WELLS – At halftime, the United South Central Rebels had their backs against the wall.

Monday, October 29, 2001

WELLS – At halftime, the United South Central Rebels had their backs against the wall.

It didn’t take them long to rectify the situation.

The Rebels scored three touchdowns within a six-minute span in the third quarter and went on to beat Minnesota Valley Lutheran 21-7 in a Sub-Section 2AA football semifinal game at Wells Saturday.

The Rebels, 8-1 and seeded No. 1 in the section, will host the championship game Friday at 7 p.m. against second-seeded Windom, which defeated Madelia/Truman 48-19 Saturday. The winner Friday hosts a state quarterfinal game.

The Rebels’ best chances in the first half came early and late, but their opening drive ended on fourth down in MVL territory and a field goal attempt just before halftime was off the mark.

The Chargers, who scored after breaking a 61-yard run in the first quarter, fumbled in their first play of the second half.

Jon Beyer scored the first of his two touchdowns nine plays later.

After a short MVL punt, Ben Wetzell hit Cole Iverson with a 35-yard touchdown pass.

Justin Bixby blocked the Chargers’ next punt and, three plays later, Beyer scored.

Bixby also had two sacks and four tackles. Iverson intercepted two passes. Matt Bird had four tackles and recovered two fumbles.

&uot;The main thing was we didn’t panic,&uot; said USC coach Brent Schimek. &uot;We came out in the second half, took advantage of our opportunities and won the game.&uot;

MVL 7 0 0 0 – 7

USC 0 0 21 0 – 21

First Quarter

MVL-Dettman 1 run (kick good).

Second Quarter

No scoring.

Third Quarter

USC-Beyer 1 run (Ulrich kick)

USC-Iverson 35 pass from Wetzell (Ulrich kick)

USC-Beyer 2 run (Ulrich kick).

Fourth Quarter

No scoring.

MVL USC

Rushing yards 86 105

Passing yards 87 66

Total yards 175 171

Turnovers 5 0

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING-USC, Johnson 21-54, Beyer 20-50.

PASSING-USC, Wetzell 4-12-0, 66.

RECEIVING-USC, Iverson 2-45, Halvorson 1-11, Beyer 1-10.