Rockets rallied from several deficits in the game to finally get the win in the end.

“Tonight was a great win for the program,” said Rocket head coach Jason Gorst. “We are proud of the effort and determination.”

Spencer-Columbus fell behind 7-0 early, but came back in the second quarter with two Gage Stratman touchdown passes to Eden Jacobson. The first covered 48 yards and brought the Rockets to within 7-6, and the second went for eight yards and, along with Stratman’s conversion play pass to Will Gorst, tied the score at 14-14 at the half.

Amherst made it a 21-14 game with a short run early in the second half, but Jacobson answered with a scoring plunge of his own. Stratman found Chase Higgins for the 2-point conversion to give S-C its first lead at 22-21.

Amherst went right back ahead at 29-22 with 5:55 in the game. This time, Spencer-Columbus needed almost no time at all to take the lead back as Jacobson broke a 70-yard touchdown run at the 5:37 mark. Jacobson added the conversion run for what would prove to be the winning points.

Jacobson had 25 carries on the night for 152 yards and caught five passes for 87 yards. Stratman was 10-12 for 136 yards, two scores and an interception.

Spencer-Columbus had 356 yards of offense compared to Amherst’s 252.