Keating's punt block turning point in 2A championship

CEDAR FALLS – Iowa City Regina needed to fire up, so Ben Keating provided the spark.

The senior helped the Regals capture momentum early in the third quarter, blocking a Spirit Lake punt and propelling them to a second straight state title. Regina scored 14 points after Keating's block and led the rest of the way for a 24-20 win over No. 3 Spirit Lake in the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 2A state championship Saturday at the UNI-Dome.

Regina trailed 10-3 at halftime and forced the punt on Spirit Lake's opening possession of the second half. Keating maneuvered through the middle of the line and blocked the kick that deflected into open space at the 25-yard line where teammate Jake Lehman ran it to the 5 to set up a tying TD run by Jacob Vollstedt.