Hermantown Football Ready for Annual Rivalry Game Against Proctor

The rivalry game dates all the way back to 1941.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- As week two gets underway, the Hermantown football team gears up for a rivalry game that has been going on for 84 years.

The Hawks welcome in the Proctor Rails for the annual Hammer game on Friday, September 5th.

The rivalry game dates all the way back to 1941.

The Hawks have held on to the hammer since the 2020 season.

In last year’s Hammer game, the Hawks defeated the Rails 72-0.

As the day’s countdown to Friday, the Hermantown football team is ready to defend the hammer.

“It’s always been that cross-town rivalry, it’s gone on for years, the hammer game. Kids are excited about it, and we are looking forward to it. We have to move on from week one,” said head coach Mike Zagelmeyer. ” It’s something that they have played for, ever since they were young. So, I know they’re very excited about it. I know that I am excited about it.”

For Hermantown’s running back, Martin Sleen has had several memories of the Hammer game over the years.  

” I remember when I was younger going to the hammer game and seeing us lift up the hammer after a win, have to give it away, and just kind of realize how important it is to hold on to that, said Sleen. “We all know how important it is, and we all plan on holding on to the hammer and doing whatever it takes to do that.”

Kickoff for the annual Hammer game between Hermantown and Proctor is at 7 p.m.