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When it became apparent that the Mineral Point rushing game had run its course quarterback Scott Schmitz knew he had some receivers ready.
So the Poiinter senior fired three scoring strikes to Steven Blume, twice on 11 yarders and once for 65 then put up a two yarder to Lance Steffes for good measure. But the four touchdowns were not enough lto let the Pointers keep up with Darlington's onslaught as the Redbirds closed out a 55-28 win in a Level II playoff game,
Hunter Johnson ran loose for five touchdowns and ran for 199 yards while Trevor Johnson, Conrad Blosch and Jared Meister added one score each.
Pittz generated 224 yards through the air on a 16 for 26 passing night. He also ran for 46 more.
Lucas Sanchez led the Pointer rushing with four carries for 67 yards.
Blume's eight catches and 136 yards led the receivers with Steffes catching three for 76.
Pointer coach Andy Palzkill felt the Redbirds won the game up front.
"They owned the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball," Palkill said. "We were unable to get anything going consistently on the ground. Give Darlington's front five credit along with their linebackers."
Palzkill was sure the Pointers were going to be able to put up some points and was hoping for a balanced attack.
"We were confident that we could score points against their defense," Palzkill added. "With Scott Pittz at quarterback you always have the ability to throw effectively. We shifted our play calling to take advantage of our athletes against their secondary. Lance Steffes and Steven Blume did a great job of making plays in the passing game..'
Having Blume back at full strength was a big lift for the pointers.
"Steven is one of the best offensive weapons in this area," Palzkill said. "He is dangerous in the return game and we find as many ways as we can to get him the ball. He is a big play threat and is not afraid to catch the ball in traffic and take a hit. He is a complete offensive player for us and it was great to get him back."
The Pointers completed their season with the loss and made some strides as a program doing it.
"Our team did overcome some adversity this season," Palzkill said. "We lost Steven for five weeks in the heart of the season and it was impressive we could continue to play good football. We needed athletes to step up and they did"
"Since I became head coach the program has grown. We took big strides in the running game this season and we ran for over 2600 yards. We want to be a dominate running team and we are on the right track," Palzkill said.
"Making the playoffs and competing for the conference championship are goals for us each year," Palzkill added. "This group has reached level II the past two seasons and that should make us hungry for more. This sets up an expectation of playing good football and has our athletes gearing up for a deeper playoff run in the future."
This was the last game for Pointer seniors Nate Eisenzimmer, Dane Pfaff, Scott Pittz, Steven Blume, Brandon Forseth Logan Bidling-meier, Dylan MacGilvra, Jacob Parks and Zach Cummings.
"I can't thank them enough for what they have done for our football program," Palzkill said. "They have been willing to be team players and each of these young men has sacrificed at times for the good of the team. Their commitment to the weight room and year around conditioning is commendable. This senior class has set a standard for future athletes an it has been an honor coaching them. I know what they have learned from football will help them be successful people in the next phases of their life."