Blogging is officially over

The In the Zone blog will be cease to exist after today. As I've been told, blogging is soooo 2008, so I'm heading to the next big thing - Twittering.

Twittering will allow me to more efficiently post live updates from games, starting this spring. The newspaper has also purchased a new satellite card for my laptop computer, so now I can post live updates on Twitter. Check out dl-online.com in the next couple of weeks to check out my Twitter space, which will be posted in the sports page. There also will be a "sprout" widget on the sports page, so you can read live updates during spring sport games.

See you in the next cyberspace trendy messaging venue!!

Posted by: Brian W. on 3/24/2009 at 10:35 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

U of M's football recruiting class

The U of M's recruiting class includes:

NAME    POS    HT    WT    SCHOOL    RANK    GRADE    STATUS    NOTES
Moses Alipate    QB    6'5"    225    Jefferson H.S. (MN )    QB #11    81    Signed    
Michael Carter    CB    5'11"    154    Ely H.S. (FL )    CB #17    79    Signed    
Kerry Lewis    S    5'9"    178    Lancaster H.S. (TX )    S #24    79    Signed    
Bryant Allen    ATH    6'0"    160    Maplewood Richmond Heights H. S. (MO )    ATH #36    79    Signed    
Ra'Shede Hageman    TE    6'6"    252    Washburn H.S. (MN )    TE #12    79    Signed    
Matt Garin    DE    6'4"    220    Eastview H.S. (MN )    DE #40    78    Signed    
Kendall Gregory-McGhee    TE    6'4"    214    Cherokee Trail H.S. (CO )    TE #28    78    Signed    
Brent Singleton    OLB    6'0"    194    American Heritage H.S. (FL )    OLB #59    77    Signed    
Kenny Watkins    S    6'0"    185    Brother Rice H.S. (MI )    S #72    77    Signed    
Hasan Lipscomb    RB    5'11"    201    Cypress Ridge H.S. (TX )    RB #82    76    Signed    
Nick Rengel    ATH    6'3"    220    Sartell H.S. (MN )    ATH #97    76    Signed    
Dan Orseske    K    6'2"    190    Brother Rice H.S. (IL )    K #24    75    Signed    
Victor Keise    WR    6'2"    175    North Broward Prep School (FL )    WR #134    74    Signed    
Joey Searcy    DT    6'3"    280    South Grand Prairie H.S. (TX )    DT #75    74    Signed    
Ed Olson    OC    6'6"    270    Mahtomedi H.S. (MN )    OC #28    73    Signed    
Brooks Michel    OT    6'7"    280    Carmel H.S. (IN )    OT #138    72    Signed    
Josh Campion    OT    6'5"    260    Fergus Falls H.S. (MN )         40    Signed    
Eric Jacques    OG    6'2"    280    Ely H.S. (FL )         40    Signed    
NAME    POS    HT    WT    HOMETOWN    SCHOOL    TYPE    STATUS
Hayo Carpenter    WR    5-11    185    Ridgecrest, CA    College of the Canyons    JC    Signed
Jeff Wills    OT    6-6    350    Laurelton, NY    Lackawanna College    JC    Signed

 

From ESPN.com sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/columns/story

Minnesota
Despite a poor end to their 2008 season, the Golden Gophers can still sell recruits on a fine overall turnaround in which they went from one win in 2007 to seven in 2008. With progress on the field, Minnesota is now trying to stay successful on the recruiting trail. Coach Tim Brewster is known as a tireless recruiter and has really upped his game in-state.

The Golden Gophers did lose out on the state's top overall prospect, but landed its Nos. 2 through 4 prospects, including big tight end Ra'Shede Hageman (Minneapolis/Washburn) and defensive end Matt Garin (Apple Valley, Minn./Eastview). They also have commitments from a pair of good safeties, led by Kerry Lewis (Lancaster, Texas), an undersized but good player. Plus, Kendall Gregory-McGhee (Aurora, Colo./Cherokee Trail) is a promising tight end prospect out of Colorado.

Top prospect: Adam Weber will only be a redshirt junior, but Minnesota is hoping it found its signal-caller of the future in Moses Alipate (Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson). The lone ESPNU 150 member of the class is a big and strong-armed passer. He is still a bit raw in technique, but the kid does possess good measurables, arm strength, athleticism and competitiveness. He should have a bright future at Minnesota.

Don't be surprised if … Minnesota falls short of another top-25 recruiting class.

Posted by: Brian W. on 2/04/2009 at 11:59 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

SCSU's Raboin 10th highest scoring defenseman

SCSU men's hockey junior captain Garrett Raboin ranks 10th among Division I defenders with a scoring rate of .86 points per game in 2008-09.  He has 8 goals and 16 assists this season. (From SCSU Sports Information).

The Huskies are coming off a split with the highly-rated Sioux and will travel way north to Alasak to face the Seawolves.

Here are some other game/team facts of my favorite D-I hockey college team (courtesy of the SCSU Sports Information Department):

The Huskies and Alaska Anchorage will meet for the first time this season at Sullivan Arena in Anchorage.  This will mark the lone regular season meeting between these two rivals.

Junior Jase Weslosky earned his second shutout of the season with his 3-0 win over #12 North Dakota on Jan. 30.  Weslosky now has six career shutouts, which ranks third in the team records.  He is tied for the third spot along with SCSU legends Bobby Goepfert and Brian Leitza.

Ryan Lasch and Jordy Christian both own five-game point streaks headed into the game at UAA on Feb. 6.
Sophomore Garrett Roe ranks second in the nation in scoring with 37 points.  His scong average of 1.32 ppg ranks fourth in the nation among DI players in 2008-09.

The Huskies own an eight-game unbeaten streak against UAA, and SCSU coach Bob Motzko is 8-1-1 during his career against UAA.  Last year at Sullivan Arena, the Huskies gained a 3-1 and 2-1 sweep on Feb. 15-16, 2008.

SCSU is ranked fifth in the nation with a scoring rate of 3.61 goals per game.  The Huskies have scored 101 goals this season, which places them tied for second in the nation for most goals scoring this season.

In the latest version of the all-important Pairwise Rankings, the Huskies were tied for 18th along with St. Lawrence (as of Feb. 4 at 10 a.m.).

Junior captain Garrett Raboin ranks 10th among Division I defenders with a scoring rate of .86 points per game in 2008-09.  He has 8 goals and 16 assists this season.

The Huskies will be back home at the National Hockey Center on Feb. 13-14 for a pair of 7:07 p.m. games.  Great seats are available for these games.  For complete information on tickets, please call the NHC Ticket Office at 1-877-SCSUTIX or 320-308-2137.

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Posted by: Brian W. on 2/04/2009 at 11:47 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Laker gymnasts No. 2 in state rankings

After a season which almost wasn't, the Detroit Lakes gymnastics team has persevered through some tough obstacles to currently hold the No. 2 ranking in Class 1A.

Here are the rankings:

CLASS 1A
RK (LAST)    TEAM (RECORD)
1 (1)    Perham (147.817)
2 (4)    Detroit Lakes (142.233)
3 (5)    Martin County West (142.008)
4 (2)    Becker (141.900)
5 (3)    Big Lake (141.475)
6 (8)    Jackson County Central (140.958)
7 (7)    Mound Westonka (140.217)
8 (6)    New Prague (140.158)
9 (9)    Sartell-St. Stephen (137.408)
10 (NR)    Redwood Valley (137.125)

The Lakers have battled plenty through the 2008-09 season, starting with not having a head coach up to one week to before the start of the season. Fortunately, first-year DLHS teacher Jenny Whipple stepped up to the plate and took on the head coaching duties, despite not having a deep background in the sport. She has been learning on the job and giving great support to a bunch of hard-working girls.

It's been lots of focus and hard work, but the DL gymnasts should be given lots of props for doing what they have accomplished this season. Senior captain and leader Courtney Einerson has provided that valuable leadership this young team has needed throughtout a tumultuous season, but with success, has come stability.

The Lakers, of course, have the gigantic job of overcoming a beast of an opponent in five-time state champion Perham, which once again sits atop of the Class 1A gymnastics world and happens to be in DL's section.

But, it's an impressive season for these Laker gymnasts, no matter how it ends. Just having a season was in doubt before it even began...now it's business as usual for a DL gymnastics team, which has become accustom to being one of the best in the state.

The Lakers will hosting Park Rapids tonight (Tuesday, Jan. 27) inside the Flyers facility, starting at 6 p.m.

Posted by: Brian W. on 1/27/2009 at 10:39 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Updated Section 6-1A boys' hockey stats

The updated Section 6-1A boys' hockey stats are as is:

Alexandria 12 3 0 3 2 0
Detroit Lakes 5 11 0 1 2 0
Fergus Falls 4 11 1 3 5 0
Little Falls 14 0 0 4 0 0
Morris/Benson 7 6 1 0 0 0
Prairie Centre 6 9 0 0 2 0
St Cloud Apollo 3 11 1 0 3 0
Sartell 10 5 0 3 2 0
Wadena-DC 10 7 1 3 1 0
(Teams arranged alphabetically)

SECTION 6A LEADING SCORERS
Rank Name School Grade Goals Assists Total
1 Ben Hanowski Little Falls 12 33 24 57
2 Trevor Ness Wadena-DC 12 29 17 46
3 Peter Lindblad Morris/Benson 12 25 16 41
4 Lucas Gervais Fergus Falls 11 14 19 33
4 Izaak Berglund Little Falls 12 10 23 33
6 Tanner Lane Detroit Lakes 10 16 16 32
7 Dustin Christen St Cloud Apollo 12 18 12 30
7 Brandon Wing Wadena-DC 11 14 16 30
9 Andy Worzala Sartell 11 14 13 27
9 Thomas Williams Alexandria 11 12 15 27

Power Play Goals Shorthanded Goals
Rank Name School # Rank Name School #
1 Dustin Christen St Cloud Apollo 6 1 Ben Hanowski Little Falls 3
2 Ben Hanowski Little Falls 5 2 Riley Hirsch Little Falls 2
2 Peter Lindblad Morris/Benson 5 2 Ben Nelson Little Falls 2
2 Brandon Wing Wadena-DC 2

SECTION 6A LEADING GOALTENDERS
(Minimum minutes played of 255.0) (Ranked according to Save Percentage)
Rank Name School Grade Minutes GA Avg Saves Shots Save %
1 Matt Hemingway Alexandria 12 727.5 1.5 328 349 94.0
2 Michael Sperl Little Falls 12 746.2 1.6 309 333 92.8
3 Tyler Muehler Wadena-DC 11 387.2 3.6 241 268 89.9

Shutouts Minutes Played
Rank Name School # Rank Name School #
1 Michael Sperl Little Falls 5 1 Brent Orndorff Sartell 790.7
2 Matt Hemingway Alexandria 3 2 Michael Sperl Little Falls 746.2
3 Matt Hemingway Alexandria 727.5

RESULTS & UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Tuesday, January 20:
Wadena-DC 12 Walker 0 Alexandria 10 River Lakes 1
Little Falls 8 Willmar 1 St Cloud Tech 3 Fergus Falls 2
St Cloud Apollo 3 Monticello 3 (OT) Morris/Benson 9 Sleepy Eye 0
Crookston 9 Detroit Lakes 4 Providence Academy 3 Prairie Centre 1
Thursday, January 22:
*Little Falls 1 Alexandria 0 Litchfield 9 Morris/Benson 1
Northern Lakes 6 Detroit Lakes 3
Friday, January 23:
*Sartell 6 Fergus Falls 2 Faribault 3 Wadena-DC 2
Brainerd 5 St Cloud Apollo 0 Prairie Centre 4 Minneapolis East
Saturday, January 24:
Marshall 6 Wadena-DC 3 Morris/Benson 8 Worthington 0
Lake of the Woods 4 Detroit Lakes 2
Tuesday, January 27:
*Detroit Lakes __ at Wadena-DC __, 7:00 *Sartell __ at Little Falls __, 7:15
Alexandria __ at Willmar __, 7:00 Sauk Rapids __ at Fergus Falls __, 7:00
River Lakes __ at St Cloud Apollo __, 7:00 Northern Lakes __ at Prairie Centre __, 7:30
Wahpeton __ at Morris/Benson __, 5:00
Thursday, January 29:
*Alexandria __ at St Cloud Apollo __, 5:15 *Fergus Falls __ at Little Falls __, 7:15
Friday, January 30:
*Detroit Lakes __ at Prairie Centre __, 7:30 Little Falls __ at Sauk Rapids __, 7:00
St Cloud Tech __ at Sartell __, 7:00
Saturday, January 31:
*Detroit Lakes __ at Sartell __, 3:00 Bemidji __ at Alexandria __, 7:30
River Lakes __ at Fergus Falls __, 7:00 Morris/Benson __ at Luverne __, 3:00
Tuesday, February 3:
*Wadena-DC __ at Little Falls __, 7:15 *St Cloud Apollo __ at Fergus Falls __, 7:00
St Cloud Tech __ at Alexandria __, 7:00 Sartell __ at Willmar __, 7:00
Fargo Shanley __ at Morris/Benson __, 6:30 Detroit Lakes __ at Park Rapids __, 7:00
Prairie Centre __ at Mora __, 7:30
Thursday, February 5:
*Sartell __ at Alexandria __, 7:00 *Little Falls __ at St Cloud Apollo __, 7:00
*Prairie Centre __ at Morris/Benson __, 7:00
Friday, February 6:
Willmar __ at Fergus Falls __, 7:00 Brainerd __ at Alexandria __, 8:00
*-Section 6A Contest Underline indicates home team (Game times subject to change)

Posted by: Brian W. on 1/27/2009 at 10:32 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Piche eighth at Winter X Games

Detroit Lakes Matt Piche once again made the finals in the SnoCross Winter X Games, finishing eighth overall. Not too bad considering Piche was recovering from a sledding accident earlier in the season.

Here's the video to watch from ESPN on the SnoCross finals and Tucker Hibbert's third-straight gold medal: espn.go.com/video/clip

 

 

SNOWMOBILE SnoCross Final
Name    Sled
1    Tucker Hibbert (Video)    68
2    Robbie Malinoski    4
3    Dan Ebert    602
4    Levi LaVallee    108
5    Ryan Simons    67
6    Dave Allard    167
7    Bobby LePage    244
8    Matt Piche    51
9    Brett Bender    19
10    Matt Morin    27
11    D.J. Eckstrom    25
12    T.J. Gulla    44
13    Shaun Crapo    3
14    Paul Bauerly    324
15    Garth Kaufman    48
 

Posted by: Brian W. on 1/26/2009 at 2:44 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Section 6-1A boys hockey stats

Little Falls remains undefeated, while their scoring phenom Ben Hanowski nears the all-time Minnesota state scoring record. Hanowski leads the section with 52 points, while DL's Tanner Lane is tied for seventh with 25 points.

Here are the current stats:

Team             Overall        Section record

Alexandria     11-2- 0          3-1-0
Detroit Lakes  5 8 0           1 2 0
Fergus Falls     4 9 1             3 4 0
Little Falls       12 0 0             3 0 0
Morris/Benson 5 5 1           0 0 0
Prairie Centre   5 8 0          0 2 0
St Cloud Apollo 3 10 0     0 3 0
Sartell                 9 5 0      2 2 0
Wadena-DC        9 5 1      3 1 0
(Teams arranged alphabetically)

SECTION 6A LEADING SCORERS
Rank Name School Grade Goals Assists Total

1 Ben Hanowski Little Falls 12 30 22 52
2 Trevor Ness Wadena-DC 12 24 14 38
3 Lucas Gervais Fergus Falls 11 13 18 31
4 Peter Lindblad Morris/Benson 12 17 13 30
4 Izaak Berglund Little Falls 12 9 21 30
6 Dustin Christen St Cloud Apollo 12 16 11 27
7 Tanner Lane Detroit Lakes 10 11 14 25
7 Ryan Nahan Sartell 11 3 22 25
9 Matt Nahan Sartell 11 15 9 24
9 Brandon Wing Wadena-DC 11 12 12 24
9 Andy Worzala Sartell 11 11 13 24

Power Play Goals Shorthanded Goals
Rank Name School # Rank Name School #

1 Dustin Christen St Cloud Apollo 6 1 Ben Hanowski Little Falls 3
2 Ben Hanowski Little Falls 5 2 Riley Hirsch Little Falls 2
3 5 players tied with 4 2 Ben Nelson Little Falls 2
2 Brandon Wing Wadena-DC 2

SECTION 6A LEADING GOALTENDERS
(Minimum minutes played of 255.0) (Ranked according to Save Percentage)
Rank Name School Grade Minutes GA Avg Saves Shots Save %

1 Matt Hemingway Alexandria 12 651.4 1.6 286 306 93.5
2 Michael Sperl Little Falls 12 644.2 1.8 266 289 92.0
3 Tyler Muehler Wadena-DC 11 314.6 3.6 210 232 90.5
Shutouts Minutes Played
Rank Name School # Rank Name School #
1 Michael Sperl Little Falls 4 1 Brent Orndorff Sartell 739.7
2 Matt Hemingway Alexandria 3 2 Matt Hemingway Alexandria 651.4
3 Michael Sperl Little Falls 644.2

Posted by: Brian W. on 1/20/2009 at 9:59 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Christensen skating well for Brooklyn (NY) Aces

Detroit Lakes' Mike Christensen is putting up some nice numbers for the semipro hockey team Brooklyn (NY) Aces.

Here's the article on the team's website about their latest win and Christensen's natural hat trick (here's the website to check it out www.ephl.com/Home/tabid/198/Default.aspx):

ACES BEAT BEARS 11-2
 

The flurries outside the Ice Time Sports Complex in Newburgh, NY were no match for the flurry of scoring inside the arena on Saturday night, as the Aces (18-2-2-0) beat the Hudson Valley Bears (2-17-0-0) 11-2. Brooklyn actually got off to a fairly moderate start. Mike Thomson found the net twice in the first period to give the Aces an early advantage. Ian McLoughlin scored with just over a minute left in the first and the Aces went into the second period with a 3-0 lead. The second period showed a bit of a back and forth early on, and then Aces unleashed the fury, in particular Mike Christensen. With just under five minutes remaining in the second, Nick Grove led Christensen with a pass in front of the net for the Aces 7th score of the night, but Christensen was far from done. "I missed so many chances last night in Danbury," said Christensen. "I just wanted to erase that from my memory." Christensen then scored his second goal 17 seconds later off of a rebound from an Ian McLoughlin slap shot. Then to cap it all of, Mike finished the natural hat trick wristing a shot past Jason Szerszen and putting the game well out of reach.

Miroslav Recicar stopped 24-of-26 shots to improve to 9-0 on the season, and remain the only undefeated EPHL goaltender with at least 5 starts.

Christensen has 34 points on the season in 22 games, including 19 goals and 15 assists.

Posted by: Brian W. on 1/13/2009 at 4:48 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

For you runners out there - Grandma's registration info

Grandma's Marathon registration opens Thursday...the half-marathon and 5K registration is in February and March. If I can keep up my training on the treadmill this winter - since there's no way on this God's green Earth that I will run in weather under 40 degrees - I may jump at the opportunity to visit Duluth and run in the 5K.

Here's the info on Grandma's:

Grandma's Marathon Registration Opens Thursday
Sign Up Online at www.GrandmasMarathon.com
 
(Duluth, Minn.) Registration for the 33rd running of Grandma's Marathon begins Thursday at 12:01 a.m. (CST). The race entry procedure was converted to an online format in 2008 and that system will be in place again this year, so runners looking to register should visit www.GrandmasMarathon.com <http://www.grandmasmarathon.com/> .
 
The 26.2-mile race, which has reached its capacity for 14 consecutive years, is limited to the first 9,500 participants. Last year, the race was more than half full in the first 24 hours after registration opened.
 
“We were very pleased with how well our transition to online registration worked last year, and we are excited to begin the entry process for this spring’s event,” says Scott Keenan, executive director of the race, the 11th largest marathon in the United States.
 
Grandma's Marathon weekend also features the 19th annual Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and the 16th annual William A. Irvin 5K. Registration for those two events will begin in February and March, respectively. The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon is Saturday, June 20 at 6:30 a.m. and the William A. Irvin 5K is Friday, June 19 at 6 p.m.
 
In all, more than 18,000 runners and 50,000 race fans from around the world will participate in the 33rd annual Grandma's Marathon weekend, which is presented by Target, Toyota and Wells Fargo Bank Duluth.
 
For more information on any of Grandma's Marathon’s races or events, visit www.GrandmasMarathon.com <http://www.grandmasmarathon.com/> or call (218) 727-0947.
 
2009 Grandma’s Marathon Online Registration Schedule
 
Grandma's Marathon (Limited to first 9,500 entrants)
 Registration opens Thursday, January 15
 
 
Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon (4,500 entrants selected via lottery)
 Lottery registration open from Feb. 18 through March 1
 
William A. Irvin 5K (Limited to first 1,500 entrants)
 Registration opens Wednesday, March 18
 

Posted by: Brian W. on 1/13/2009 at 4:43 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Twins Caravan stopping in DL Tuesday

The Minnesota Twins Winter Caravan will be stopping in Detroit Lakes Tuesday at the American Legion, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.

Twins who are included in the stop are manager Ron Gardenhire, hitting coach Joe Vavra and pitcher Glen Perkins, along with former Twins pitcher and current color analyst Jack Morris.

Autographs will be available from the players and managers during the event.

 

Posted by: Brian W. on 1/12/2009 at 11:53 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Piche back to racing

Detroit Lakes' Matt Piche got back on his sled for the first time since a plate and eight screws were put into his left hand after an accident during a SnoCross race earlier this winter.

Piche competed in the Canterbury Races, which were held this weekend. The DL snowmobiler racer finished eighth in the Pro Stock division and 11th in the Pro Mods. His semi-pro teammate, Logan Christian, got hit during a race and suffered a broken collar bone, six ribs and a punctured lung and is said to be in the hospital at least until Wednesday.

The Winter X-Games will be held in two weeks, in which Piche has qualified for in the last several years.

Thanks to Matt's mom, Lisa, for providing the details of this weekend's events. More info can be found at www.isocracing.com/

 

 

Posted by: Brian W. on 1/12/2009 at 11:45 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Raboin featured player on SCSU website

Detroit Lakes native Garrett Raboin - the junior defenseman captain for the SCSU Huskies -  is the featured player this week on the SCSU Player Profile page...which can be found here: www.stcloudstate.edu/athletics/sports/hockey-mens/story.asp

The Huskies are currently 10-9-1 and 5-7-0 in the WCHA. Raboin has played in all the Huskies' games and has 19 points, including six goals and 13 assists. He anchors the defensive unit, while playing on the power play and some penalty kill.

 

SCSU hosts U of M Duluth this weekend.

Posted by: Brian W. on 1/08/2009 at 1:41 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Brandon Johnson DL Wrestler of the Week

  The Detroit Lakes wrestling of the week belongs to Brandon Johnson — as chosen by head coach Rob Ullyott.

    Johnson is a senior who wrestles at the 189-pound weight class.  Johnson had a great week going 6-1 at the 32-team Big Bear tournament to finish in third place.  After losing his first match, Johnson won six straight matches. 

    "Brandon is also emerging as a very important senior leader for the Laker Wrestling team," Ullyott included.  The Lakers have their home opener Tuesday evening with a triangular, starting with Morris at 6 p.m. and Crookston at 7:30 p.m.

Posted by: Brian W. on 1/05/2009 at 2:12 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Some things I think I know after a week's vacation

Unlike last year, this year's end of the year vacation was a heck-of-a-COLDER. Last year, I was basking in the sun of Florida, this year, it was getting wind burn from the 30-below windchill.

In the seven days I was off, we got hit by 3 snowstorms, thus forcing me to snowblow the driveway out three times. I used my snowblower maybe 3-4 times last year alone - giving me the notion this isn't looking to be a mild winter.

The couch is permantely dented from my butt after watching mind-numbingly hours of football and marathons of "Surviror Man" "Man vs. Wild" and mega-hours of NFL Network. Not much to do, when I'm watching my basement windows slowly getting stacked by inches of snow.

But even though I was practicing one of the seven deadly sins of Sloth to perfection last week, I did learn a few things.

1. This year would be yet another perfect season for a College Football Playoff. The top eight teams would have been very entertaining. The Utah Utes once again was a BCS Buster, with its defeat of highly-touted Alabama. Personally, I wasn't pulling for the Red Tide, since they are coached by Saban. But, even though Utah is the lone team to finish the college season undefeated, they still are not on the level of Florida, Oklahoma or USC. For Thursday's Championship bout, here's to Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford and his Sooners for a hopeful victory over Super QB Tim Tebow and his Florida Gators.

2. After riding yet another season of rough seas on board of the 2008 Viking Longship - from the exhuberation of a win over the NY Giants to the another crushing defeat yesterday to the Eagles in the playoffs - this team is close, I figured out. Yes, disappointing, but if (a big IF) the Vikes can obtain a solid veteran QB, they will be a team to contend with. This defense - with the return of EJ Henderson and Pat Williams, along with the hopeful recovery of Kenechi Udeze - will be dominating. Brad Childress will get another year - so get that out of your minds now - but if a QB can be signed, I'll be pumped and reserving my seat on the 2009 Longship, with seat belts, of course.

3. OK...transition time from the gridiron to the hardwood. After being saturated with football since about August, it's time to focus my attention to basketball. It's been a long time I can say that, but with Tubby Smith leading the Golden Gopher men's b-ball team to more than respectability, the Gophs will fill in my dead time for sports entertainment. I attended the game vs. High Point and seeing the two big guys of Ralph Sampson III and Colton Iverson in live action, it's a front court which the Gophers have been missing since their run to the Final Four under Clem Haskins (I suppose I should be waiting for a call from the NCAA Police saying I can't write that). It's long past due to be excited about Gopher basketball, so a big thank you to Tubby Smith!

4. If there's one person in the entertainment industry who earns every single nickel, it's Les Stroud of "Survivor Man". If you don't watch this show, it's a single man - without a camera crew - who sets out for an entire week without food or supplies and survives in some of the harshest environments Mother Nature can throw at you. One of the best shows on TV, besides "Ghost Hunters"....hey, don't laugh at "Ghost Hunters" either, interesting and great characters on that show, as well.

5. I'm tired of snow blowing my driveway. Sure, my son Brody loves it, because he gets to play in the after trail of the blowing snow - and my dog Nash follows behind me barking almost every step of the way (annoying) - but I don't know if God really intended the homo sapien to take up residence here. Hard to imagine what we put ourselves through...but I guess I've done it for 34 years, I can live through it for another few months...sigh.

Posted by: Brian W. on 1/05/2009 at 11:36 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Vacation done...now it's time for the long haul

With the holidays over and the winter cranking at full blast, the local sports scene will be in full-tilt action for the next three months, leading in to March Madness.

I just finished up my week's vacation and now am ready to take on the full duty of of covering the rest of the winter sports schedules.

The Laker boys hockey team scored a big victory over Fergus Falls in the Otter Holiday Tournament, which hopefully can be a spark heading into the second half of the season. Holding on for a 6-5 win over rival Fergus Falls salvaged a 1-2 record in the Otter Holiday Tournament for the Lakers, but more importantly, pulled DL even with FF in the series at 1-1.

That's important, because both teams reside in Section 6-1A and the win will come into play when the seeding process for the playoffs is had, giving DL head coach Chris Denardo some added ammunition for a hopeful higher seed. Laker phenom Tanner Lane remains on his torrid pace, racking up 20 points on the season, including 12 assists and eight goals.

Linemate Alex Phelps, who hails from Perham, has 12 points with seven assists and five goals.

The Lakers girls' hockey team pulled off its first win of the season in the Rocori Holiday Tournament, while the DL girls' basketball team took second in the Sartell Tourney. The Laker girls' b-ball squad will only get better as the season progresses as experience builds, so that will be a team to watch throughout the cold months of January and February. The senior-dominated team is well-rounded, with effective shooters inside the paint and on the perimeter. And, as usual from a Mike Hoganson-coached team, the defense remains a constant.

Tuesday, former Laker and all-time leader in wins Shane Tappe, brings his Morris wrestling team to DL. Tappe is the head coach of the Morris grappling team and is in his second year in that capacity. This is his first trip back to DL as a head coach after a stellar career as a Laker.

The Laker Nordic ski team will also have their first - and only - home meet Tuesday at Maplelag Resort, starting at 10 a.m.

 

Posted by: Brian W. on 1/05/2009 at 11:23 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Familiar face returns to boxing ring

Detroit Lakes native Marcus "The Regulator" Rhode returns to the Detroit Lakes area to fight in the squared circle Saturday night on the pro boxing card at the Northern Lights Casino in Walker.

Rhode will face Naytahwaush's Jon "Hogg" Sargent in a six-round main event bout.

There are six other fights scheduled on the card, which includes a "Tough Man" Contest, as well.

Preliminaries are scheduled Friday for the Tough Man Contest, while the semi's and finals will be held Saturday, along with the pro boxing fights. Pro fights start at 7:30 p.m. in Walker.

The Lakes Area Boxing club - which is headed by DL's Chris Holt - will also travel to Wadena Saturday evening for Golden Gloves action. Christian Andvik and Shane Kern will be on the card.

 

Chris Holt and Marcus Rhode

Posted by: Brian W. on 12/16/2008 at 1:42 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Playoffs looming: NFL rankings

With still a slippery grasp on the current NFL heiarchy still in question...and up to 19 teams still in the playoff "hunt", I'll take a gander at some rankings. There are levels to the totem pole, which obviously changes from week to week with the parity of teams now residing in our professional football league.

Elite

This level doesn't have many teams, because it's a precarious level to stay on. Some former "elite" teams which have fallen from the graces of being on top: Dallas (at the start of the season), New England (the shortest tenure with Tom Brady getting knocked out in the first quarter of the first game), Packers (13-3 and ALL except one player back? Ahhhh, but it was THAT player) and San Diego (an AFC Championship bid last year and 14-2 the year before to this? Ouch!). Those keisters of those teams are scabbed and bruised after bumping down each step of what is know as the NFL's Stairway to Heaven (or Super Bowl, Heaven sounds better). The teams which squat on this level currently have one thing in common - Defense.

    1. Tennessee (12-1) I think the most surprising team. But even with an aging QB in Kerry Collins, they have one of the best running games and defense around. Perfect formula for a long playoff run, along with one of the best coaches in the NFL in Jeff Fisher.

    2. NY Giants (11-2) Have enjoyed top elite status since Plaxico Burress hauled in Eli Manning's pass over the New England cornerback in the big Super Bowl upset. They do have the best rushing game in the league with an ox/cheetah at RB in Brandon Jacobs and stellar defense. Manning has also become a top 3 QB in the league...even threatening to overtake is older brother, if he hasn't already.

    3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) Head coach Mike Tomlin has this team playing hot at the right time. They pelted the more finesse Colts a few weeks ago with that smashmouth defense. Their offense is a bit limited, with Willie Parker on the sidelines, but that defense can carry you a long way. In December and January, they play well.

Knocking on the door to elitism

    This level consists of the hot teams, which are playing well right now, not necassarily the entire season. These are dangerous playoff teams with some huge momentum rolling. They can hang their hat on a specific part of their team, but are all well-rounded.

    4. Baltimore Ravens (9-4) Many of the national pundits have Carolina here, but I don't see any defense playing better than the Ravens right now. They can overtake the Steelers this weekend with a win in Baltimore vs. Pitt. Winning 7 of 8 is looking a lot like the year they won the Super Bowl with creaky-armed Trent Dilfer at the helm. Now, they have a flashy rookie in Joe Flacco and a running back by committee mentality which wears on opposing defenses. With Ed Reed on the other side of the ball, the Raven's defense scores more than they allow.

    5. Carolina (10-3) The Panthers don't have a dominating part to their game  like the above mentioned. But, they do all things well. Jon Stewart and DeAngelo Williams are a perfect 1-2 punch in the backfield and Super Bowl QB Jake Delhomme is looking like a very good experienced signal caller. Their defense doesn't necassarily dominate, but they are just a scratch below that. The win vs. Tampa Bay was very telling with this team. They still can gain the No. 1 seed in the NFC if they win the rest.

    6. Indy Colts (9-4) An easier schedule and Peyton Manning doing what he does best - win - makes this team dangerous. Their defense is also coming on. This is more than likely Tony Dungy's final year, so lots of motivation for a talented team. Need RB Addai to return though.

Good, but beatable

    7. Tampa Bay (9-4) There are flaws on this team and one could be rushing defense, as Carolina exposed last Monday Night. Jeff Garcia is a solid QB, who can still make plays with his legs. If RB Cadilliac Williams comes on strong - which is questionable after a serious knee injury - the Bucs could be a legit team to run the tables. If not, Garcia is good, but not good enough to take this team far.

    T-8. New England, Miami, NY Jets (8-5) A glut of questions for the AFC East leaders. Inconsistency rules all three of these teams, with some bigs wins, followed by ugly losses. All can lose any week, but all can pull out a win. If Matt Cassel can't go Sunday vs. Oakland after the death of his father, they maybe out of it. Jets? What team will show up? The one which beat New England and Tennessee on the road in back to back weeks, or the one which choked against Denver and San Fran the next two? With Favre, you never know which one will show up. Miami is just a good story. From 1-15 to 8-5. I'm pulling for the Dolphins and think they have a good chance of out-surviving the other two with a steady Chad Pennington at QB and a solid defense.

    11. Philly Eagles (7-5-1) If Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook keep it up (and not get injured like they always do), the Eagles have an inside track to a possible Wildcard. A slow start and some bad losses stalled this team, but McNabb is a good QB and their defense is still a blitzing animal.

Don't put your money on 'em, but don't bet against 'em either

    12. Minnesota Vikings (8-5) Probably a little homerism ranking them this high, but an 8-2 record over the last 10 games shows this team is ready for a possible breakout. A few weeks ago I wrote about Brad Childress not making it to next year, but wins over the Bears and Packers and a first place ranking in the NFC North makes the final three games legit again. The Vikes' defense is the best of the teams who are not named Ravens, Titans, Giants or Steelers. That there makes the Vikes a better bet than Arizona, Atlanta and Denver. Yes, the QB situation is precarious at best, but having a top-notch rushing game helps put less pressure on the new starter in T-Jack.

    13. Atlanta (8-5) Rookie QB Matt Ryan has been spectacular. But there should be some warning signals out there for a possible rookie wall going up. The rushing attack has helped Ryan and keyed by Michael Turner. The defense is a weak point, but the unit has played well enough to win eight game.

    14. Arizona Cardinals (8-5) Already NFC West divisional winner, they will obviously bolt up the rankings with a win over the Vikes Sunday. Only thing, they have one facet of the game they do well....passing. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are super-weapons, along with Kurt Warner. But in football, if you can shut down the only thing a team does well at, they are toast in the desert sun.

    15. Denver (8-5) No defense and a potent offense gives the Broncos a 50-50 shot each and every week. Flip a coin, but they pretty much have the AFC West wrapped up.

    16. Dallas Cowboys (8-5) Implosion in...5-4-3-2-1? Could be with a loss to the Giants Sunday. Terrell Owens is a ticking timebomb and Tony Romo is not the Shiny New Star everyone has made him out to be.

Throw 'em a lifeline, they need it

These teams' inferior play early in the season have forced them to win out and still hope for help from other team.s

    17. N.O. Saints (7-6) The Saints are fun to watch, unless you're a Saints' fan. They have seen this team pile on points, but to no avail. The loss of Reggie Bush for four weeks hurt, but that defense doesn't have any brakes, they can't stop anyone.

    18. Washington Redskins (7-6) What's with NFC East teams and their volatile players? Clinton Portis has called out first-year head coach Jim Zorn out and other players are following suit. Another team on the edge of implosion with a fickle owner already said ready to fire Zorn and pursue Bill Cowher.

    19. Chicago Bears (7-6) An ankle sprain douced the dreams of the Bears after they thought they found their QB finally in Kyle Orton. The defense is the defense of old, either, after getting gouged through the air. A must win vs. the Saints tonight. Actually for both teams or their ship is just about sunk after taking on too much water.

Tough spoilers

Teams which have recently been playing well, but the final scoop of dirt is being poured on their season casket.

    20. Houston Texans (6-7) Too many turnovers put too many bullets in vital organs of the Texans. A two-game win streak included a bullet of their own - right in the heart of the Green Bay Packer's playoff hopes last week on Lambeau Field.

    21. San Fran 49'ers (5-8) The 49'ers are still playing for something - interim head coach Mike Singeltary's job. A 3-3 record by the fiesty coach could land him permanent residence on the 49'ers sideline. Maybe a win or two more, could be his ticket.

    22. San Diego (5-8) L.T. where did you go? This team unfortunately also had an anchor named Norv Turner on its ankle, along with a huge hole left by Shawn Merriman on defense. But easily, probably the biggest disappointment this year.

    23. Buffalo Bills (6-7) After starting the season 5-1, it's been the Bills running downhill at full speed. They maybe playing for head coach Dick Jauron's job to finish the season with something called J.P. Losman calling the signals. Get that resume' dusted off Dick.

    24. Green Bay Packers (5-8) Pass defense? Gone. Rushing attack? Gone. The Lambeau Magic? Long gone. The Packer's passing defense was once one of the best a while ago, but now teams are running roughshod on the ground and air on them. Aaron Rodgers' season has been played with a decent tune, but the days of last-second comebacks and a game-winning drive are now residing in New York. Brett Favre? (chuckle) Gone.

The fork is sunk to its hilt

    25. Cleveland Browns (4-9) After going 10-6 last year with one of the best offenses, the Browns are down to their third QB (not worth mentioning his name as Ken Dorsey) and a newfound search for a new coach next year. The fall was quick, leaving Romeo Crennel dead as a head coach.

    26. Jacksonville (4-9) With their offensive line going through the meat-grinder early in the season, so did their physical play and so did their rushing game and so did their season. David Garrard isn't a QB who can lift a team on his shoulders and win games. He needs a good rushing game to do what he did last year - and that was throw TD's and not interceptions. Another huge disappointment for 2008.

    27. Seattle (2-11) Mike Holmgren is counting the days to his retirement.

    28. K.C. Chiefs (2-11) Yes, it was a rebuilding year, but the Chiefs better hope those draft picks they received from Minnesota for Jared Allen pan out. Because there isn't much left of this shell of a team.

    29. Oakland (3-10) They'll reside around this damp cellar until Al Davis decides to take his broken mind away from the Black-and-Silver.

    30. St. Louis Rams (2-11) Remember interim head coach Jim Haslett winning back-to-back games against Washington and Dallas? No, neither do I.

    31. Cincin Bengals (1-11-1) Their tie vs. the Eagles was their highlight. Sin-Sin is more like it.

    32. Detroit Lions (0-13) Green Bay better watch out...because the Lions ARE COMING!!

Posted by: Brian W. on 12/11/2008 at 11:01 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Gopher stadium should be a fun place to visit

I was able to stay right across from the new TCF Bank Gopher Stadium, which is scheduled to be completed by the start of the next NCAA football season.

Since I was only about 2-3 years old when the Met Stadium was open, it was interesting to see a fully-outdoor football stadium nearly completed.

The stadium itself will be an attraction, even if the Gopher football team plays like they did last Saturday against Iowa. The team will need something like TCF Stadium to keep people coming after quickly going from significant in Minnesota sports to insignificant with a four-game losing streak.

Yes, it's an improvement - vast improvement that is - from a one-win season from last year. Sadly, losing four in a row to cap the regular season and it's still called a successful season is how far down the Gopher football program is. Hopefully Tim Brewster's recruiting flame doesn't get snuffed out and it's nothing but bad to mediocre football played in what is turning out to be a gem of a stadium.

Anyways...I took a few pics while down at the Class 1A state girls' swimming and diving meet of the stadium under construction. It was cool to see the ring of all Minnesota's counties around the stadium in granite, so obviously, I had to go find Becker County.

Here are some shots:

 

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/25/2008 at 11:30 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

HOL All-Conference Football Teams

Here is the Heart O'Lakes Conference All-Conference Teams:

Heart O’Lakes All-Conference

HOL Classic Conference
    Pelican Rapids: Tydan Storrusten (Sr, QB/DB), McKale Evenson (Sr, FB/LB), Jan-Erik Lindberg (Sr, C/DL), Eric Shulstad (Sr, WR), Cole Forsgren (Sr, OL/LB), Lance Erickson (Jr, L/DL)…Warroad: Jack Phetsanghane (Sr, RB/LB), Brent Cole (Sr, OL/DL), Brent Cullerton (Sr, OG/DB); Adam Shangabay (Jr, RB/LB…Breckenridge: Jordan Blaufuss (Sr, QB/DB), Bryan Jacklitch (Sr, WR/DB), Tim Christopher (Sr, OL/DL)…Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton: Tayler Yliniemi (Sr, RB/LB), Andrew Oppegard (Jr, OL/DL), Zack Askelson (Jr, RB/DB)…Staples-Motley: John McFedres (Sr,, G/DT), Cody Hoemberg (Soph, FB/LB)…West Central Area: Brent Anderson (Sr, Ol/LB), Dayton Sternhagen (Sr, RB/LB)…Wadena-Deer Creek: Ryan Wolfenden (Sr, OL/LB), Allen Uselman (Sr, OL/DL)…

HOL Northern Conference
    Perham: Nathan Schmitz (Sr, LB/RB), Andrew Muer (Jr, DL/OL), Charlie Schmitz, D.J. Alstadt…Pequot Lakes: Nic Johnsen (Sr, WR), Cody Chambers (Jr, FB/LB), Matt Michaelson (Jr, RB/CB), Jeff Redmond (Sr, QB), Cody Carlson (Sr, OL/DL)…Park Rapids: Kevin Vaadeland (Sr, WR/LB), Dylan Sievers (Sr, G/LB), Dylan Walsh (Sr, QB/C)…East Grand Forks: Casey Pagnac (Sr, OL/LB), Brendan Mochuruk (Sr, TE/DE), Casey Ristau (Jr, RB/LB)…Roseau: Tyler Orgon (Sr), Jordan Timmerman (Sr), Kevin Erickson (Jr)…Crookston: Cody Holtman (Sr, DB/WR), Brody Davidson (Soph, N/RG), Isaac Edlund (Sr, DT/FB).

    HOL Northern Conference Awards — MVP: Nathan Schmitz (Perh)…Offensive Back MVP: Kevin Erickson (Ros)…Most Valuable Receiving: Nick Johnsen (PQL)…Offensive Linemen MVP: Andrew Muer (Perh)…Defensive Lineman Player MVP: Brody Davidson (Crx)…Linebacker MVP: Kevin Vaadeland (PR)…Defensive Lineman MVP: Cody Holtman (Crx)…Coach of Year: Howie Kangas (Perh).

    HOL Classic Conference Awards — MVP: Tyden Storrusten (Pel Rpd)…Offensive Back MVP: Jordan Blaufuss (Breck)…Receiver MVP: Eric Shulstad (Pel Rpd)…Offensive Lineman MVP: Ryan Wolfenden (WDC)…Defensive Lineman MVP: Brent Cole (Warroad)…Linebacker MVP: Taylor Yliniemi (DGF)…Defensive Back MVP: Bryan Jacklitch (Breck)…Coach of Year: David Haugen (Pel Rpds).
 

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/20/2008 at 1:11 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

MSHSL State Swimming and Diving meet press release

Here is the lowdown on the upcoming state swimming and diving meet, which starts Thursday and runs through Saturday....

State Girls’ Swimming and Diving Meet
Visitation seeks fourth consecutive team title

        The Visitation Blazers are in hot pursuit of their fourth consecutive Class A team title at this week’s 2008 State Girls’ Swimming and Diving Meet. The Maple Grove Crimson are hoping to win their second consecutive Class AA title.

        Visitation, which is located in Mendota Heights, returns at least one relay team or individual to every event except the 500-yard freestyle. Maple Grove returns competitors in every event.

        This year’s meet features 495 athletes representing 104 teams. Eighteen teams or individuals are returning in both classes to defend 2007 titles.

        Here are some highlights of the state meet that will be conducted Thursday through Saturday, November 20-22, at the Aquatic Center of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

     
        200-Yard Medley Relay
        Class A — All eight teams that earned medals at the 2007 state meet are returning, including the three-time defending champions from Breck School of Golden Valley. The other returning teams are: Visitation, runner-up, which owns this year’s fastest qualifying time of 1:51.08; Mankato West, third; Monticello, fourth; The Blake School of Minneapolis, fifth; Fergus Falls, sixth; Hill-Murray of Maplewood, seventh; and Red Wing, eighth.

        Class AA — The Edina Hornets return to defend their title. The other returning teams are: Maple Grove, runners-up; Eden Prairie, third; Burnsville, fourth; Woodbury, fifth; Lakeville North, sixth; and Minnetonka, seventh. Wayzata, which was disqualified in the 2007 finals, also returns. Eden Prairie has the best qualifying time of 1:46.60.

        200-Yard Freestyle
        Class A — Senior Meghan Weiss of Visitation, who has this year’s best qualifying time of 1:55.18, returns as the two-time defending champion. Other returning qualifiers are: senior Heather Crandall of Hill-Murray, runner-up; junior Alissa Tinklenberg of Willmar, fourth; senior Grace Moores of the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Lumberjacks, sixth; and senior Rachel Sathre of Richfield, eighth.

        Class AA — Senior Lauren Weis of Cretin-Derham Hall of St. Paul returns to defend her 2007 title. Four additional medal-winners also return: senior Melissa Killpatrick of Elk River Area/ACA, third; senior Jordan Bowen of Stillwater Area, fourth; sophomore Sarah Deis of Wayzata, sixth; and sophomore Elizabeth Kleiner of Lakeville North, eighth. Cretin-Derham Hall sophomore Kiera Janzen owns the fastest qualifying time of 1:50.83.

        200-Yard Individual Medley
        Class A — Sophomore Audrey Kumm of the Hutchinson Tigers, who was the runner-up in 2007, returns with the fastest qualifying time of 2:09.85. Five other medal-winners also return: ninth-grader Caley Oquist of Monticello, third; junior Taylor Foster of Breck School, fourth; senior Kara Fisher of Fergus Falls, fifth; sophomore Melissa Paakh of Detroit Lakes, sixth; and senior Julie Steege of Visitation, eighth.

        Class AA — Stillwater Area junior Kaela Anderson returns to defend her 2007 title. In addition to Anderson, four other medalists also return: junior Rachel Stearns of Hopkins, runner-up; sophomore Kayla Hutsell of Eastview of Apple Valley, third; junior Catie Chang of Burnsville, fourth; and senior Heather Bodin of Maple Grove, seventh; Abby Duncan, a sophomore at Champlin Park, owns the best qualifying time of 2:05.54.

        50-Yard Freestyle
        Class A — Senior Sophie Pilhofer of Visitation, runner-up last year, is the highest returning medalist. Four additional medal-winners also return: sophomore Heidi Busack of Fergus Falls, fourth; senior Kelsey Lucia of St. Cloud Apollo, fifth; senior Sarah Hund of Willmar, sixth; and junior Kaylin Caron of Marshall, seventh. Junior Megan Rieland of Sauk Centre, who was disqualified in last year’s finals, is the final returning qualifier. Amanda Paulson, a sophomore from Monticello, has the best qualifying time of 24.35.

        Class AA — Senior Abbey Staats of Winona, who has the fastest qualifying time of 23.46, is looking for her second consecutive title. Senior Treasa Ring of Roseville Area and junior Erin Caflisch of Rochester Mayo, also return from the 2007 field. They placed second and fourth, respectively.

        One-Meter Diving
        Class A — Five qualifiers return from the 2007 field: junior Maggie Klabunde of Fridley, runner-up; junior Shayna Dugger of Detroit Lakes, third; sophomore Tori Raihle of Spring Lake Park, fifth; senior Courtney Fleming of Austin, sixth; and sophomore Alissa Lager of St. Peter, seventh.

        Class AA — Junior Maggie Keefer of Stillwater Area is the highest returning qualifier. She earned runner-up honors in 2007. Two other medalists also return: sophomore Natalia Merrifield of Bloomington Jefferson, fifth; and senior Erin Eagen of Forest Lake, eighth.

        100-Yard Butterfly
        Class A — Sophomore Audrey Kumm of the Hutchinson Tigers, who placed third last year, has this year’s fastest qualifying time of 58.20. In addition to Kumm, four other 2007 medalists also return: sophomore Melissa Paakh of Detroit Lakes, runner-up; senior Sophie Pilhofer of Visitation, fourth; senior Kasey Sands of Red Wing, fifth; and senior Stephanie Crandall of Hill-Murray, seventh.

        Class AA — Senior Annalise Colton of Edina is looking for her second consecutive title. Six other 2007 medal-winners also return: senior Treasa Ring of Roseville Area, runner-up; ninth-grader Rachel Bootsma of Eden Prairie, third; sophomore Kayla Hutsell of Eastview, fourth; senior Paige Bauernfeind of Minnetonka, sixth; senior Danielle Adank of Maple Grove, seventh; and sophomore Emma Lawrenz of Minnetonka, eighth. Bootsma has the best qualifying time of 55.42.

        100-Yard Freestyle
        Class A — Senior Meghan Weiss of Visitation, who earned top honors last year, returns with this year’s fastest qualifying time of 52.70. Four other medal-winners also return from the 2007 field: sophomore Heidi Busack of Fergus Falls, fourth; junior Kaylin Caron of Marshall, fifth; senior Kelsey Lucia of St. Cloud Apollo, sixth; and junior Jenna Thompson of Warroad, seventh.

        Class AA — Two of the 2007 medalists return: senior Abbey Staats of Winona, third; and junior Erin Caflisch of Rochester Mayo, fourth. Staats has the best qualifying time of 51.12.

        500-Yard Freestyle
        Class A — Eighth-grader Marisa Woods of Sartell-St. Stephen returns in search of her second title. She also has the best qualifying time of 5:10.27. Five other medalists also return: senior Heather Crandall of Hill-Murray, third; senior Rachel Sathre of Richfield, fifth; sophomore McKenna Jones of Northfield, sixth; senior Kayla Ruff of Monticello, seventh; and senior Krystal Carlson of Richfield, eighth.

        Class AA — Defending champion Lauren Weis of Cretin-Derham Hall returns. Four other medal-winners also return: senior Melissa Killpatrick of Elk River Area/ACA, third; senior Jordan Bowen of Stillwater Area, fourth; junior Catie Chang of Burnsville, sixth; and sophomore Sarah Deis of Wayzata, seventh. Cretin-Derham Hall sophomore Kiera Janzen has the fastest qualifying time of 4:56.86.

        200-Yard Freestyle Relay
        Class A — The three-time defending champions from Visitation return in search of more gold. The other seven teams that earned medals in 2007 also return: Mankato West, runners-up; Sartell-St. Stephen, third; Willmar, fourth; Monticello, fifth; Marshall, sixth; the Hutchinson Tigers, seventh; and Little Falls, eighth. Sartell-St. Stephen owns the fastest qualifying time of 1:39.65.

        Class AA — Seven teams, including the two-time defending champions from Wayzata, return. The others are: Cretin-Derham Hall, runners-up; Lakeville South, third; Burnsville, fourth; Maple Grove, fifth; Stillwater Area, sixth; and Minnetonka, seventh. Lakeville South has the best qualifying time of 1:36.73.

        100-Yard Backstroke
        Class A —Seven of the 2007 medal-winners return, including the two-time defending champion, junior Taylor Foster of Breck School. Foster also the best qualifying time of 58.64. The other medalists are: junior Emily Roberts of Benilde-St. Margaret’s of St. Louis Park, runner-up; senior Kara Fisher of Fergus Falls, third; senior Julie Steege of Visitation, fourth; ninth-grader Abbey Schnaith of Red Wing, fifth; senior Rachel Harder of Red Wing, seventh; and senior Carroll Bible of Visitation, eighth.

        Class AA — Five medal-winners return, led by defending champion Rachel Bootsma, a ninth-grader at Eden Prairie. Bootsma also has the fastest qualifying time of 55.45. The other medalists are: junior Tess Behrens of Maple Grove, runner-up; junior Rachel Stearns of Hopkins, fourth; senior Nicole Solberg of Edina, fifth; and sophomore Katie Bootsma of Eden Prairie, seventh.

        100-Yard Breaststroke
        Class A — Ninth-grader Olivia McNeely of Visitation returns in search of her third consecutive gold medal. Other returning medal-winners are: junior Lindsey Lee of Hill-Murray, runner-up; senior Shalon Rothstein of Albany, third; sophomore Naja Harvey of Orono, fifth; sophomore Emily Punyko of Duluth East, sixth; junior Rachael Johnston of Orono, seventh; and junior Megan Ostrom of St. Louis Park, eighth. Harvey has the best qualifying time of 1:06.48.

        Class AA — Champlin Park sophomore Abby Duncan, who earned the title in 2007, is the highest returning qualifier. She also owns the fastest qualifying time of 1:04.01. Five other medalists also return: junior Danielle James of Lakeville North, runner-up; junior Melissa McMahon of Lakeville South, third; junior Jess Padniewski of Eden Prairie, fourth; senior Brooke Robbins of Maple Grove, fifth; and senior Kelsey Moarn of Edina, seventh.

        400-Yard Freestyle Relay
        Class A — The defending champions from Visitation return to seek more gold. The Blazers also have the fastest qualifying time of 3:38.56. The other returning teams are: Benilde-St. Margaret’s, runners-up; Breck School, third; Fergus Falls, fourth; the Hutchinson Tigers, fifth; Hill-Murray, sixth; Red Wing, seventh; and Willmar, eighth.

        Class AA — The defending champions from Cretin-Derham Hall return. The other returning teams are: Maple Grove, runners-up; Stillwater Area, third; Burnsville, fourth; Wayzata, fifth; Minnetonka, sixth; Edina, seventh; and Eden Prairie, eighth. Stillwater Area has the best qualifying time of 3:30.10.

        The Schedule
        This year’s state meet will start on Thursday, November 20, and run through Saturday, November 22. All events will take place at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center on the Minneapolis campus. The Class A one-meter diving preliminaries, the first five of eight, will begin at noon on Thursday, followed by the Class AA diving preliminaries at 6:00 p.m. The Class A swimming preliminaries begin at noon on Friday, followed by the Class AA swimming preliminaries at 6 p.m. The Class A championship finals in all events begin at noon on Saturday, followed by the Class AA finals at 6 p.m.
 

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/18/2008 at 10:16 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Five Lakers going to state swim and diving meet

There will be a solid contingent of Lakers in the Class 1A state swimming and diving meet, which starts Thursday and runs through Saturday at the University of Minnesota Aquatics Center.

The three divers - Bre Halbur, Shayna Dugger and Taryn Korbriger - along with two swimmers in Libby Larson and Melissa Paakh will be vying for state placings. Paakh will be a contender in each of the 200 IM and 100 butterfly, while Larson will be competing in the 500 freestyle race.

The state schedule is as follows:

 

     2008 GIRLS’ STATE
SWIMMING & DIVING
COMPETITION SCHEDULE
November 20-22, 2008

Thursday, November 20, 2008
Diving Tickets:  $5.00 (adult/student) per session, all seats are general admission
Class A GIRLS – Diving Preliminaries    12:00 noon
12:00 noon    Public Ticket Sales will begin @ 11:00 a.m.
Class AA GIRLS – Diving Preliminaries    6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.    Public Ticket Sales will begin @ 5:00 p.m.
Swim Tickets will NOT be sold to the public on Thursday

Friday, November 21, 2008
Swim Ticket:  $8.00 (adult/student) per session, all seats are reserved
Class A GIRLS – Swimming Preliminaries    12:00 noon
12:00 noon    Public Ticket Sales will begin @ 10:30 a.m.
Class AA GIRLS – Swimming Preliminaries    6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.    Public Ticket Sales will begin @ 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 22, 2008
Swim/Dive Ticket:  $8.00 (adult/student) per session, all seats are reserved
Class A GIRLS – Swimming & Diving Finals    12:00 noon
12:00 noon    Public Ticket Sales will begin @ 10:30 a.m.
Class AA GIRLS – Swimming & Diving Finals    6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.    Public Ticket Sales will begin @ 4:30 p.m.

LL:sr:sw web competition schedule only GIRLS  6/24/08
 

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/17/2008 at 10:57 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Three DL divers make state

The Section 8-1A meet is being held inside the BTD Aquatics Center, with the finals being held now.

The Lakers are sending three divers to state in Shayna Dugger, Bre Halbur and Taryn Kobriger. That's quite a feat for the DL divers. Halbur has now qualified for state in three different sports - gymnastics, track and now diving, which incidentally is her first year out for the sport.

Dugger will return to state, where she captured third place overall last year.

The swimming events are going on through today. Full coverage of the meet and all the Laker state qualifiers will be Wednesday's Becker County Record.

The state meet is at the U of M Aquatics Center, starting this coming Thursday and running through Saturday.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/15/2008 at 3:11 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Off for post-game interviews

Great season by the Raiders, one which was historic.

62 plays for 420 yards for Royalton's offense. LPA is running the final plays.

Game over....42-20 Royalton.

Kudos to the Raiders for an amazing season and run.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 12:39 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Time ticking away on an amazing season for LPA

Under 3 minutes remaining in the game and LPA down 42-20.

The Raiders made yet another strong effort in the game, but turnovers doomed them in the semifinals.

Royalton just picked off another pass for its fourth interception on the day. Six turnovers for the Raiders.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 12:35 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Royalton 42, Raiders 20

Royalton 69-yards on 12 plays on scoring drive...S. Lanners' 4th TD pass....3:40 left in game.

Royalton now has met their season-average of 41 points/per game....ranking them No. 1 offense in Class 1A.

 

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 12:32 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Royals fourth and 3 from L-12.

3rd and 8  on L-17: Z. Lanners around left end for 5....4th and 3 from L-12: Schlichting catches 12-yard pass on S. Lanners roll-out right across middle of field....

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 12:30 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Royalton in red zone

1st at L-19: Royalton false start....1st and 15 on 24: Segler no gain....2nd and 15 on 24: Z. Lanners 7-gain around left end (Lanner's has run about 60 percent of rushes around left end, good blocking)....3rd and 8 and L-17.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 12:27 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Royalton drive

1st: Segler six-gain....2nd: Lanners 1-gain...3rd and 3: Lanners 8-gain, left tackle pulled and made huge block....FD.....1st: Wiener 4-gain....2nd from 50: Segler 9-gain around left end (Royals starting to attack perimeter with pulling tackles and tight ends blocking downfield to spring RB's)....1st: Wiener minus-1...2nd and 11 from L-42: Lanners 6-gain around right end....3rd 5 from L-36: Z. Lanners 22-screen (rushing play) 22-gain, Lanners 17 carries for 159 yards on game.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 12:21 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Royalton recovers 2nd onside kick

Royalton's Wiener recovers onside kick on R-31.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 12:20 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

LPA needs to score quick

Gordon rushes ball to 30 for 3-yard pickup after onside kick recovery.

Gordon hits Wixo for 30-yard TOUCHDOWN, down LPA's sideline....wide open on sideline and jukes safety and goes untouched for TD....

2-point conversion: Gordon sneaks through R-tackle gap for 2-point conversion....

Royalton 34, LPA 20....9:23 left.

Drive took 45 seconds for a key series.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 12:18 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

With 10:10 remaining, LPA recovers onside kick

LPA attempted onside kick with 10:10 remaining and down three scores....Braeden Hogie RECOVERS Wixo's onside kick on the R-38.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 12:16 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Fourth quarter drive and LPA scores

2nd and 5: Wiener hits Bryan Ware for a four-yard loss.....3rd and 9 from R-16: Incomplete pass...intended for Downs on jump pass in corner of end zone....4th and 9 from R-16: Jesse Wixo catches deflection off of Jake Lunde, who was going up near the pylon and deflected....Wixo trailing for the 16-yard TD.....

Two-point conversion: run failed. Royalton 34, LPA 12.....10:10 remaining.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 12:12 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Raiders driving

Raiders are on the Royalton 16....Lalonde rushes to the R-12.

A good solid drive put together here by LPA....

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 12:11 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Royalton 34, LPA 6

Royalton has scored 20 points off of the five LPA turnovers...and have rushed the ball well both on the interior and perimeter of the Raider defense, which has been the field for the majority of the game.

Royals' offense is quite impressive, LPA is still out there playing hard and are driving on this drive...

End of 3rd:

Game stats

Royalton rushing: 35-219, Lanners 13-127

LPA rushing: 26-69, O'Brien 14-59

Royalton pass, 8-12, 127

LPA pass: 6-14, 3 INT's 61 yards

Total: 47-343

Total: 40-130

 

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 12:08 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Sorry, pics can't be downloaded at this time

Server is way to slow from either here at the Metrodome or the areavoices.com....sorry no prics from the first half will be available.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 12:03 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Turnovers killing LPA

After driving to the R-43, a bad pitch from Gordon to Lalonde resulted in LPA's fifth turnover. Royalton's S. Lanners hit his brother Z. Lanners on a slant-route over the middle of the field for 60-yard TD....to go up 26-6.

A three-and-out on LPA's next series, led to a punt to the L-44, Royalton used six plays to march the full 44 yards with Wiener bulldozing through the middle for a 3-yard TD run for a 34-6 Royals' lead (after a Lanners two-point run).

There is 3:11 remaining in the third.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 12:01 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Royalton kneels down

After five INT's in the game - 3 by LP-A and 2 by Royalton...Wixo has two picks, and S> Lanners has two.

Raiders have four turnovers in the game, including one fumble. That's been the story so far, with Royalton converting 14 points off of two interceptions and Raiders scoring seven points off their interception by Wixo.

Z. Lanners has 104 yards rushing on 9 carries. Stats later....

Basham fist-half pics coming soon.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 11:26 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

S. Lanners interception

First play....Gordon overthrows Lunde, S. Lanners intercepts at R-26.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 11:25 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Wixo INTERCEPTION

First Royal play...overthrown...Wixo intercepts to R-48....:20 left.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 11:24 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Closing in on halftime

3rd and 4 on L-41: Lunde reception, had first down, Royals stripped ball and Duea snaps ball out of air for Royalton.

Ball to Royals, on L-48, with :31 left.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 11:23 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Royalton 14 points off of interceptions

Turnovers are becoming a significant factor obviously.

LPA starts at their own 35...1:22....

1st: O'Brien 1-gain...2nd and 9: Lunde 5-gain....3rd and 4 at L-41: Raiders timeout. :43 remaining

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 11:20 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Royalton deep in Raider territory...scores

2nd and 7 from L-17 (1:28 left): Jedro 17-yard TD pass reception....S. Lanners pumped fake, brought in secondary and Jedro got behind coverage in end zone...

Two-point pass failed. 1:22 left in half.

Royalton 20, LP-A 6

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 11:18 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

2:45 left in half

Royalton at R-39.

1st: Segler 5-gain....2nd: Z. Lanners (9-105 yards) broke three tackles for 36-yard rush to L-20 FD, great run....1st: Schlitling 3-yard reception, Royalton timeout, 1:28 left.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 11:15 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

LPA takes over

1st: Jake Lunde reception on LPA sideline for nine yards....2nd and inches: Pass deflected by Wixo, S. Lanners intercepts pass at R-39.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 11:13 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

4th and 9 for Royalton at LPA 26

Pass high to Jendro...LPA takes over on downs....with 3:04 left in half.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 11:12 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Royalton takes over at own 21

1st: Wiener 8-gain...what a huge fella to bring down....2nd and 2: Wiener 3-gain FD....1st at R-31: Segler end around left side, good for 9 yards, short by inches....3rd and short: Wiener 3-gain, FD....1st at R-43: Segler 4-gain....2nd: Z. Lanners (7-66 yards) for 26 yards FD, great blocking downfield...1st at R-27: Royals false start....1st and 15: Wiener 3-gain....2nd at L-29: Z. Lanners 3-gain around left end...3rd and 9: S. Lanners' pass incomplete after roll-out, pass high...

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 11:04 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

LPA contiues drive...almost great catch by Downs

2nd and 7: Downs almost hauled in an acrobatic catch...looks like he caught it...but called incomplete...

3rd and 7: Incomplete to O'Brien...4th and 7 from L-36.....Downs Punt. Great punt to R-21.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 11:03 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Raiders start at own 33

1st at L-33: O'Brien 3-gain....2nd and 7: Raiders timeout.

Evenly matched game so far....both teams showing speed...turnovers have been crucial with 14 points scored off of two INT's...Raiders looking good with a solid rushing game in the interior, thus opening up possible perimeter end-around runs.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 10:59 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

2-pt conversion

Pass to Z. Lanners is short, with Danny Ware on tackle.....

Royalton 14, LP-A 6. 8:00

 

Royals ran the ball well, with pickups of 12, 13 and a pass for 11....

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 10:58 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Royalton up next...Royals score

Start at R-32.

1st: D. Ware tackle for 6-yard loss...2nd: pass to Jendro for 17 FD....1st: LPA called for personal foul, automatic FD....1st: Schlichting 11-yard pass, FD....1st: Wiener 5-gain...2nd at L-27: Z. Lanners 12-gain, to L-15, FD....1st: Wiener 13-gain, FD at L-3....1st and goal: Z. Lanners 3-yd TD, around left end; 8:00.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 10:51 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Two-point run fails

Lalonde comes up inches short of the goal line on two-point run.

Great way to answer Royalton's score with an interception by Wixo and a solid drive, with a big 3 and eight conversion by Gordon to Downs.

R-8, L-6...10:57.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 10:50 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

LPA scoring drive

LPA driving in 2nd quarter.

Lalonde for 2 and an incomplete sets up 3rd and 8...Gordon quick hit to Downs in the seam...to the three for 10 and FIRST and Goal.

1st at 3: O'Brien around right end for TOUCHDOWN...untouched.....10:57.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 10:47 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

First quarter analysis

Interceptions have led to big drives by each team. Royalton scored on theirs and the Raiders are driving...they are having success up the middle on this drive, which is currently at the R-14.

Start of 2nd....on the way.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 10:46 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

LP-A driving

B. Ware a 7-yard gain to start it out.

2nd and 3 from R-35: Lalonde FIRST DOWN with nine-yard dive play....1st from R-26: O'Brien 3-gain...2nd and 7: O'Brien on option pitch for FD, 9 yards.

End of 1st...Royalton 8, LP-A 0

 

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 10:43 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Royalton takes over after punt

Downs punts 46 and touchback.

1st: Z. Lanners 3-gain...2nd and 7: Wiener 2-gain...3rd and 5: Z. Lanners 7-yard reception, FIRST DOWN...1st at R-32: Wiener 6-gain....2nd and 4: Oak sack...3rd and 6: Wixo INTERCEPTION to R-42.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 10:38 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

LP-A 2nd drive

Start at own 37.

Royalton off-side...1st and 5 at the 42.

Screen to Z. Downs, FIRST DOWN...gain of 12 yards...1st at R-46: Gordon 3-yard loss....2nd and 13: Downs 2-yard gain on quick pass...3rd and 10: Incomplete to Downs...high pass. 4th and 10: Punt.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 10:35 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Royalton scores

Royalton drives to LPA seven on big gains by Z. Lanners on the ground..Royals get a four-yard TD pass from Lanners to Jendro....pass down the seam....Z. Lanners gains the 2-point run....

 

Royalton 8, LP-A 0 - 6:42, 1st

 

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 10:34 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

LPA first drive

1st: O'Brien for 10-yards right side...FIRST DOWN....1st: O'Brien no gain....2nd: O'Brien 2-yards...3rd and 8: Gozek interception to LPA 44.....tipped INT...

 

 

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 10:27 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Royalton first series

Kickoff to R-28....No. 22 Wiener for two yards...No. 25 Z. Lanners five yards...third down: Wiener, one-yard, tackle Mike Olson....fourth and four: PUNT to K. O'Brien, fair catch.

LP-A starts at L-33.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 10:24 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Coin-Toss

Royalton won....will receive..Jesse Wixo to kickoff...

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 10:23 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Houston 56, Ada-Borup 14

First game is in the books, with Houston whuppin' up on Ada-Borup (which beat Waubun in the Section 6 Nine-Man championship) by the score of 56-14.

The LP-A game will start as scheduled at 10:15 a.m.

 

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 10:11 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

LIVE BLOGGING FROM THE METRODOME: LP-A VS. ROYALTON

(This will be a continuous blog. You will have to scroll down for the newest entry.)

Just set up shop in the Viking Press Box inside the Metrodome.

The first game, the Nine-Man state semifinals is favoring Houston over Ada-Borup 42-8, as they just headed into the third quarter. If Houston extends their lead to over 40 points, it will be running time through the fourth quarter, meaning the Lake Park-Audubon vs. Royalton Class 1A semifinal game will start early. All games start 15 minutes after the last game, so it may look as if the 10:15 a.m. start maybe bumped up a little.

There is already a good contingent of LP-A fans meandering inside the Dome, so a good turnout is guaranteed.

The Raiders will meet up with familiar speed in Royalton. The LP-A swarming defense will have to contend with two Royal rushers who have each gone over 1,000 yards. No. 22 senior running back Ryan Weiner has surpassed the 1,400-yard mark. He is the Thunder of the duo, weighing in at 6-1, 215 pounds.

No. 25 Zack Lanners is a 5-10, 165-pound sophomore RB, who has over 1,300 yards. He is the Lightning with superior speed. LP-A DE twins Danny and Bryan Ware will be key players in containing Lanners, since both possess high-end speed to cover the end-around runs.

No. 5 senior quarterback Shawn Lanners has thrown for over 1,200 yards, he is 6-0, 180.

It is a matchup highlighted by Class 1A's No. 1 defense in LP-A (giving up just 6.2 points per game) and the No. 1 offense of Royalton, which averages 41 points per game.

Limiting the big plays will be key for the LP-A defense, which has allowed just one play over 30 yards all season.

The carpet will be a fast surface, but both teams have good speed. The Raiders can establish a good rushing attack if they can have good fortunes running between the tackles, meaning Kenyon O'Brien and that athletic Raider offensive line will have to be in top form.

If O'Brien can make some big gains, that will open the end-arounds up for Bryan Ware and Bobby Lalonde, who both can go the distance on any play.

Two big factors will wideouts Zach Downs and Jesse Wixo. QB Brian Gordon has proven to deliver a nice ball and can be a good compliment to the rushing game. Each of Wixo and Downs usually have mismatches with their height. They are effective red zone targets, who can time their catches by going up at the highest point of the throw and reaching over a helpless CB.

Gordon has taken care of the ball well, limiting his interceptions to a minimum.

I will look for some season stats for both teams and post them ASAP.

Score of the Ada-Borup and Houston game: 56-8...with 5:09 left in the third quarter.

Any questions, feel free to put in comment section or any comments more than welcome.

Brian Basham will post some pictures from the first half at halftime, as well.

SECOND ENTRY (QUICKY STATS, Regular season stats)

LP-A: Team Passing - 831, 110-51-7 (att-comp-int)

            Team rushing: 2,798 yards.

Rushing leaders (att-yds): K. O'Brien 190-1,289; 19 TD's.

Passing leaders (att-comp-int-yds-td) B. Gordon 103-48-7-784-10.

Receiving leaders (rec-yds-tds): J. Wixo 24-392-6; Z. Downs 17-283-1.

ROYALTON

Team passing: 982 yards

Team rushing (att-yds): 409-3,124

Rushing leaders (att-yds-td): R. Wiener 171-1,219-18; Z. Lanners 110-1,157-16.

Passing leaders (att-comp-int-yds-td): S. Lanners 102-66-4-960-12

Receiving leaders (rec-yds-td): Z. Lanners 19-456-8; C. Jendro 32-402-5.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/14/2008 at 10:07 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Minnesota now longest drought without a championship

Now that Philadelphia won a championship, Minnesota has the longest non-championship drought (Oct '91) for all markets that have the NFL, NHL, NBA and MLB. Which team is most likely to break that streak?

With the Philadelphia Phillies winning the World Series (probably THE most boring one in history), Minnesota has the longest drought without a championship with a market having the four major leagues - NFL, MLB, NHL and NBA.

The last one was 1991, of course, with the Twins.

So is that thirst Minnesota fans needing a championship going to be quelled anytime soon?

Hard to say, but probably not.

The Vikings are 5-4 and definitely don't look like Super Bowl contenders, despite having the two main ingredients to do so: a top defense and rushing game. But there are plenty of anchors on this team's ankles in the form of special teams, turnovers, special teams and many think head coach Brad Childress.

The Twins? They definitely can mold players and build from within, but with the stingiest (but richest MLB owner) in baseball, there will be no supplementing their success of developing players.

The Wild are solid, but on the verge of trading their best player away in Marion Gaborik...thus having a nice tinge of Carl Pohlad within top management.

Should I even mention the T-Wolves? Nah....not much has to be said there.

Of course, one of these teams can turn it around, but as of now...the tag of the longest city without a championship maybe sewn on for awhile.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/11/2008 at 1:06 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Live blogging from the Metrodome

The Lake Park-Audubon Raiders will be playing Royalton in the Class 1A semifinals Friday at 10:15 a.m. inside the Metrodome.

Like I did last year for the Waubun Bombers when they marched all the way to the state finals...I will be live blogging from the Metrodome press box for the Raiders vs. Royals game, starting about a halfhour before kickoff.

I'm expecting a large contingent of LP-A fans at the game, but for those who can't make it or are out of state Raider fans...tune in here for live updates.

Also, we will post first-half photos of the game at halftime from DL Newspapers' photographer Brian Basham.

I'm expecting a good game, since LP-A's defense has been nothing short of spectacular. The minus-26 yards rushing they posted against Chisholm is the first time I've seen that kind of dominating performance on defense in all my years reporting on football.

It was simply one of the most dominating games I've seen in all of football. The Royals are to be tough, obviously, with an 11-1 record and since all teams now at this point of the season are the cream of the crop.

I'm heading to the LP-A Pep Fest tonight to do some interviews for the Wednesday state preview story, so I'll see first hand how much excitement this football team has installed in the two small communities.

 

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/11/2008 at 10:04 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Winter sports around the corner

Along with the snow which is coming (uggg!), so are the winter sports for area high schools.

The Detroit Lakes girls' hockey team is already underway, which started Monday, while this coming Monday Nordic skiing, gets underway. Monday, Nov. 17, are the starts for gymnastics, boys' hockey and girls' basketball. Wrestling and boys' basketball start Monday, Nov. 24.

We still have girls' swimming and diving going, as well as Hawley and LP-A football, which are playing in the state quarterfinals this weekend.

The Raiders have a good shot at moving onto the Metrodome for the Class 1A semifinals. They have the perfect tools to advance in the playoffs and that's defense and an effective rushing game. LP-A faces Chisholm at 8 p.m. Friday on the field turf of the Duluth Public School Stadium. It's a quick surface, as I have found out after covering many Detroit Lakes' football games there.

That will favor the speedy Raiders on both offense and defense. QB Brian Gordon can also air it out and he has two big targets in Jesse Wixo and Zach Downs. If Chisholm has shorter cornerbacks, look for LP-A head coach Jed Swegarden to take advantage of that. Chisholm is big on the interior of the line and will try and stop Kenyon O'Briens' between the tackles rushes, but they will have to contend with the end-around runs of Bobby Lalonde and Bryan Ware, who can take it the distance if the linebackers are not staying home on the perimeters.

The Raiders are playing their  best ball now and it will be a great game. I will try and live blog from the game, IF there is wireless internet at the stadium. As of now, I do not know if there is.

See you at the game in the Northland!

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/06/2008 at 10:41 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Leftwich and the Steelers might have doomed McCain

Here's my input on all these political stories...just see what the Washington Redskins do when they play their last home game before the Presidential Election:

On Monday, the Washington Redskins lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 23-6, led behind backup quarterback Byron Leftwich. Since 1936, if the Redskins lost their last home game before Election Day, the party that lost the popular vote in the previous election wound up in the White House. If the Redskins won, the party that won the popular vote in the previous election won again.

Obviously, the Democrats lost the last Presidential Election...meaning a victory for the Steelers in Washington Monday night is a victory of Obama today.

(The popular vote distinction is important, given the 2004 results.)

Not an accurate reading?  Heading into this election, the Redskins rule is 17 for 17.

 

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/04/2008 at 3:59 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

LP-A Section champions

Wow...a great game in the FargoDome this afternoon, as Lake Park-Audubon beat Mahnomen 20-18 for the Section 6-1A championship.

Three to four years ago, I didn't think it was possible the Raiders would be going to state in football. That's just an honest statement. They have struggled since I've been at DL Newspapers, in which I was hired in 1998.

This is one amazing turnaround in the last two years. It couldn't have come at a better time, either, with all the rifts between certain parties for certain referendum votes. Tuesday is the voting for the LP-A school building facility bond and as everyone pretty knows, it's a controversial subject.

But, hopefully, everyone who is a part of the LP-A community is rallying around this amazing football team. It should be an effective catalyst between the gaps of difference between the two small communities, because this is one incredible story these Raiders are putting on.

They have the defense to move onto the Metrodome and they have the heart. I've just seen the last three out of four games (I missed the quarterfinal blowout of Cass Lake-Bena) and time and time again, this defense is swarming. Open-field tackling and hits on backs in the backfield is a common occurance.

The speed sticks out for LP-A, too, with Kenyon O'Brien and Bryan Ware, as well as Bobby Lalonde threats for breaking some long runs. O'Brien is a tough runner between the tackles, while each of Lalonde and Ware can bust out some long runs on sweeps - as proven against Mahnomen.

The two wide receivers in Jesse Wixo and Zach Downs have great, great hands. There were times these two WR's didn't have any business catching some well-thrown balls from QB Brian Gordon, but ended up either coming down with them or so close. It's great to have two big targets - both are over the 6-3 height mark - and Gordon's tight spirals go hand-in-hand with a success passing play. Their red zone targets could go up more, but hey, I'm not second-guessing any coaching from this LP-A group, which is headed by Jed Swegarden. Don't fix what isn't broken.

It's been an enjoyable time seeing this team succeed...the excitement from the LP-A fans was also a great thing to see.

The Indians also were a great story...starting off 1-4 and making it to the Section championship. But I wasn't surprised. At the beginning of the year, I've heard from head coach John Clark Jr. that the Indians are inexperienced and might struggle. But, every year they shine in the playoffs.

A great team performance again in the playoffs for the Indians.

My condolences to the Mahnomen community, as well, for the passing of Wendell Vlasin. I have been receiving Indian football results from him since I got here for the last 10 years. He passed away last Friday during the Mahnomen victory over No. 2 Browerville, listening to the game is what I understand, I'm sure ready to write up the Indian victory and send it off to me.

I received his Mahnomen write-ups and stats in the mail for 10 years. I don't ever remember missing one Mahnomen write-up. It was sad and shocking news for me to hear of Wendell's passing and my sincere condolonces to everyone who knew him....I know he was a huge Indian sports fan.

Posted by: Brian W. on 11/01/2008 at 12:06 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Host of area football teams in Section title games

Football hasn't been this good in this area for a long time.

There are a total of five squads vying for state berths in the surrounding area and all have been through highly-successful regular seasons and playoffs.

I was at the Lake Park-Audubon vs. Osakis Section 6-1A semifinal game in Lake Park Saturday and my shoes are still dirty and stained with mud and turf.

It was that classic Mud Bowl game, where offenses are relegated to winning the field position war, not necassarily scoring points. Special teams are always important in these kind of games, and Saturday was no different.

Kenyon O'Brien's 40-yard punt return for a touchdown at the 11:05 mark in the second quarter was the game's only score. O'Brien was able to reach the end zone after a bone-jarring block by Bryan Ware on the 15-yard line. That block sprung the LP-A shifty back for six points.

The Raider defense was aided by the punting of Jesse Wixo, who consistently pinned Osakis inside their 30 yard line. The Silverstreaks had six three-and-out possessions, while picking up a paltry 96 yards of total offense - the majority of it coming on their last drive.

Steve Oak's and Mike Olson's hits on Osakis QB Matt Laven on the Streak's final two plays ensured the win. Oak's hit on Laven on third down saved the Raiders, after a Silverstreak receiver broke free on the flee-flicker play. Was a thing of beauty, if you like defense.

Now the the Raiders will face Mahnomen, which beat Browerville Saturday. The Indians previously beat LP-A on a 44-yard Anthony Lavoy field goal, so be sure that the Raiders will want a little revenge on Mahnomen.

It's the first trip to the section title tilt for LP-A since 1992, while Mahnomen is looking for a repeat trip to the Class 1A state playoffs after beating Osakis last year in the championship game.

The game of the year - thus far - is Friday at 8 p.m. The high-powered Pelican Rapids Vikings and Hawley Nuggets will showdown, after each team has pretty much steamrolled all their opponents. It will be a fun contest, highlighted by Viking QB Tyden Storrusten's aerial show and the Nugget's rushing attack. Both defenses are on an entirely different level than normal Class 2A teams.

Waubun continues to bash each opponent and now they will feel their second test in the Nine-Man section title game against Ada-Borup. Waubun's only other test this season came against - well, Ada-Borup. The game will be in the Alerus Center in Grand Forks Friday at 3 p.m. The Bombers will be hoping to reach the Nine-Man State Championship game again, but a big obstacle will be in Grand Forks in the form of Ada-Borup.

Posted by: Brian W. on 10/27/2008 at 2:13 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Laker volleyball falls to Perham 3-1

Another Laker sports team's season came to an end Friday night as the volleyball squad dropped their Sub-Section match against No. 1 Perham 3-1.

The Yellowjackets were firing on all cyclinders with some heavy hitters at the net. The Lakers couldn't set up a long rally, except for game three where DL won 25-22. There was little room for error for the No. 5 DL team, as Perham brought in a very talented team.

The Lakers were the only lower seed to win their quarterfinal match, beating No. 4 Breckenridge 3-1 Thursday evening.

Posted by: Brian W. on 10/24/2008 at 9:59 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Jake Brenk playing well in Sweden

Detroit Lakes own and Minnesota State University Mankato hockey player Jake Brenk is "The American Stud in Sweden."

Brenk has 10 goals in just five games for his Sweden team. This is his second year of playing in the northern land after playing two seasons in Holland.

Here is a video of The Brenker from Sweden from a recent game. He is No. 26 for the blue team: www.l1.nl:80/mediaplayer_landingpagina/_rp_links1_landing/1_true/_rp_links1_lsvideoId/1_2929809/_pid/links1

Posted by: Brian W. on 10/24/2008 at 1:36 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

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