A month ago, Patrick Putz wasn’t even the Vermilion Ironhawks’ regular kicker.
But on Sunday the freshman from Texas kicked the Ironhawks into the state semifinals.
Putz nailed three field goals, including a 42-yarder in overtime that gave the community college football team a 23-20 win over Central Lakes in the Minnesota College Athletic Conference quarterfinals.
It was Vermilion’s first playoff victory since the 2008 season.
After the Vermilion defense stopped Central Lakes on the first possession of overtime, the ball went to the Ironhawks and Putz promptly delivered.
The walkoff win gave Vermilion (2-7) a berth in Sunday’s semifinals, and a date with top-seeded Mesabi at 1:30 p.m. at Mt. Iron.
Vermilion needed a break or two to move on.
The Ironhawks led 17-0 in the first half and were still up 20-14 with under two minutes left, when an untimely interception gave Central Lakes the ball inside the Vermilion 15.
Three plays later, the Raiders tied it up on a nineyard scoring run, but the go-ahead extra point was blocked, leading to overtime. Vermilion also overcame five interceptions to gain the win.
A strong start buoyed Vermilion, with freshman quarterback Ricky Reyes completing a pass to Antwan Taylor that went for 84 yards and a touchdown, along with a 35-yard scoring pass to Trevor Neal.
Putz added a field goal and the Ironhawks led 17-0 at the half.
The tide turned in the third quarter, and Central Lakes got a 65-yard punt return for a touchdown and recovered a pair of on-side kicks.
Putz nailed his second field goal to give Vermilion some breathing room at 2014, but the late turnover gave Central Lakes the chance to tie the game.
Reyes passed for 178 yards but threw three picks, while Johnathan Brantley ran for a team-best 69 yards but also threw two interceptions. Quinton Borders had a team-best six tackles and an interception for the Ironhawks, while Josh Cain was in on six stops as well.
Freddy Lucero, Elijah Stozek and Sean Timson all finished with four tackles.
Vermilion is looking for an upset Sunday against the top-seeded Norse, who scored a 42-7 win over Vermilion in mid-October.
Sunday’s winner moves on to the MCAC title game, set for Nov. 8 at Rochester.
