The Wahpeton Huskies opened the 2023 high school football season with a dominating 39-8 win over rival Devils Lake. The Huskies never trailed against the Firebirds, leaving their mark on all three phases of the game.

The Huskies enter the season with only two returning offensive starters and four on the defensive side of the ball. For Head Coach Wade Gilbertson and his staff, the goal isn’t to rebuild, but reload. Lead by Junior Quarterback Bjorn Kubela and tailback Treyton Mauch, the Huskies were able to pick up where they left off on offense.

Devils Lake won the coin toss, deferring to the second half; which worked right into the game plan for Wahpeton. The Huskies goal is to have the ball to start every game, with the goal to always have more offensive possessions than their opponent.

Wahpeton took the open kick down the field, scoring on a 47 yard swing pass from Kubela to Mauch. Mauch, who doubles as the team’s kicker, knocked in the extra point to give Wahpeton a 7-0 lead.

After a quick three and out, Wahpeton retook possession. This time, the Huskies had a longer, multi play, drive that ended in a similar result. First and goal from the five, Wahpeton used Mauch as a pass catcher again. The junior running back split the defense and was able to haul in a one handed touchdown in the back of the end zone. After the missed extra point Wahpeton lead 13-0.

In the second quarter, Devils Lake was able to cut into the lead. Sophomore Quarterback Mason Palmer had plenty of weapons at his disposal, primary all state receiver Drew Hofstad. Palmer was able to get the ball in the hands of his senior wide out as well as 6’6 target, junior Oliver Wirth. The Firebirds worked the ball down the field, scoring on a one yard rush from Hofstad.  Devils Lake converted the two point conversion to cut in the lead 13-8 Wahpeton.

On the very next play, junior return man Jackson DeVries had the play of the first half. Fielding the ball near the Huskie 15 yard line, Devries took the kick up the far sideline all the way to the Devils Lake seven. Mauch rushed for the score on the next play to give Wahpeton a 19-8 lead going into the half.

After halftime, Devils Lake took the kick and held onto the ball for the entire third quarter. Chewing up the clock running the ball between the tackles.

Wahpeton added one more offensive touchdown, a 44 yard rush with the extra point from Mauch to give Wahpeton a 26-8 lead. The next possession, Devils Lake drove down the field. Deep in the Wahpeton red zone, an overthrow by Palmer lead to the play of the game. A 95 yard pick six from JD Gomez put the nail in the coffin.

The highlight reel for Mauch didn’t end there. Devils Lake put their second offensive team in, which lead to a 34 yard pick six from Mauch, his fifth touchdown of the day.

Next up for Wahpeton is a game on the road against Grand Forks Red River.