Thomas More Prep – Marian snapped a 15-game losing streak to Norton Friday night at Lewis Field Stadium as they held on for the 20-19 win.

The Monarchs trailed 19-14 with under four minutes to play, but after recovering a Norton kick at their own 47-yard line they had a short field to work with. TMP would score eight plays later on 4th-and-goal at the 10-yard line when senior Nick Hammeke lobbed one up for senior Taylor Pfeifer to bring down for the go-ahead score with just over a minute to play.

The contest was tied at seven apiece at halftime, and TMP took a 14-7 lead by scoring on their first possession of the second half on a one-yard rushing touchdown by senior Dylan Gottschalk.

Norton (3-5) would get the next two scores of the ball game on a pair of two-yard rushing touchdowns by senior Jordan Wahlmeier in the fourth quarter. Sophomore kicker Austin Hager missed the extra point after the first Wahlmeier score and the Blue Jays had a failed two-point conversion on their final score.

Norton would drive into TMP territory on their last possession before Pfeifer came up his second interception of the game to give the Monarchs (5-3) the win.

The Herd reaches 5 wins on the season for the first time since 2002. It’s also the first win against Norton since 1937. Friday’s win was TMP’s first district win since 2008.

Hammeke finished the night with 13 completions for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Hammeke has now thrown for over 4,000 yards in his career at Thomas More Prep – Marian. (4,083)

In the other Class 3A District 15 game, Phillipsburg defeated Goodland 35-21. The Panthers are now 2-0 in districts and have assured themselves a playoff spot.

1-1 TMP and 1-1 Goodland square off Thursday night in Goodland. The winner makes it to the playoffs and loser’s season comes to an end.

TMP coach Jon Borer’s post-game comments:
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TMP vs. Norton Hightlights:
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