High School

Five Local Football Teams Learn First Round State Opponents

The State Quarterfinal rounds kickoff on Thursday and Friday. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Last week, five local football teams punched their ticket to the state tournament. Over the weekend, they learned who their first-round state opponent will be. In the Class AAAA Tournament, Grand Rapids earned the top seed in the north region. The Thunderhawks will face Benilde-St. Margaret in the quarterfinal round. Over in the Class AA tournament, Moose Lake/…

Section Volleyball: Esko Defeats Rush City in Five Sets to Claim First Section Title Since 2011

The scores were (18-25, 25-8, 25-15, 20-25, 16-14)

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- For the fourth consecutive year, the Esko volleyball team faced off against Rush City in the Section 7AA title game. In a close section title game, Esko defeated the Tigers 3-2 to earn their first section championship since 2011. The scores were (18-25, 25-8, 25-15, 20-25, 16-14) Esko will learn who its state opponent is later this week….

Section Football: Grand Rapids Blanks Hermantown to Win First 7AAAA Title Since 2021

Grand Rapids previously defeated Hermantown 34-20 in the regular season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Grand Rapids football team dethroned the defending 7AAAA section champions on Friday night. Battling Hermantown for the 2nd time this season, the Thunderhawks left no doubt as they came away with the 41 to 0 victory. Grand Rapids clinches their first state tournament berth since the 2021 season. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Section Football: Barnum Handles MIB to Capture 7A Title & Advance to State

For the first time since the 2012 season, the Barnum football team is in the state tournament.

CLOQUET, Minn.- For the first time since the 2012 season, the Barnum football team is in the state tournament. On Friday, the Bombers defeated Mountain Iron-Buhl 34 to 8 in the Section 7A title game to secure their spot. “It feels amazing. What was it my freshman, sophomore year I was playing with my brother and we made it to…

Northwestern Football Routs St. Croix Falls to Advance to Sectional Semifinals

The Tigers will next face Grantsburg on November 7th.

MAPLE, Wis.- The Northwestern Tigers football team remains perfect during their 2025 campaign. On Friday, Northwestern handled St. Croix Falls 47 to 20 in Level II action to advance to the sectional semifinals. The Tigers will next face Grantsburg on November 7th. Kick-off is at 7 PM. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Section Football: Cook County Claims Section 7 9-Man Title, Ends 18-Year State Drought

It's the first time since the 2007 season that Cook County has advanced to state.

HIBBING, Minn.- The Cook County football team extended their memorable season on Friday night. Playing Littlefork-Big Falls in the Section 7 9-Man title game, the Vikings were able to get the best of the Vikings, 29 to 12. It’s the first time since the 2007 season that Cook County has advanced to state. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Duluth Marshall Infielder Aaden Westerbur Commits to Concordia-Moorhead Baseball

In Westerbur's junior season with the Hilltoppers, he clubbed 16 hits, 1 home run, and 15 RBIs.

DULUTH, Minn.- On the diamond, Duluth Marshall infielder Aaden Westerbur will continue his baseball career at the college level. Westerbur announced his commitment to Concordia-Moorhead earlier this week. In eight’s junior season with the Hilltoppers, he clubbed 16 hits, 1 home run, and 15 RBIs. Last year, Duluth Marshall and the future Cobber reached the state tournament for the first…

Section Volleyball: Grand Rapids Earns Redemption Against Princeton to Head to State

The Thunderhawks are back at state after missing out in 2024.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Back in August, the Grand Rapids volleyball team began their season with a four-set loss to Princeton. Over two months later, the Thunderhawks returned the favor. This time defeating the Tigers, 3-1 in the 7AAA title game. Grand Rapids advances to state for the first time since the 2023 season. “Every year we have really coachable girls. I…

Section Football: Moose Lake/Willow River Earns Fifth Straight Section 7AA Title

The Rebels will make their 19th state appearance in past 20 seasons.

ESKO, Minn.- The first set of section championship games kicked off on Thursday. Moose Lake/Willow River squared off against Aitkin in the Section 7AA title game. The Rebels claim their fifth consecutive Section 7AA title, blanking the Gobblers 28-0. “Great for these kids, they work so hard, this group of seniors is special. There are 21 seniors on this team,…

Section Football: Cromwell-Wright Handles Bertha-Hewitt to Claim Section Five 9-Man Title Once Again

This is the 5th time in program history that the Cromwell-Wright co-op has made it to state.

BRAINERD, Minn.- For the 2nd straight season, the Cromwell-Wright football team made it to the final eight. On Thursday, they defeated Bertha-Hewitt 41 to 18 to claim the Section 5 9-Man title. The Cardinals were led by Drew Nyberg, who had four touchdown passes and a field goal in the victory. This is the 5th time in program history that…

State Girls Soccer: Esko & St. Cloud Cathedral Tie in 3rd Place Game

Esko finishes their 2025 campaign with a 14-3-2 record.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team ended their season with a tie on Thursday afternoon. Playing St. Cloud Cathedral in the Class A 3rd place game, both teams would not find the back of the net as they both finished with zeros. Esko finishes their 2025 campaign with a 14-3-2 record. Categories: High School, Sports

Esko Volleyball Advances to 4th Straight Section 7AA Title Game

On Wednesday, Esko swept Greenway in straight sets in the 7AA semifinals to secure their spot in the title game.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Esko volleyball team will get the chance to play for a trip to state. On Wednesday, Esko swept Greenway in straight sets in the 7AA semifinals to secure their spot in the title game. They’ll next face Rush City on Saturday in Hermantown at 4 PM. It’s the 4th straight year that Esko will play the Tigers…

Northern Star: Britta Koski

Koski had nine goals and seven assists in the team's first 17 games of the season.

ESKO, Minn.- Britta Koski is not hard to miss on the field. She rocks two different colored cleats and is a big part in almost every goal for the Esko girls soccer team. “One of Britta’s strengths is being able to see the game before the game even really happens. She can see where that pass needs to go to…

Section 7A Volleyball: North Woods & Floodwood Secure Spots in Title Game

The section title game is set for Saturday at 4 PM at Rock Ridge High School.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The Section 7A volleyball championship game is now set. On Wednesday, North Woods and Floodwood both secured their spots with semifinal wins. The Grizzlies defeated South Ridge in four sets and the Polar Bears upset Chisholm in five sets. The section title game is set for Saturday at 4 PM at Rock Ridge High School. Categories: High School,…

State Girls Soccer: Esko’s Rally Falls Short in Semifinal Loss to Providence Academy

Hannah Rautell had the lone goal for Esko

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- For the 2nd straight season, the Esko girls soccer team saw their title hopes end in the state semifinals. Facing top-seeded Providence Academy, Esko went into the break trailing by two. Then in the 2nd half, Hannah Rautell found the back of the net to pull her team within one. Shortly after that though, the Lions responded with…

Section Volleyball: Duluth East Sees Season End with Four-Set Loss to Andover

Duluth East finishes the year with a 19-9 overall record.

ANDOVER, Minn.- The Duluth East volleyball team looked to secure a spot in the Section 7AAAA title game on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, the ran into a tough Andover squad, who went on to defeat the Greyhounds 3-1 in the semifinals. Duluth East finishes the year with a 19-9 overall record. Categories: High School, Sports

Esko Girls Soccer to Meet Top Seed Providence Academy in Class A State Semifinal

Esko's state semifinal game against the Lions is on Wednesday, October 29th. 

ESKO, Minn.- After a three goal second half by Addy Parrott in the quarterfinal round, the Esko girls soccer team punched their ticket to the state semifinal round. Now, Esko is set to kickoff at U.S Bank Stadium against top seeded Providence Academy with a trip to the championship game on the line. The State semifinal game is not the…

Section Volleyball: After One-Year Hiatus, Grand Rapids to Play for 7AAA Title Once Again

Grand Rapids lost to North Branch in the semifinals in 2024.

NORTH BRANCH, Minn.- The Grand Rapids volleyball team has found themselves back in the Section 7AAA championship game. On Monday, the Thunderhawks defeated North Branch in four sets in the semifinals to secure their spot. They’ll next face Princeton, who swept Cloquet in the other semifinal game on Monday night. The section title game will take place on Thursday at…

Hermantown Football Returns to Section 7AAAA Title Game After Semifinal Win Over North Branch

Hermantown will clash with Grand Rapids in the section title game on Friday, October 31st.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The prep football playoffs in Minnesota continued on Saturday. The Hermantown football team hosted North Branch in the Section 7AAAA semifinal round. The Hawks punch their ticket back to the title game, defeating the Vikings 35-28. Hermantown will clash with Grand Rapids in the section title game on Friday, October 31st. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.   Categories:…

Northwestern Football Advances to Level II After Handling Prescott

The Tigers are now 10-0 on the season.

MAPLE, Wis.- The Northwestern football team continued their perfect season on Friday night. Playing Prescott in Level I of the WIAA Playoffs, the Tigers left no doubt as they came away with the 67 to 20 victory. Northwestern will next face St. Croix Falls in Level II on October 31st. Kick-off is at 7 PM. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High…

Esko Volleyball Punches Ticket to 7AA Semifinals After Sweeping Moose Lake/Willow River

Esko will take on Greenway in the Section 7AA semifinal round on Wednesday, October 29th. 

ESKO, Minn.- The Minnesota prep volleyball playoffs continued on Friday night. Esko hosted Moose Lake/Willow River in the section 7AA quarterfinal round. Esko takes care of business at home defeating the Rebels 3-0. Esko will take on Greenway in the semifinal round on Wednesday, October 29th. First set is at 5:15 p.m. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Mountain Iron-Buhl Guard Aniyah Thomas Commits to UWS Hoops

Last year, Thomas averaged 12 points per game for the Rangers. 

VIRGINIA, Minn.- In prep basketball, Mountain Iron-Buhl guard Aniyah Thomas has committed to play college hoops at UWS. The Guard has one more season with the Rangers who went 26-4 a season ago. She averaged 12 points per game last year. Thomas and the Rangers open up the year against Hillcrest Academy on Friday, November 21st. Categories: High School, Sports

State Boys Soccer: Southwest Christian Scores Two Unanswered Goals to Eliminate Duluth Marshall

Duluth Marshall finishes the season with a 11-6-2 record.

FOREST LAKE, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall boys soccer team made their 3rd straight state tournament appearance on Thursday night. Playing Southwest Christian in the Class A quarterfinals, Marshall held a 1-0 lead for the first 75 minutes of the contest. Benson Peterson scored the goal for the Hilltoppers. After that though, the Stars rallied back to force overtime and then…

Section Volleyball: Cloquet & Proctor Extend Seasons with Opening Round Wins

Wednesday marked the beginning of a number of section volleyball tournaments.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Wednesday marked the beginning of a number of section volleyball tournaments. In 7AAA, Cloquet began their quest towards a state berth by topping Hermantown, 3-1 in the quarterfinals. Cloquet will next play at Princeton in the semifinals on Monday. In 7AA, Proctor held off Mesabi East in five sets to advance to the quarterfinals. The Rails now shift…

State Soccer: Parrott’s Hat Trick Lifts Esko to Class A Semifinals for 2nd Straight Year

Esko was led by Addie Parrott, who had a hat trick in the victory.

WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team will once again get the chance to play at U.S. Bank Stadium. On Wednesday, Esko defeated St. Croix Prep 4-1 in the quarterfinals to secure their spot in the semifinals. Esko was led by Addie Parrott, who had a hat trick in the victory. Paiton Plante had the other goal for…

Rock Ridge Girls Tennis Wins Class AA State Title

On Wednesday, the Wolverines defeated Blake 6-1 in the state title game to capture the trophy.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn.- For the first time in program history, the Rock Ridge girls tennis team has captured the Class AA state title. On Wednesday, the Wolverines defeated Blake 6-1 in the state title game to win the trophy. Singles: 1 Mayme Scott Grade 11 Vs Sienna Szerda Grade 9 Rock Ridge (Virginia) 6-1 4-6 10-7 – 2 Ellie Dimberio Grade 8 Vs Michelle…

Prep Football: Esko & Duluth Denfeld Earn Home Wins in Respective Quarterfinal Round Matchups

The first round of the Minnesota prep football playoffs began on Tuesday night. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The first round of the Minnesota prep football playoffs began on Tuesday night. In section 7AAA, Esko hosted Proctor in the quarterfinals. Esko defended their home turf, defeating the Rails 50-0. Esko will hit the road on Saturday, October 25th, to take on Pierz in the semifinal round. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. Over in section 7AAAA, the…

State Soccer: Grand Rapids & Duluth East Girls, Duluth Denfeld Boys Fall in Quarterfinals

Three local soccer teams took the big stage on Tuesday night to begin state tournament play.

FOREST LAKE, Minn.- Three local soccer teams took the big stage on Tuesday night to begin state tournament play. Perhaps the most eager to get going was the Grand Rapids girls, who made their first-ever state tourney appearance. The Thunderhawks drew the defending champs, Mahtomedi, who they held in check in the first half and most of the second. But…

Five Local Soccer Teams Learn State Seeding & First Round Opponent

Over the weekend, the state seedings for both boys and girls soccer were released.

DULUTH, Minn.- Over the weekend, the state seedings for both boys and girls soccer were released. And only one local team secured higher than a 5th seed spot. That team would be the Esko girls, who are set for their 4th straight state tournament. Esko earns the 4th seed and will clash with the 5th seed, St. Croix Prep in…

Northwestern Football Earns 2nd Seed in WIAA Playoffs & Awaits a Week One Rematch

The 9-0 Tigers will host Prescott in the first round of the postseason.

MAPLE, Wis.- The Northwestern football team learned its WIAA playoff seeding over the weekend. The Tigers earned the second seed in the Division 5 Northwest Region. The 9-0 Tigers will host Prescott in the first round of the postseason. Northwestern and the Cardinals squared off once this year, playing each other in the first week of the season. In their…

Northwestern Football Defeats Hayward 49-7 to End the Regular Season with a 9-0 Record

Northwestern will learn its WIAA playoff matchup over the weekend.

MAPLE, Wis.- The final week of the prep football season in Wisconsin kicked off on Friday night. The Northwestern Tigers hosted the Hayward Hurricanes with their perfect record on the line. The Tigers defeat the Hurricanes 49-7, to end the regular season with a 9-0 record. Northwestern will learn its WIAA playoff matchup over the weekend. For Hayward, they close…

Duluth East Volleyball Extends Win Streak to Ten After a 3-1 Victory Over Duluth Marshall

Duluth East is back in action on Friday, October 17th, against Roseville.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East volleyball team hosted Duluth Marshall Thursday night. The Greyhounds pick up the 3-1 win over the Hilltoppers to extend their win streak to ten. Duluth East returns to action on Friday, October 17th, against Roseville. First set is at 1:30 p.m. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Football: Hermantown, Duluth Denfeld, & Esko End Regular Season with Victories, Proctor Falls

The final week of the Minnesota prep football season kicked off on Wednesday night. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The final week of the Minnesota prep football season kicked off on Wednesday night. In Hermantown, a rematch of last years section 7AAAA championship game took place, as the 6-1 Hawks hosted the 6-1 North Branch Vikings. The Hawks dominated all game, defeating the Vikings 56-26. Hermantown ends the regular season with a 7-1 record. Cloquet aimed for…

Hermantown’s Hunter Nelson Named Finalist for Mr. Soccer Award

The Mr. Soccer Award winner will be announced on Sunday, October 19th. 

DULUTH, Minn.- On the pitch, Hermantown senior captain Hunter Nelson has been nominated for the 2025 Mr. Soccer Award. This honor is given to the best senior soccer player in the state of Minnesota. In his senior campaign with the Hawks, he registered 14 goals and tallied 13 assists. Hermantown went 9-5-4 this year and reached the section 7A semifinal…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Soccer Punches Ticket to State Tournament with 1-0 Win Over Grand Rapids

Scoring the lone goal for the Hunters was Sam Eklund.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys soccer team aimed for their first section title since 2020, taking on Grand Rapids, who looked to snap a 20-year state tournament drought. The Hunters punched their ticket to the state tournament, defeating the Thunderhawks 1-0. Scoring the lone goal for the Hunters was Sam Eklund. The Hunters will learn who their state opponent is…

Second Half Goal by Hadley Friday Lifts Duluth East Girls Soccer to Second Straight Section Title

The Greyhounds will learn their state opponent over the weekend. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East girls soccer team hosted Blaine in the Section 7AAA Title game on Tuesday night. After a scoreless first half, Hadley Friday found the back of the net on a corner kick to give the Greyhounds the lead. Duluth East claims their second straight section title defeating the Bengals 1-0. “It’s what you work for. I…

Esko Girls Soccer Blanks Proctor for 4th Straight Section 7A Title

Esko was led by Britta Koski, who had the lone goal in the contest.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team will once again get the chance to play for a state title. On Tuesday, Esko defeated Proctor 1-0 to claim their fourth straight Section 7A title. Esko was led by Britta Koski, who had the lone goal in the contest. Esko will learn who their first round opponent is at state over the…

Debay’s Late Goal in OT Sends Grand Rapids Girls Soccer to First-Ever State Tourney

Kylie Debay scored the lone goal with 58 seconds left in overtime.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The Grand Rapids girls soccer team will finally be able to play on the big stage at state. On Tuesday, the Thunderhawks defeated the Hawks of Hermantown 1-0 in the Section 7AA title game. Kylie Debay scored the lone goal with 58 seconds left in overtime. The state tournament matchups will be announced over the weekend. Categories:…

Duluth Marshall Boys Soccer Heading to State for 3rd Straight Season

Mason Park and Benson Peterson each had two goals for Marshall.

RAMSEY, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall boys soccer team claimed their 3rd straight Section 7A title on Tuesday. Playing Spectrum, the Hilltoppers found the back of the net four times in the first half and wouldn’t look back to pick up the 5 to 1 win. Mason Park and Benson Peterson each had two goals for Marshall. State matchups will be…

Northwestern’s Ethan Harms to Continue Football Career at Dordt

So far this season, the quarterback/receiver has 440 rushing yards, 423 receiving yards, and 17 total touchdowns.

MAPLE, Wis.- Northwestern’s Ethan Harms now knows where he’ll be heading once his time with the Tigers wraps up. On Sunday, Harms announced his commitment to Dordt University, a Division three team based out of the Great Plains Athletic Conference. So far this season, the quarterback/receiver has 440 rushing yards, 423 receiving yards, and 17 total touchdowns. He’ll join former…

Prep Football: Northwestern Stays Undefeated, Cloquet Wins Thriller, Duluth Denfeld Falls at Home

Friday marked week 8 for prep football teams in Wisconsin. 

MAPLE, Wis.- Friday marked week 8 for prep football teams in Wisconsin. The Northwestern Tigers hosted Ashland in the U.S Highway 2 rivalry game. The Tigers defeated the Oredockers 49-0 to win their 18th consecutive U.S Highway 2 rivalry game. Over in Minnesota, the Cloquet Lumberjacks squared off against Duluth East. The Lumberjacks defeated the Greyhounds 21-20 after a game-winning…

Mirage Forward Taylee Manion Invited to U.S. U-18 National Team Selection Camp

Manion has been on the Mirage varsity team since 8th grade and has totaled eight goals and 22 assists.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Mirage sophomore Taylee Manion will get another chance to impress the U.S. U-18 higher-ups. Earlier this week, she was invited to their selection camp, set to take place on October 26th in Blaine. Manion has been on the Mirage varsity team since 8th grade and has totaled eight goals and 22 assists. She is the youngest player of…

Superior’s Austin Edwards Staying Home to Play College Baseball at UWS

This past spring, the left-hander threw a team-high 40 innings.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A current Superior Spartan is staying home to play college ball. Senior pitcher and outfielder Austin Edwards announced his commitment to UW-Superior on Thursday. This past spring, the left-hander threw a team-high 40 innings. When he’s not pitching, he can play all outfield positions and also play some first base. During the summer months, Edwards suited up for…

Girls Soccer: Duluth East & Hermantown Make Respective Section Title Games

All section soccer title games take place on October 14th.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd straight year, the Duluth East girls soccer team will play for the Section 7AAA title. On Thursday, the Greyhounds shut out Andover 8-0 in the semifinals to earn their spot. They’ll next host Blaine in the section title game on October 14th at 5 PM. In 7AA, Hermantown completed the upset over Cloquet-Carlton, 1 to…

Boys Soccer: Duluth Marshall & Duluth Denfeld Each Punch Their Ticket to Section Final

Section title games are scheduled for Tuesday, October 14th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The prep boys soccer playoffs continued on Thursday night in Minnesota. In Section 7A, the Duluth Marshall Hilltopper hosted the Hermantown Hawks in the semifinal round. The Hilltoppers return to the section title game, taking down the Hawks 4-2. Duluth Marshall will either take on Spectrum or PACT Charter in the championship game on Tuesday, October 14th. Game…

Girls Soccer: Esko & Proctor to Meet in Section 7A Title Game After Semifinal Wins

It will be the 4th straight year Esko has played for the Section title.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team will once again play for the Section 7A crown. On Wednesday, Esko defeated Spectrum 10 to 0 in the semifinals to secure their spot. It will be the 4th straight year Esko has played for the Section title. They’ll next face Proctor, who defeated Legacy Christian Academy 4 to 0 in the other…

Northern Star: Ethan Harms

In his senior year he has rushed for 424 yards and 6 touchdowns as QB and racked up 367 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns as receiver.

MAPLE, Wis.- When teams play the 7-0 Northwestern Tigers, they make sure they know where number three is on the field. Ethan Harms has been making plays for the Tigers in his Senior year in multiple different positions. On offense, Harms can line up under center and play quarterback or go out wide and play receiver for the Tigers. “He’s…

Northwood/Solon Springs Pitcher & Catcher Isaiah Ahlberg to Continue Baseball Career at UMD

Ahlberg plays pitcher and catcher for Northwood/Solon Springs.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- Northwood/Solon Springs senior Isaiah Ahlberg announced his commitment to UMD baseball. Just last season, Ahlberg had six wins and 96 strikeouts. He also led the team in runs, doubles, home runs, stolen bases, on base percentage and slugging. Categories: High School, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Prep Soccer: Duluth Marshall, Duluth East Boys, & Duluth East Girls Advance to Semifinal Round

The Minnesota prep soccer playoffs continued on Tuesday night. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota prep soccer playoffs continued on Tuesday night. On the girls side, the top seed in section 7AAA, Duluth East hosted Cambridge-Isanti in the quarterfinal round. The Greyhounds were unstoppable on offense, defeating the Bluejackets 14-0. Duluth East will host Andover in the Section 7AAA Semifinals on Thursday, October 9th. Kickoff is at 5:30. Over in boys…