GMG running back Bodie Hutchinson celebrates after scoring his second touchdown of the game against Belle Plaine on Friday, Aug. 21, at Belle Plaine High School. The Wolverines defeated the Plainsmen 32-28 in the Week Zero non-district matchup, marking their first season-opening win since 2021. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

BELLE PLAINE — For the first time since 2021, GMG football opened the season victoriously, bagging Belle Plaine 32-28 last Friday night in a Week Zero non-district 8-Player road game.

Roughly four minutes into the first quarter — and on only the second play of their first possession — GMG senior quarterback Ethan Klemesrud tossed the ball to his running back, junior Bodie Hutchinson, who stormed into the end zone for GMG’s first touchdown. With the 2-point conversion good, the Wolverines led 8-0.

As the game clock dipped below four minutes, Hutchinson did it again, taking a toss from Klemesrud before rushing down the GMG sideline, shaking off multiple tackles in the process, to score a 45-yard touchdown. Another 2-point conversion was good and GMG moved in front 16-0.

In the final moments of the first quarter, Belle Plaine’s quarterback threw a long touchdown; the quarter ended 16-8 with the Wolverines continuing to lead.

Early in the second quarter, Hutchinson ran in another touchdown, but there was a flag on the play, negating it. The Wolverines were pushed back to Belle Plaine’s 20-yard line. On the next play, junior wide receiver Easton Sash caught an impressive pass from Klemesrud in the end zone for GMG’s third touchdown despite an MCL tear he suffered last football season that is currently preventing him from being medically cleared for defense. The two-point conversion was good; GMG remained ahead, 24-8.

GMG wide receiver Easton Sash (1) runs with the ball while shrugging off Plainsmen defenders in the first quarter of Friday's Week Zero game in Belle Plaine. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Just before the half, the two teams played an almost comical round of possession hot potato mere yards from the GMG end zone. Thanks to some excellent work by the Wolverine defense, the Plainsmen never scored and GMG retained the lead heading into the second half.

Belle Plaine tried to mount a comeback in the third quarter, scoring 16 points and keeping GMG at bay. The Plainsmen scored another touchdown in the final quarter, which GMG matched and raised with an extra two points. But for all their efforts in the second half (and with nearly twice the roster size), the Plainsmen couldn’t pull it off. GMG notched its first win over Belle Plaine, 32-28.

Against Belle Plaine, Klemesrud went 11-for-20, amassing 141 passing yards and one touchdown to Sash while throwing two interceptions. Klemesrud also carried the ball 16 times for 135 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown. Hutchinson had 11 carries for 132 yards and two touchdowns as the Wolverines rushed for a total of 263 yards to Belle Plaine’s 178.

Sash finished with six receptions for 59 yards.

On defense, GMG’s unit racked up 71 tackles with Klemesrud leading the way with 23 (18 solo). Hutchinson had 14 tackles and senior Caleb Ferch had 10. Senior Jacob Snider caught GMG’s lone interception in the final 60 seconds of the first half.

Wolverine quarterback Ethan Klemesrud (7) prepares for the snap early in the game against Belle Plaine, Friday, Aug. 21. Against the Plainsmen, Klemesrud went 11-for-20, amassing 141 yards and one touchdown pass while throwing two interceptions. He carried the ball 16 times for 135 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

The Wolverines outgained Belle Plaine 404-255 in total offense, but the Plainsmen had five takeaways to GMG’s one.

Klemesrud and Hutchinson scored all four of the team’s two-point conversions, while Belle Plaine was 2-for-4 in conversions, representing the final margin.

With an opening win now fresh under their jerseys, GMG (1-0) is set to take on Calamus-Wheatland (0-0) tonight, Friday, Aug. 28, at home in Garwin in non-district 8-man play. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Hutchinson (32) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring the first touchdown of the evening. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Hutchinson had 11 carries for 132 yards and two touchdowns. The Wolverines rushed for a total of 263 yards to Belle Plaine’s 178. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Hutchinson carries the ball toward the Belle Plaine end zone for what would become his second rushing touchdown of the game, Friday, Aug. 21. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Wolverine Jacoby Woodbury, left, congratulates Hutchinson following the touchdown. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Sash (1) leaps into the air after scoring a touchdown against the Plainsmen Friday night. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Woodbury comes down with a long pass from Klemesrud to put GMG in position for another touchdown. Woodbury had two receptions against the Plainsmen Friday night for 62 yards. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER