Indians Buck The Hilltoppers 21-7

The Menomonee Falls Indians avoided a letdown Friday against Marquette University High School.

The Indians defeated archrival Sussex Hamilton 24-21 last week, and were given "Team of the Week" honors on Sports Radio 1250AM. The Indians didn't let the victory go to their heads, and grinded out a tough 21-7 victory over the Hilltoppers.

The Indians' trio of running backs Rajaee Vasser, Christian Almonte, and Cole Hernikl all reached the end zone Friday to seal the win. However, both teams played solid defense in the first half, which ended in a 7-7 tie.

The Indians (4-2, 4-1 Greater Metro) captured that important fourth win in conference play Friday to qualify for the postseason. Here's a look at the playoff picture, according to Patch Postseason Possibilities.

The Indians will hit the road and take on West Allis Hale at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5. Here's a look at how the Indians notched a victory Friday:

• Q2, 1:33: TOUCHDOWN! Indians running back Christian Almonte explodes for a 43-yard run for touchdown. Extra point is good. Indians 7 - Hilltoppers 7
• Q3, 2:14: TOUCHDOWN! Rajaee Vasser scores a touchdown on a 2-yard run to put the Indians on top. Extra point is good. Indians 14 - Hilltoppers 7
• Q4, 5:39: TOUCHDOWN! Cole Hernikl plows through the center of the defense for a 33-yard touchdown. Extra point is good. Indians 21 - Hilltoppers 7

FIRST QUARTER

Q1, 12:00: The Hilltoppers will recieve the the kickoff to start the game. The kickoff bounces out of bounds for an illegal procedure. Hilltoppers will start at their 35 yard line.

Q1, 9:59: The Indians get a finger on the punt after a Hiltopper three and out. Ball wobbles to the Indians' 32 yard line.

Q1, 5:45: The Hilltoppers again go three and out, but Falls' Christian Almonte returned the punt 40 yards to the Hilltopper 30 yard line.

Q1, 2:56: Hilltoppers have decided keep the ball on the ground and ride running back Jordan McClain. Hilltoppers are stringing together first downs.

Q1, 1:43: Hilltoppers gain 23 yards on a throwback to quarterback Charlie Greif from Jordan McClain. Hilltoppers cross over to Indians territory, and have the ball on the 32.

End of quarter

SECOND QUARTER

Q2, 11:33: Hilltoppers attempt to convert a fourth down on the Indians' 10 yard line, and convert it by an inch. Running back Alex Klestinski stretched his arm for the first.

Q2, 10:56: TOUCHDOWN! Hilltoppers quarterback Charlie Greif scores on a 10-yard keeper to put the game's first points on the board. Indians 0 - Hilltoppers 7

Q2, 9:37: After Hilltopper touchdown, Indians fail to get anything going on offense. Punt after another three and out.

Q2, 7:33: Another three and out for the Hilltoppers. Indians take over at their 20 yard line.

Q2, 2:59: Indians' DeShawn Pullen sacks Charlie Greif on third down to force another three and out. Falls returns punt at takes over at its 42 yard line.

Q2, 1:33: TOUCHDOWN! Indians running back Christian Almonte explodes for a 43-yard run for touchdown. Extra point is good. Indians 7 - Hilltoppers 7

Q2, 1:25: TURNOVER! Hilltoppers fumble the ensuing kick. Indians take over at the Marquette 20 yard line.

Q2, 1:22: TURNOVER! Hilltoppers intercept Adam Vechart's pass on the next play, and take over at their own 10 yard line.

End of half

THIRD QUARTER

Q3, 11:52: Indians' Cole Hernikl returns the kickoff to their 28 yard line. Will start their first drive of the second half.

Q3, 11:15: Falls goes three and out in their first drive. Punt returned to the Indians 40.

Q3, 7:11: Indians are driving, and have crossed into Hilltoppers territory. They'll snap their first play in enemy territory on the 42 yard line of Marquette.

Q3, 5:38: A sure-thing 37-yard touchdown pass from Adam Vechart squirts through the arms of Justin Johnson. Falls forced to punt.

Q3, 3:07: Indians quarterback Adam Vechart connects with Justin Johnson on a 15-yard pass to the Hilltopper 22 yard line. Falls driving.

Q3, 2:18: Adam Vechart connects with Daniel Dahlke on a 20-yard pass to the Hilltopper 2 yard line.

Q3, 2:14: TOUCHDOWN! Rajaee Vasser scores a touchdown on a 2-yard run to put the Indians on top. Extra point is good. Indians 14 - Hilltoppers 7

Q3, 1:48: TURNOVER: Hilltoppers fumble on a run and the Indians recover.

Q3, 0:18: Indians go three and out and punt. Hilltoppers take over at their own 17.

End of quarter

FOURTH QUARTER

Q4, 9:20: Indians defense tightens up and sack Hilltopper quarterback Charlie Greif. Hilltoppers punt, and Indians return it to the 37.

Q4, 8:38: Christian Almonte rushes for a 30-yard gain to cross into Hilltopper territory. Indians have the ball at the HIilltopper 47.

Q4, 6:44: After a false start penalty, Rajaee Vasser converts a 3rd and 7 to give the Indians a first down on the Hilltopper 33.

Q4, 5:39: TOUCHDOWN! Cole Hernikl plows through the center of the defense for a 33-yard touchdown. Extra point is good. Indians 21 - Hilltoppers 7

Q4, 2:35: Hilltoppers fail to convert a 4th and 23 and the Indians take over at midfield.

Q4, 0:45: TURNOVER! Indians cornerback Tom Paul picks off Hilltoppers quarterback Charlie Greif to seal the victory.

FINAL SCORE: INDIANS 21 - HILLTOPPERS 7