The Wahpeton Huskies (1-1) were delivered their first loses of the season, losing 23-12 to the Grand Forks Red River Roughriders (2-0) at Cushman field.
The Huskies started the game off strong, driving the ball down the field before junior running back Treyton Mauch broke off a 50 yard run for the first score of the game. The run was the third rushing touchdown for Mauch this season and his second of over 40 yards. The extra point was no good making it a 6-0 game.
The Roughriders were able to answer right back. Junior All State Quarterback Pearce Parks is widely considered one of the best quarterbacks in the state. On the first drive, the Roughriders were able to work the ball down the field with a series of short runs before Parks converted a third and long down the sideline to Carter Flom. Parks was able to use his legs and run in the seven yard touchdown. The extra point was good to make it 7-6 Grand Forks
After a three and out by the Huskies, the Wahpeton defense had the tough task of keeping the Roughriders out of the end zone again. Parks was able to lead his troops into the Wahpeton red zone before the Huskie defense forced a 25 field goal. With 9:07 left in the first half, Grand Forks lead 10-6.
Wahpeton’s offense lead by Junior Quarterback Bjorn Kubela knew they had to score if they wanted to stay in the game. On a third and long near the 50 yard line, Kubela was able to connect with Mauch on a 40 yard pass to put the Huskies on the goal line. A four yard run from Mauch out of the wildcat made the score 12-10 with 4:14.
Wahpeton had one last chance to score in the first half after a Parks pass was picked off by a Wahpeton defensive back. Wahpeton was able to get into the red zone again, but were not able to punch it in to end the half. This would prove to be pivotal.
In the second half, it was all Grand Forks. On the opening drive, Parks was able to connect with a host of wide receivers including his two senior targets Zach Oehike and Hayden Hong. With 9:31 left in the third, running back Reed Krogstad was able to punch in the go ahead touchdown to make it 16-12 after a failed two point conversation.
Wahpeton’s offense never could get going with multiple drives being stalled out due to penalties and an inability to run between the tackles. The player of the game was JD Gomez the junior Wide Receiver. After Jacob DeVries left the game in the first half, Gomez turned into the number one target in the passing game for Kubela. Gomez was able to pull down two impressive balls down the sideline but was never able to get into the end zone.
Grand Forks scored once more in the fourth quarter, a 28 yard run from Thomas Kraft to make the final score 23-12 after the extra point.
Wahpeton is home this week against another tough opponent in Fargo North.