High School

Hky Pic
High School, Sports

Hermantown’s Francisco & Superior’s Marthaler Named to U.S. Youth Olympic Men’s Team

The duo will hop on a plane and head to South Korea next month to compete in the Winter Youth Olympics from January 19th to February 1st.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- A few local standouts were named to the U.S. Youth Olympic men’s team on Tuesday afternoon. The 17 player roster includes Hermantown defenseman A.J. Francisco and Superior defenseman Jackson Marthaler. The duo will hop on a plane and head to South Korea next month to compete in the Winter Youth Olympics from January 19th to February 1st. Francisco so…

Powell
High School, Sports

Denfeld Senior Guard Finnley Powell to Play College Hoops at Northland

Powell is currently averaging 11 points and four rebounds per game while shooting 50 percent from the field.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Denfeld senior guard Finnley Powell won’t have to travel far for college. On Monday, the team announced on their personal Facebook page that Powell has committed to Northland College. Powell has seen an increase in points and rebounds per game in his senior campaign. He’s currently averaging 11 points and four rebounds per game while shooting 50…

Sup Fb
High School, Sports

Superior Football Lineman Braylon LeMieux Makes College Commitment to UW-Stout

LeMieux was only a one-year varsity starter but he made the most of it being named to the Big Rivers All-Conference first team.
Neil Vierzba,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A Superior football standout made his college commitment on Monday. Offensive Guard & Nose Guard Braylon LeMieux will play his college ball for the UW-Stout Blue Devils beginning next fall. LeMieux was only a one-year varsity starter but he made the most of it being named to the Big Rivers All-Conference first team. LeMieux would also receive interest…

Perich
High School, Sports

Esko Football’s Koi Perich Invited to All-American Bowl

The All-American Bowl takes place on January 6th in San Antonio, Texas at the Alamodome.
Neil Vierzba,

ESKO, Minn.- It was a busy weekend for Esko football standout Koi Perich as he made an official visit to Ohio State. But before he makes a college decison, Perich will get to play in one last game to represent Esko on the big stage. Last week, Perich received an invite to the All-American Bowl. The game is an all-star…

Grant Clafton
High School, Sports

Clafton Stresses Effort, Commitment as Thunderhawks Coach

Grand Rapids 4-3 to start 2023-24 season
Ben Burns,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Despite losing their last two games, the Grand Rapids boys’ hockey team has an extra pep in their step this season with a new bench boss taking over the reins. Following Wade Chiodo’s resignation in late September, Grand Rapids hired Grant Clafton as their new head coach. Clafton, a graduate of Grand Rapids High School, was the…

Morque
High School, Sports

Former Grand Rapids Defenseman Ren Morque Commits to Air Force Academy

Morque is the 3rd Wilderness player to commit to the Falcons. He joins Beau Janzig and Joe Cesario as players that are Air Force bound.
Neil Vierzba,

CLOQUET, Minn.- Former Grand Rapids defenseman and now current Wilderness defense Ren Morque has announced he is set to join the Air Force Academy beginning next season. Morque has suited up for the Wilderness in 46 games, posting six goals and 24 assists. He’s been playing junior hockey since his time with the Thunderhawks ended after the 2021-2022 season. Morque…

Denfeld Bhky
High School, Sports

Duluth Denfeld Boys Hockey Rallies to Hand C-E-C 1st Loss of Season

The Hunters would score twice in the 2nd period and three times in the 3rd to rally back.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys hockey team suffered their first loss of the season on Thursday, falling to Duluth Denfeld 5 to 4. The Hunters would score twice in the 2nd period and three times in the 3rd to rally back. C-E-C (2-1) will look to bounce back at East Grand Forks on Saturday. Duluth Denfeld (3-2) will next play…

Girls Hockey
High School, Sports

Prep Girls Hockey: Toppers Win 8th Straight, Lightning Shock Mirage

Grand Rapids/Greenway improves to 7-2
Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- Two of the Northland’s top girls’ hockey teams earned wins on the road Thursday night. The Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers earned their 8th-straight victory in their 5-2 win over the Duluth Northern Stars. This puts Marshall at 9-1 overall, which is the second time in three years the Hilltoppers have won nine of their first 10 games. Meanwhile, despite…

Northern Star Dashawn Moore
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Dashawn Moore

Senior brings energy, defense to hungry Hunters team
Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- On a team full of playmakers, sharpshooters, and athletic specimens, Duluth Denfeld’s Dashawn Moore has found a way to make his presence known. “I bring the energy and it just feeds off,” says Moore. “We’re going to ball out, we’re going to do what we’re supposed to do.” As a football player at heart, Moore brings the same kind…

Superior Boys Hockey
High School, Sports

Superior Boys Outlast Marshall in Defensive Battle

All three goals scored in third period
Ben Burns,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After no goals scored by either team in the first two periods, the Superior boys hockey team put a pair of shots behind the net in their 2-1 victory over Duluth Marshall. Goalie Trent Peterson led the way for the Spartans with 20 saves through two periods. This win puts Superior at 2-1 overall with their next game…

Denfeld Bbb
High School, Sports

Duluth Denfeld Boys Hoops Earns Redemption in 7AAA Rematch Against Hermantown

Duluth Denfeld (2-1) will play against North Branch on December 12th.
Neil Vierzba,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown boys basketball team is still in search of their first win of the season, as they fell to Duluth Denfeld 83 to 77 on Tuesday. Hermantown senior Abraham Soumis would score his 1,000th career point in the contest. Making him the 10th player in program history to achieve the feat. As for Denfeld, Marnaries Ferguson had…

Johnson
High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Hibbing/Chisholm Retires Adam Johnson’s Number Seven Jersey

A massive banner with Johnson's name and his number seven now hangs in the Hibbing Memorial Arena, right next to a banner of Johnson in his UMD uniform.
Neil Vierzba,

HIBBING, Minn.- A special ceremony took place before the Duluth Denfeld and Hibbing/Chisholm boys hockey game on Tuesday. Hibbing retired the number seven for former player Adam Johnson. Johnson tragically passed away in a game in the United Kingdom back on October 28th. A massive banner with Johnson’s name and his number seven now hangs in the Hibbing Memorial Arena,…

D Marsh Gbb
High School, Sports

Duluth Marshall Girls Basketball Returns All Players Heading Into New Season

The Hilltoppers are led by their top two scorers in Chloe Johnson and Regan Juenemann.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- Not many teams can say they return their whole roster from a year ago. But, the Duluth Marshall girls basketball team can as they are coming off a section 7AA semifinal appearance a year ago. Even more of an added bonus for the team this year. A large number of their roster has more than just this year…

Duluth Marshall Girls Hockey
High School, Sports

Lindaman’s First-Period Hat Trick Boosts Hilltoppers Over Bluejackets

Duluth Marshall's seventh-straight win
Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls hockey team have extended their win streak to seven following Monday’s 7-2 win over Hibbing/Chisholm at Mars Lakeview Arena. The game’s first goal came in 17 seconds into the first period when Marshall’s Ilsa Lindaman scored on her solo attack to the net. Lindaman would later score her second and third goals 13 minutes…

Hali Savela
High School, Sports

Hali Savela Elevating Mountain Iron-Buhl Through Versatility, Work Ethic

10.8 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.8 APG through five games
Ben Burns,

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- The Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team is right on track in their bid for a second-straight state championship. That’s likely due to the Rangers’ terrific twosome: Jordan Zubich and Hali Savela. Zubich has long been the face of Mountain Iron-Buhl girls’ basketball, but she admits that Savela plays a major role in her success. “(Hali’s) going to…

Coaches Corner Web
Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Al Denman

Cloquet-Esko Wrestling fueled by youth, senior leadership
Ben Burns,

CLOQUET, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Head Coach Al Denman of Cloquet-Esko Wrestling. Denman has been the Lumberjacks’ head coach since their wrestling program was founded in 2005. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Aiden Altona
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Plays of the Week, Sports

Top Play: 12/1

Denfeld's Altona lays out for block
Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top play goes to Duluth Denfeld’s Aiden Altona in Friday night’s game against Kasson-Mantorville. Early in the first half, Altona blocked a layup off the backboard, sending the basketball in the opposite direction. Altona left the game following the play with an apparent knee injury, but returned to the bench to cheer on his team in…

Duluth Denfeld
High School, Sports

Denfeld Boys Hoops Topple Komets in Season Opener

Starstead leads Hunters with 14 points
Ben Burns,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team opened their season with a hard-fought 75-62 victory over the Kasson-Mantorville Komets. The Hunters faced some early adversity when Aiden Altona left the game with an apparent knee injury. Despite losing the senior and getting into foul trouble, Denfeld was able to clinch the victory by turning defensive turnovers into points. Ethan…

D East Bbb
High School, Sports

Duluth East Boys Basketball Looks to Use New Shot Clock Rules to Advantage

The Greyhounds open the season December 8th at Shakopee.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- Any year you pick up twenty wins, that’s something you can pat yourself on the back for. But for the Duluth East boys basketball team there isn’t many players back from that roster. Head Coach Rhett McDonald enters his 12th year leading the Greyhounds. He returns two players that have seen significant minutes last season, those two being…

Mountain Iron-Buhl, Cloquet, Duluth Marshall Girls Basketball
High School, Sports

Prep Girls Basketball: Rangers, Lumberjacks, Hilltoppers Capture Wins

Duluth Marshall posts 95 points over Two Harbors
Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- In a busy Thursday night for girls’ high school basketball in the Northland, three local hoops teams earned early-season wins ahead of the weekend. After splitting a pair of games during the Thanksgiving weekend, the Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team improved to 2-1 in their 80-72 victory over Proctor. The Rangers started the game with five three-point shots…

Ilsalindamanduluthmarshallhockey
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Ilsa Lindaman

St. Thomas commit leads Hilltoppers in goals, points
Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls hockey team will once again be in contention for the Section 7A championship with senior Ilsa Lindaman leading the Hilltoppers onto the ice. “Obviously as a senior captain, you have to take on a little bit of responsibility, provide for those points, and then also you have to be sure that it’s definitely a…

Hky 1128
High School, Sports

Boys Hockey: Grand Rapids Edges Duluth East in OT, C-E-C Holds Off Hibbing/Chisholm

Grand Rapids (2-0) will next play at Duluth Marshall on Thursday. Meanwhile, C-E-C (1-0) will play at Bloomington Jefferson on Saturday.
Neil Vierzba, Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- It would take overtime to decide a winner between Grand Rapids and Duluth East on Tuesday night. Nathan Garski would then play hero for the Thunderhawks as he netted the game-winning goal on a breakaway, giving Grand Rapids the 2-1 victory. Bauer Murphy had the other goal for the Thunderhawks in the victory. Grand Rapids (2-0) will next…

Sup 1
High School, Sports

Superior Boys Overtake Panthers in Overtime

79 points marks new season high for Spartans
Ben Burns,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After splitting a pair of games over the Thanksgiving break in Schofield, the Superior boys’ basketball team earned a 79-68 home-opening victory in overtime over Sioux Falls Central Tuesday night. Superior built an early lead thanks in part to Tre Sanigar, who scored 15 points in the first half. They also had some help from their bench as…

Demeyer 2
High School, Sports

After 18 Seasons Leading Superior Football, Bob DeMeyer Retires as Head Coach

Under his nearly two decade reign, DeMeyer helped the team to a 2014 Big Rivers Conference championship as well as eight trips to the playoffs.
Neil Vierzba,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After guiding the Superior football team for the last 18 seasons, head coach Bob DeMeyer is hanging up his whistle. On Monday, DeMeyer announced his retirement. Under his nearly two decade reign, he led the team to 80 wins. DeMeyer also helped the team to a 2014 Big Rivers Conference championship as well as eight trips to the…

Bachand 2
High School, Sports

Duluth East Boys Soccer Coach Corey Bachand Steps Downs After Six Seasons

Bachand helped lead the Greyhounds to two state tournament appearances.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth East boys soccer coach Corey Bachand has stepped down after six years. And what a successful six years it was. Two coach of the year honors in 2018 and 2021. Plus, two state tournament appearances which included a 2nd place finish in 2018. Before Duluth East, he made stops at UWS, Duluth Marshall, and Superior for a…

Esko Boys Basketball
High School, Sports

Esko Hoops Ready for Return to State

50-8 combined record over last two seasons
Ben Burns,

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko boys basketball team has remained one of the best teams in the Polar League over the last decade. However, they haven’t qualified for the state tournament since 2019. In each of the last two seasons, Esko has posted 25 wins, including a perfect record against conference opponents. Head Coach Derek Anderson is looking forward to keeping…

Marnaries Ferguson and Aidan Newton
High School, Sports

Denfeld’s Ferguson, Newton Ready to Light It up for Hunters

Duo scored 37 combined PPG in 2022-23
Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- With Duluth Denfeld’s boys’ basketball regular season tipping off next week, the Hunters are likely thankful to have both Marnaries Ferguson and Aidan Newton on their roster. In 2022-23, Ferguson became one of the area’s top shooters while averaging 19.5 PPG with a .395 three-point percentage. “Marnaries, I mean, that’s my brother,” smiled Newton. “He’s a bucket, that’s…

D East Gbb
High School, Sports

Duluth East Girls Basketball Falls in Season Opener to Princeton

The Greyhounds (0-1) will look to bounce back on November 28th against Cambridge-Isanti.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East girls basketball team opened up their season on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the game didn’t go their way as Princeton was victorious 75 to 23. The Greyhounds (0-1) will look to bounce back on November 28th against Cambridge-Isanti. Categories: High School, Sports

Jordan Zubich
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Jordan Zubich

Mountain Iron-Buhl Senior to play for UNC in 2024
Ben Burns,

MOUNTAIN BUHL, Minn.- After winning their first-ever Class A State Championship, Jordan Zubich and her Mountain Iron-Buhl teammates are now in title defense mode. “Just going out the way we did last season, I think it added like extra motivation to come back this year,” says Zubich, who averaged a team-high 26.5 points per game in 2022-23. “(Winning state is)…

Grand Rapids Boys Hockey
High School, Sports

Grand Rapids Open Renovated Arena With Win Over Bluejackets

Two Goals Scored by Nathan Garski
Ben Burns,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- In their first game inside the newly renovated Yanmar Arena, the Grand Rapids boys hockey team defeated the Hibbing/Chisholm Bluejackets 5-2 Wednesday night. The Thunderhawks had an offensive explosion in the first period, scoring three goals. In total, Nathan Garski scored two goals while William Shoerman, Dominic Broberg and Bauer Murphy recorded one goal each. Tate Swanson…

Cec Ghky
High School, Sports

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Girls Hockey Shuts Out Moose Lake for 2nd Time in One Week

C-E-C (3-2) will next host Orono on Saturday at 3 PM.
Neil Vierzba,

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton and Moose Lake Area girls hockey teams would play their 2nd game in one week on Tuesday. Like the other game, Tuesday’s contest would result in a Lumberjack shutout win as C-E-C was victorious, 2-0. Erin Loeb and Allie Jones would each have a goal in the contest. C-E-C (3-2) will next host Orono on Saturday…

Htown Bball
High School, Sports

Hermantown Boys Basketball Begins Quest for 3rd Straight Section Title

Hermantown will have to wait two more weeks before they open up the regular season. And it's a big one as they'll host Duluth Denfeld on December 5th.
Neil Vierzba,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The quest for a third straight Section 7AAA title began earlier this week for the Hermantown boys basketball team. The Hawks tipped off their season on Monday with their first couple of practices. Andy Fenske is entering his 8th season at the helm. He says this year’s team will need to replace some of the minutes and scoring…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Basketball
High School, Sports

After Bounceback Year, Denfeld Boys Ready to Go Further

Lost to Hermantown in 2022-23 Section 7AAA Championship
Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- After a combined four wins in two years, the Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team had a major turnaround in 2022-23 with 16 wins. Now with nearly all of their top players returning, the Hunters want to take another jump this season. On Monday, dozens of students filled Denfeld’s court for the start of basketball season. The Hunters had…

Duluth Marshall Girls Hockey
High School, Sports

Hilltoppers Girls Hockey Encouraged by Strong Start

4-1 overall, 5 GPG through five games
Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- Five games into the 2023-24 season, the Duluth Marshall girl’s hockey team has shown they’ll once again be in contention for the 7A Championship. “This year we have a very skilled team, so that’s what we’re kind of focusing on is using our systems and working around our different skill levels that we have.” Last year, Callie Hoff…

Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball
High School, Sports

Mountain Iron-Buhl Girls Basketball Begins State Title Defense

Finished 30-3 in 2022-23, won Class A State Championship over BOLD
Ben Burns,

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- Eight months ago, the Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team won their first Class A state championship in a 31-point rout over BOLD. If recent history repeats itself, the Rangers will be the favorites to repeat this season. Since 2007, there have been five Class A basketball teams that have won back-to-back state championships (Minneota, Goodhue, Maranatha, Ada-Borup…

Superior Bbb
High School, Sports

Superior Boys Hoops Equipped with Veteran Depth Heading Into Season

Superior's first game is a week from Friday at D.C. Everest.
Neil Vierzba,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Spartan boys basketball team returned to the court this week for their first couple of practices of the season. There’s been plenty of excitement surrounding the squad after they made it to their first sectional title game since 2016 last year. The Spartans also return their top two scorers in Tresean Sanigar and Calvin Anderson, who…

Duluth Marshall Girls Hockey
High School, Sports

Marshall’s Lian Leads Toppers in Rout Over Lumberjacks

Hilltoppers improve to 3-1 overall
Ben Burns,

CLOQUET, Minn.- After earning an 11-1 win on Tuesday, The Duluth Marshall girls hockey team kept up their offensive attack in Thursday’s 5-0 shutout over Cloquet/Esko/Carlton. Following a scoreless second period, the Hilltoppers would score as Avery Lian sent a wrist shot past C-E-C Goaltender Izabella Strang. Liang would score another goal in the second period on a power play….

Plante
High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Hermantown’s Zam Plante Named to U.S. Junior Select Team

The challenge goes from December 10th to December 17th.
Neil Vierzba,

HERMATOWN, Minn.- Hermantown native and future Bulldog Zam Plante will get a chance to suit up for the U.S. Junior Select Team next month. Plante was one of the 22 players selected to compete in the World Junior A Challenge in Nova Scotia. He wasn’t the only future Bulldog named to the roster. Joining him will be Chaska defenseman Adam…

Jacion Owens
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Jacion Owens

Esko junior had breakout season as starting quarterback
Ben Burns,

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko football team is likely still feeling the pain of Saturday’s state quarterfinals loss to Annandale, but with Jacion Owens returning as their starting quarterback, they should once again be contenders in 2024. “I feel like coming out here and having a good mood helps everyone get through practice,” says Owens, who started practice sharing his Aaron Rodgers…

Reyelts
High School, Sports

Proctor Senior Goalie A.J. Reyelts to Play D1 Hockey for Lindenwood University

In 15 games last season, Reyelts posted a 2.34 goals against average.
Neil Vierzba,

PROCTOR, Minn.- Proctor senior goalie A.J. Reyelts knows where he’ll be playing college hockey at once his days with the Rails are over. Reyelts announced his commitment to Lindenwood University, a Division one program. In 15 games last season, Reyelts posted a 2.34 goals against average. He would also have a saves percentage of .926. Reyelts was a second team…

Volleyball All-Star Game
High School, Sports

Team Minnesota Rallies to Win All-Star Volleyball Game

Cloquet's Carlson named MVP
Ben Burns,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In a night full of stars, Team Minnesota rallied from a two-set deficit to defeat Team Wisconsin in five sets. Cloquet’s Ava Carlson, who is graduating as the Lumberjacks’ all-time kills leader, was named the game’s MVP. Below is a roster for each team: Team Minnesota Quinn Danielson, Cloquet Ava Carlson, Cloquet Blythe Proulx, Cloquet Karys Johnson, Duluth…

D Marsh Ghky
High School, Sports

Girls Hockey: Duluth Marshall Handles Northern Lakes in Home Opener

The Hilltoppers (2-1) will next be in action on Thursday when they play at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton. Puck drop is at 7 PM.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls hockey team protected their home ice on Tuesday, defeating Northern Lakes 11 to 1. The Hilltoppers (2-1) will next be in action on Thursday when they play at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton. Puck drop is at 7 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

Hs Asg
High School, Sports

Menzel & Bentler to Play in MN HS Football All-Star Game, Spahn to Coach

The game will take place on December 2nd at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- Two local players will get a chance to suit up for their respective schools one last time. Hermantown wide receiver Peyton Menzel and Two Harbors defensive lineman Zach Bentler have been selected to compete in the 50th Minnesota High School Football All-Star Game. The two will be on the North roster. Joining them on the North team is…

Htown Boys Hky
High School, Sports

Armed with Strong Defensive Core, Hermantown Boys Hockey Begins 2023-2024 Campaign

Hermantown's first game is December 1st at Cretin-Derham Hall.
Neil Vierzba,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Monday marked the first day that prep boys hockey teams in Minnesota were able to hit the ice. One of those teams getting things started was the Hermantown Hawks. Hermantown is coming off a season in which they took 3rd at state in Class A. The Hawks return a number of key defensive players, including goalie Dane Callaway….

Alyssa Doyle and Camryn Seguin
High School, Sports

Denfeld’s Doyle, Seguin Staying in Duluth to Play College Soccer

Doyle signs with UMD, Seguin with CSS
Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of Denfeld girls soccer players have officially signed on the dotted line to play college athletics in Duluth. Before the start of the fall sports season, Alyssa Doyle had committed to the UMD. The senior ends her high school soccer career as the Hunters’ all-time leader in goals and points. She was also named first-team Class…

Volleyball
High School, Sports

State Volleyball: Grand Rapids & Ely Take Home Consolation Titles

Grand Rapids went 22-10 on the year. Ely went 25-6.
Neil Vierzba,

ST. PAUL, Minn.- In case you missed it over the weekend, the Ely and Grand Rapids volleyball teams ended their seasons on a high note. Grand Rapids would defeat Monticello in four sets to claim the consolation title in Class AAA. The Thunderhawks previously fell in the 3rd place game the last two seasons. Meanwhile, Ely earned redemption as they…

Eskofootball
High School, Sports

Esko Football Sees Season End in AAA Quarterfinals

Esko finishes the year at 10-1.
Neil Vierzba,

BRAINERD, Minn.- The Esko football team’s historic season came to a close on Saturday in the Class AAA quarterfinals. Esko was matched up with Annandale at Brainerd High School. Early on, Esko would strike first as Jacion Owens connected with Sam Haugen on the deep ball to give Esko the seven point lead. Then sadly the team was dealt with…