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Championship mettle shines through for Kimberly in fourth straight title

11/19/2016, 12:30pm CST
By Travis Wilson

The Kimberly Papermakers haven't been tested often during their now 56-game winning streak, but when pushed, they have responded. That winning attitude shone through in a big way in the Division 1 state championship game, as Kimberly rallied from a 14-0 deficit to score a 29-14 victory over Franklin. It marks the fourth consecutive championship for the Papermakers, the first in Division 2 and the last three in Division 1.

Franklin jumped out early, marking 86 yards on 15 plays to score on its opening drive. After fumbling the next possession, the Sabers converted a short field courtesy of a Brad Tobin interception into another touchdown to take a 14-0 lead on a stunned Kimberly sideline.

The Papermakers didn't exactly respond immediately, as they had just 81 yards of offense in the first half with three turnovers and another drive that ended in a turnover on downs. The defense stiffened however, limiting Franklin to just 8 yards of offense the rest of the first half.

The second half belonged to the Papermakers however, as they picked off Franklin quarterback three times and scored touchdowns on its first four possessions after intermission.

One of the key plays in the game came after Kimberly had tied things up at 14 late in the third quarter. Sabers quarterback Max Alba found Kyle Lewis behind the defense for a 78 yard score, but it was wiped out on an ineligible man downfield penalty against Franklin. 

Two plays later the Sabers punted, and Kimberly marched down for the go-ahead touchdown on the next drive. After getting held down in the first half, the Papermakers offense broke out for 231 yards of offense in the second half.

It is fourth straight state championship for Kimberly and the sixth overall, joining titles in 2007 (D2), 2008 (D2).

For the latest and most up to date football news and recruiting information, follow Travis on Twitter @travisWSN. Email story ideas, recruiting info, etc. to Travis at travis(at)wissports.net.

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