High School

Superior Girls Basketball
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Superior Girls Basketball Team Off to Undefeated Start to Season

The 4-0 Spartans will be back in action on Saturday as they take on Cloquet as part of Lake Superior Conference Day in Superior.
Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior girls basketball team is off to a 4-0 start to their season. And it helps that the Spartans only graduated one player from last year’s team. And although they’re still a little inexperienced with mostly sophomores and juniors, their experience with each other has been the main reason for the hot start. “We already have…

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High School, Sports

Prep Hockey: Proctor/Hermantown, Duluth Denfeld Winners at Home; Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, Hibbing/Chisholm Girls Settle for Tie

The Mirage and Hunters scored early and often in front of their home fans.
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – In prep boys hockey action, Duluth Denfeld won their home opener over Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 6-2 Thursday night at the Heritage Center. In prep girls hockey action, Proctor/Hermantown defeated Grand Rapids/Greenway 4-0 and Cloquet-Esko-Carlton and Hibbing/Chisholm finished with a 1-1 tie. Categories: High School, Sports

Denfeld Hockey
High School, Sports

High-Powered Offense Ready to Explode for Duluth Denfeld Boys Hockey

After graduating a very talented senior class, the Hunters bring back four of their top six scorers from last season.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Few teams have made bigger strides in the past few seasons than the Duluth Denfeld boys hockey team. And it’s all thanks to some players who love to light the lamp. After graduating a very talented senior class, the Hunters bring back four of their top six scorers from last season. And they plan to combine that…

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High School, Sports

Prep Hockey: Superior Boys, Proctor/Hermantown Girls Winners at Home; Duluth East Falls to Forest Lake

It was a good night on home ice for the Spartans and the Mirage.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In their home opener, the Superior boys hockey team shook off a slow start to defeat Duluth Marshall 6-2 Tuesday night at the Superior Ice Arena. In other prep hockey action, the Proctor/Hermantown girls knocked off the Duluth Northern Stars 7-1 and Duluth East fell at home to Forest Lake 5-3. Categories: High School, Sports

Northwestern Bball
High School, Sports

Seniors Ready to Lead for Northwestern Boys Basketball Team

The Tigers current senior class has been part of two regional titles in the past three years.
Sam Ali,

MAPLE, Wis. – The 4th-ranked Northwestern boys basketball team opened their season last week with a 54-point road win. And that shouldn’t come as a surprise as the Tigers bring back plenty of experience. Their current senior class has been part of two regional titles in the past three years. “Not a lot of teams get that experience to be…

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High School, Sports

Prep Girls Basketball: Duluth Marshall Dominates at Home, Eveleth-Gilbert Earns Road Win

The Hilltoppers and Golden Bears start the week in the win column.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Marshall girls basketball team continued to light up the scoreboard, dominating Cherry 75-35 on Monday night for the home win. In other prep girls basketball action, it was Eveleth-Gilbert with a road win over Duluth Denfeld 69-35. Categories: High School, Sports

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High School, Sports

Tom Lenarz Steps Down as Head Coach of Cloquet Football Team

Lenarz led the Lumberjacks to the state tournament four times, including an appearance in the state championship game in 2017.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – When you look at the Cloquet football team today, you would’ve never guessed that almost 20 years ago, they went back-to-back seasons without getting a single victory. The program has come a long way thanks to head coach Tom Lenarz, who is now stepping down from his position. Last week, Lenarz informed the athletic department that he…

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College, High School, Sports

Superior’s Emma Raye Commits to Wisconsin Softball Team

Last season, Raye led the Spartans with seven home runs, 48 hits and 35 RBI, helping Superior finish 21-2 on the season.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior’s Emma Raye announced on Twitter Monday night that she has committed to joining the Wisconsin softball team. Last season, Raye led the Spartans with seven home runs, 48 hits and 35 RBI, helping Superior finish 21-2 on the season. Raye, who plays catcher and shortstop, also plays for the Midwest Speed 18U National Hall travel softball…

Northrn Str Pic
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Mercury Bischoff

For this week's segment, we feature a freshman on the Grand Rapids/Greenway girls hockey team who is already ranked in the top 10 in the state in goals and points.
Claudia Chakamian,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The Bischoffs are your traditional Grand Rapids hockey family. “We had an outdoor pond at our house, we all grew up playing boot hockey doing everything we could to get better on the outdoors,” Grand Rapids/Greenway defenseman Jazzy Bischoff said. “The Bischoff name, the Bischoff lineage, a great hockey families with brothers and even sisters,” head…

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

Coaches Corner: Brad Hyduke

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the Grand Rapids/Greenway girls hockey team.
Sam Ali,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Grand Rapids/Greenway girls hockey head coach Brad Hyduke as the Lightning are off to a 5-1 start to their season. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Rapids Boys Hokcey
High School, Sports

Grand Rapids Boys Hockey Motivated by Section Title Loss

So far to start the season, the Thunderhawks are 3-0 and have outscored their opponents 27-3. 
Claudia Chakamian,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Following an appearance in last season’s section championship game, the Grand Rapids boys hockey team has picked up right where they left off. So far, they are 3-0 and have outscored their opponents 27-3. While the fast start is ideal, the Thunderhawks say they need to stay focused on their goal which is making it back…

Northwestern Girls Bball
High School, Sports

Northwestern Girls Basketball Still Hungry Despite Recent Success

The Tigers will return to action Saturday at Cumberland. 
Claudia Chakamian,

MAPLE, Wis. – The Northwestern girls basketball team opened their season earlier this week with a home win over Ashland. The Tigers come into the season with big expectations as the two-time regional champs. But even with that success, this squad is hungry for much more. “When we first started our practice, we talked about like the state championship is…

Mshslshotclocks
High School, Sports

MSHSL Approves Shot Clock Implementation for Varsity Girls, Boys Basketball

Supporters say the ruling will now force coaches to move away from strategies that involve just keeping the ball away from the other team.
Sam Ali,

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – There are only nine states in the entire country that use shot clocks for high school basketball games. Now you can add one more to the list following Thursday morning’s big announcement. The Minnesota State High School League voted unanimously to adopt a 35-second shot clock for boys and girls varsity basketball starting in the 2023-2024…

Hockeyland Movie
High School, Sports

Dates Announced for Local Premiere Tour for “Hockeyland”

Last month, the movie, which follows the Hermantown and Eveleth-Gilbert boys hockey teams through the 2019-2020 season, had its world premiere in New York City.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The dates have been announced for the Northland premiere tour for the “Hockeyland” documentary. The movie will be shown in Duluth on February 2nd and 3rd, and up in the Iron Range on February 4th. Times and locations are still to be determined. Last month, the movie, which follows the Hermantown and Eveleth-Gilbert boys hockey teams through…

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High School, Sports

Prep Girls Basketball: Northwestern, Cloquet, Duluth Denfeld Winners on Opening Night

The Tigers, Lumberjacks and Hunters each opened their seasons with wins.
Sam Ali,

MAPLE, Wis. – In their season and home opener, the Northwestern girls basketball team used a strong second half to pull away from Ashland 70-57 Tuesday night. In other prep girls basketball action, Cloquet knocked off rivals Esko 68-54 behind 24 points from Madelyn Young and Duluth Denfeld defeated Silver Bay 57-46 as Erik Reinertsen earns his first head coaching…

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High School, Sports

Prep Boys Hockey: Grand Rapids Takes Down Duluth East

A three-goal second period would be the difference as the Grand Rapids boys hockey team defeated Duluth East 4-3.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – A three-goal second period would be the difference as the Grand Rapids boys hockey team defeated Duluth East 4-3 Tuesday night at the Heritage Center.   Categories: High School, Sports

Marshall Boys Bball
High School, Sports

Duluth Marshall Boys Basketball Looks to Build Off Success of Last Season

The Hilltoppers are coming off one of their best seasons in recent memory, which included a ten-game win streak and an appearance in the section semi-finals.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Marshall boys basketball team is getting set to open its season later this week. The Hilltoppers are coming off one of their best seasons in recent memory, which included a ten-game win streak and an appearance in the section semi-finals. “Coming from a school like Marshall, no one really expects you to do anything like…

Grg Girls Hockey
High School, Sports

Youth Talent Leading the Way for Grand Rapids/Greenway Girls Hockey

The Lightning are 4-1 so far to start the season, led by freshman Mercury Bischoff who currently ranks top five in the state in goals and points. Grand Rapids/Greenway will be back in action on Tuesday night hosting Cloquet-Esko-Carlton
Claudia Chakamian,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Last season, a very young Grand Rapids/Greenway girls hockey team made it all the way to the section championship game. Now, this season the Lightning say they’ve gotten younger but they’re ready to prove they’re here to stay. “We’re a young, good team that I think will do just fine,” freshman forward Mercury Bischoff said. “That…

Marshall Proctor Hockey
High School, Sports

Johnsons Help Proctor Boys Hockey Blank Duluth Marshall

Senior goaltender Sam Johnson finished with 38 saves and sophomore defenseman Cooper Johnson scored the lone goal.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Senior goaltender Sam Johnson finished with 38 saves and sophomore defenseman Cooper Johnson scored the lone goal as the Proctor boys hockey team shutout Duluth Marshall 1-0 Monday night at the St. Luke’s Sports and Event Center. The Rails improve to 2-1 on the season while the Hilltoppers fall to 0-1-1. Categories: High School, Sports

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College, High School, Sports

Duluth Marshall’s Mason Boos Commits to St. Scholastica Baseball

Last season, Boos hit over .400 for the Hilltoppers, keading the team in multiple categories, including doubles, triples, home runs and steals.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Marshall’s Mason Boos will be staying close to home as he has committed to joining the St. Scholastica baseball team. Last season, Boos hit over .400 for the Hilltoppers, keading the team in multiple categories, including doubles, triples, home runs and steals. He was a key member of a Marshall squad that knocked off top-seeded Esko…

Still1129 00000
College, High School, Sports

Grand Rapids’ Ben Keske Commits to Iowa Central Baseball

As a junior, Keske hit .380 for the Thunderhawks to go along with 20 RBI and 10 stolen bases.
Sam Ali,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Sunday, Grand Rapids center fielder Ben Keske announced on Twitter that he has committed to joining the Iowa Central baseball team. As a junior, Keske hit .380 for the Thunderhawks to go along with 20 RBI and 10 stolen bases, helping Grand Rapids finish second in the Class AAA state tournament. Keske also plays for the…

Ph Dul Ghky
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Girls Hockey: Proctor/Hermantown Wins Big, Duluth Falls at Home

The Mirage used a three-goal first period to help get the home win, while the Northern Stars couldn't complete the rally late.
Claudia Chakamian,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team got off to a fast start and never looked back, getting the 7-1 win over Hastings on Friday night. The Mirage improve to 2-2 on the season and will be back in action on Saturday afternoon hosting Burnsville, with puck drop set for 3:15 p.m. In other girls hockey action, Burnsville used…

Marsh Prc Bhky
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Boys Hockey: Proctor Wins Season Opener in Overtime, Duluth Marshall Skates to 2-2 Draw With East Ridge

Brett Bartlam scored the game-winner to give the Rails the overtime win in their season opener, while the Hilltoppers settled for a draw to open the season.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Marshall boys hockey team scored two goals in the second but ultimately settled for a 2-2 draw with Eat Ridge in their 2021 season opener. Joe Stauber and Sam Aamodt both scored for the Hilltoppers. The Hilltoppers will be back in action Nov. 29 at Proctor. In other boys hockey action, Proctor’s season opener also…

Denfeld Basketball
High School, Sports

New Duluth Denfeld Boys Basketball Coach Phil Homere Eager to Get Season Started

The Hunters will open the season next Saturday hosting North Branch. 
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – This season, we have multiple new coaches taking over programs across the Northland, and one of those is over at Duluth Denfeld. Phil Homere is wrapping up his first official week of practice as the Hunters boys basketball head coach. Homere was able to hold a few camps over the summer to get to know some of…

Duluth East Basketball
High School, Sports

Duluth East Girls Basketball Wins Big in Season Opener

Rachel Hagen led the way with 26 points while Ashlynne Guenther finished with 22 points and Rylee Stevens had 15 points. 
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East girls basketball team opened their 2021 season on a 16-4 run on their way to winning their season opener over Princeton 74-55. Rachel Hagen led the way with 26 points while Ashlynne Guenther finished with 22 points and Rylee Stevens had 15 points. The Greyhounds will be back in action on Saturday hosting Blaine….

Denfeld Girls Basketball
High School, Sports

Duluth Denfeld Girls Basketball Ready to Open Season With New Head Coach, Growing Numbers

Earlier this year, the Hunters were unsure if they would have a team this year. But after spreading the word and encouraging girls to try out something new, the Hunters are now able to have enough players for three teams. 
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The high school girls basketball season officially begins this week and it’s going to be a big season for Duluth Denfeld with a new head coach and a growing program. Erik Reinertsen takes over as the Hunters head coach. Reinertsen says the Hunters were struggling with having enough players come out for the team. But after spreading…

Superior Boys Hockey
High School, Sports

Superior Boys Hockey Shuts Out Menomonie to Open Season

Andrew Rude scored twice while Robert Powell, Carter Pettit, Lucas Williams, Mason Stenberg and Kell Piggott each scored once for the Spartans. 
Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior boys hockey team showed no signs of rust as they opened the season with a 7-0 win over Menomonie. Andrew Rude scored twice while Robert Powell, Carter Pettit, Lucas Williams, Mason Stenberg and Kell Piggott each scored once for the Spartans. Superior will be back in action on Friday at Notre Dame. Categories: High School,…

Superior Basketball
High School, Sports

Superior Boys Basketball Wins Season Opener

The Spartans got the win in Kory Deadrick's debut as head coach.
Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In Kory Deadrick’s debut as Superior boys basketball head coach, the Spartans got the 71-61 win over Chippewa Falls. The Spartans will be back in action next Tuesday hosting Hudson. Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m. Categories: High School, Sports

Duluth East Basketball
High School, Sports

Duluth East Boys Basketball Eager to Continue Winning Culture as Practices Begin

The Greyhounds will open the 2021 season Dec. 7 at Cloquet. 
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Boys basketball practices across the state got started on Monday and Duluth East is coming off of their first trip to state sine 2012. Now, they’re looking to run it back. It may come with some growing pains as the Greyhounds graduated a large senior class last season, and many of those players are now playing at…

Addie Albrecht
High School, Sports

Grand Rapids Senior Addie Albrecht Wins Class A Diving State Championship

This state championship caps off a senior season to remember for Albrecht, after she broke the Grand Rapids and section 7A diving records.
Claudia Chakamian,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – This weekend, the high school swimming and diving season wrapped up at the Aquatic Center on the University of Minnesota campus. And it was a weekend to remember for one Grand Rapids diver and he entire family. Senior diver Addie Albrecht won the class A state diving championship on Saturday, and is the first Grand Rapids…

Esko Football
High School, Sports

Esko Football’s Season Ends in Class AAA Semifinals

The Eskomos finish the season with an 11-1 overall record. 
Claudia Chakamian,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Esko football team gave it all they could against top-ranked Dassel-Cokato, but a touchdown with less than 90 seconds left gave the Chargers the 21-14 win in the Class AAA state semifinals. Carter Zezulka finished with three catches for 49 yards and a touchdown, while Nolan Witt rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown. Esko finishes…

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

Coaches Corner: Patrick Andrews

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the Hermantown boys hockey team.
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Hermantown boys hockey coach Patrick Andrews as the Hawks are wrapping up their first week of practice. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Sdsdsd
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Girls Hockey: Proctor/Hermantown Falls to Orono, Duluth Marshall Blanked by Edina

The Mirage and Hilltoppers struggled against their non-conference opponents.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – In their home opener at the St. Luke’s Sports and Event Center, the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team couldn’t keep up with Orono as the Spartans topped the Mirage 6-3. In other prep girls hockey action, Edina shutout Duluth Marshall 8-0 at the DECC, the first time a game has been played there in nearly six years. Categories:…

Rock Ridge Hockey
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Rock Ridge Begins New Era of Boys Hockey on the Iron Range

The Wolverines will drop the puck on their inaugural season on Tuesday, Nov. 30 on the road against Greenway. 
Claudia Chakamian,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – For the past year, multiple Eveleth-Gilbert and Virginia athletic teams have been merging into Rock Ridge. And now, a new era of boys hockey on the Iron Range has officially begun, as the Rock Ridge Wolverines are wrapping up their first ever week of practice. “There’s so much rich hockey history with Eveleth and Virginia and to…

Mib Basketball
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

MIB Girls Basketball Look to Continue Winning Tradition

The Rangers will open the season against St. Croix Lutheran next Friday afternoon as part of the Thanksgiving Tip-Off in the Twin Cities.
Claudia Chakamian,

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – The Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team is wrapping up their first week of practices. The Rangers did not graduate a single player from the team that made it to the state semifinals last season, so the entire roster will be back this upcoming season. And that experience is what keeps them motivated as they look to…

Marshall Girls Basketball
High School, Sports

Expectations Still High for Duluth Marshall Girls Basketball Team

Experience will be an issue early on with a roster that features ten 8th-graders, but some of them did play major minutes during last season's playoff run.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, prep girls basketball teams are wrapping up their first week of practice. One team that has a mission to go back to the state tournament is Duluth Marshall. The Hilltoppers are the two time defending champions of Section 7AA and they have no plans of slowing down. Experience will be an issue early on with…

Esko Football
High School, Sports

Esko Football Set to Battle Top-Seeded Dassell-Cokato in Class AAA Semi-Finals

This will be the Eskomos' first trip to the state semi-finals since 1992.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – This weekend, U.S. Bank Stadium is the place to be for the MSHSL prep football state sem-finals. For Esko, it’s their first trip to the semi-finals since 1992. This week, the Eskomos practiced at Proctor’s indoor turf facility. But even that can’t simulate what it will be like Saturday to play in an NFL stadium. “We weren’t…

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High School, Sports

Superior Boys Basketball Begin Practices with New Head Coach Kory Deadrick

The Spartans will open their season next Tuesday at home against Chippewa Falls.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The first week of practices is underway for the Superior boys basketball team. The Spartans have a new head coach as former Esko star Kory Deadrick takes over the program. The move is exciting for the players, who will be coached by a former player that has won a state title. “That’s definitely a big thing because…

Marhsall Hockey
High School, Sports

Duluth Marshall Girls Hockey Tops Duluth Northern Stars at Heritage Center

Ilsa Lindaman, Meredith Boettcher and Kendra Royer each scored twice.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Ilsa Lindaman, Meredith Boettcher and Kendra Royer each scored twice as the Duluth Marshall girls hockey team defeated the Duluth Northern Stars 11-3 Tuesday night at Heritage Center. The Hilltoppers improve to 2-0 while the Northern Stars fall to 1-2. Categories: High School, Sports

East Boys Hockey
High School, Sports

Steve Pitoscia Era Begins for Duluth East Hockey Team

The Greyhounds will open their season November 26th at White Bear Lake.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Practices are underway for the Duluth East boys hockey team. And the Greyhounds are going through some big changes on their bench as Steve Pitoscia takes over for longtime coach Mike Randolph. But his familiarity with the program makes the transition a seamless one. “A lot of our kids have had him before, including me. We’re all…

Tj Chiabotti
High School, Sports

North Woods’ TJ Chiabotti Named Finalist for Mr. Football Award

Chiabotti became just the 19th player in state history to rush for over 5,000 career yards.
Sam Ali,

COOK, Minn. – North Woods running back TJ Chiabotti has been named one of ten finalists for the Minnesota Football Coaches Association’s Mr. Football Award. This past season, Chiabotti rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored 30 total touchdowns. He also became just the 19th player in state history to rush for over 5,000 career yards. The winner will be…

Hermantown Hockey
High School, Sports

First Day of Practice Underway for Hermantown Boys Hockey

The Hawks are set to open the 2021 season on the road next Friday night against section foes Greenway. 
Claudia Chakamian,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Monday was the first official day of high school boys hockey practices across the state, and Hermantown opened things up with tryouts. The Hawks had a larger than usual group show up as they look to replace seven seniors they graduated last season. But with a mix of experienced varsity players and a young group looking to…

Esko Football
High School, Sports

Esko Football Defeats New London-Spicer to Advance to Class AAA Semifinals

A touchdown pass from Ty Christensen to Carter Zezulka with 16 seconds left sent the undefeated Eskomos to the state semifinals.
Claudia Chakamian,

BRAINERD, Minn. – A touchdown pass from Ty Christensen to Carter Zezulka with 16 seconds left gave the Esko football team the 28-21 win over New London-Spicer in the Class AAA quarterfinals. The Eskomos forced five interceptions, including a pick six from Zezulka. Esko improves to 11-0 on the season and will face Dassel-Cokato in the Class AAA semifinal on…

Duluth Rr Ghky
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Girls Hockey: Duluth Wins Big in Season Opener, Rock Ridge Drops First Ever Game

The Northern Stars opened their season in a big way while the Wolverines dropped their season opener.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Northern Stars girls hockey team lit up the scoreboard, including scoring five goals in the first four minutes and seven total in the first period as they got the 14-1 win over Princeton to open the 2021 season. The Northern Stars will be back home on Saturday hosting Roseville. Puck drop is set for 2:00…

Deer River Football
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Season Ends in Class A Quarterfinals for Deer River Football Team

Joseph Herfindahl would scored a 99-yard touchdown late in the first half.
Sam Ali,

BRAINERD, Minn. – Joseph Herfindahl would scored a 99-yard touchdown late in the first half, but it would be the only points for the Deer River football team as they fall to New York Mills 20-6 in the Class A quarterfinals. The Warriors end their season at 10-1. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports