SPORTS FLASHBACK 1975: Sleeper play catches St Laurent napping

The St Laurent Panthers must be wondering what they have to do to defeat the Landmark Dutchmen. They came within three minutes of their first victory in three years Sunday, only to have a 50 yard-sleeper play and a last second field goal turn a sure victory into a defeat in the Rural Manitoba Intermediate Football League semi-final.

The Dutchmen, trailing 14-1 at the half, rallied for one touchdown and a safety touch in the third quarter to make it 14-10.

St Laurent’s Wayne Tremblay returned a blocked punt 15 yards for a touchdown to give St Laurent a 10 point lead early in the fourth, setting the stage for the rally by the Dutchmen.

Landmark gained a first down following the kickoff on a third down gamble and then moved the ball another five yards on a completion to Ken Sonnichsen.

Bruce Reimer didn’t return to the huddle, but remained on the field near the sidelines and on the next play Wilmer Penner hit him on a 50-yard pass and run play, narrowing the gap to four points.

Allan Reimer caught a pass for the two point conversion and the Dutchmen were trailing by two. St Laurent failed to move the ball following the kickoff and Landmark took over with less than three minutes remaining.

Seven plays later, Martin Voss kicked a field goal from the 15 yard line to give Landmark the 21-20 victory.

Turnovers played an important part in the games, as St Laurent gained touchdowns on a fumble recovery and a blocked punt. Landmark capitalized on errors as well, earning a safety touch and getting a second chance on the game winning field goal after an offside was called on the first attempt, which was wide.

The victory earned Landmark the right to play in the RMIFL final against the Steinbach Wheelers in Steinbach.