The Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin Titans clinched a thrilling victory against the Mesabi East Giants, edging them 26-22 in Aurora. The decisive moment came as time expired, with quarterback Simeon Wells finding Blaine Kelly in the end zone for a last-play touchdown, capping off a dramatic game that featured two lead changes in the final minute.
The Titans initially took a 20-14 lead in the third quarter, thanks to a 19-yard run from Zeke Stuber. However, the Giants rallied, with quarterback Nick Murray concluding a final drive with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Cole Layman. With only 48.1 seconds remaining, the Giants managed to advance to the 15-yard line, setting the stage for Kelly’s game-winning catch.
Stuber was a standout performer for the Titans, rushing for 192 yards on 28 attempts, while Murray completed 13 of 25 passes for 171 yards. Both teams showcased strong rushing performances, with Kasen Hill and Wells each scoring two touchdowns in the first half.
Other Notable Performances Across the League
In other games, the Cloquet Lumberjacks continued their impressive form, defeating the Rock Ridge Wolverines 46-6 at Members Cooperative Credit Union Stadium. The Lumberjacks displayed a balanced offensive attack, with rushing touchdowns from Aiden Nelson, Nash Johanson, Ade Banjo, and Jacob Parks. Cloquet led 33-0 at halftime, with Nelson finishing with 90 yards on ten carries.
The Two Harbors Agates secured a commanding 40-6 victory against Proctor, with standout performances from Carter Nelson, who scored a touchdown from 60 yards and returned an interception for another touchdown. Austin Maas contributed two rushing touchdowns for the Agates, improving their record to 5-1.
In a dominant display, Barnum defeated Mountain Iron-Buhl 54-0, marking the latter’s first loss of the season. The Bombers initiated the scoring with a methodical 15-play, eight-minute drive, culminating in a touchdown from Julian Beckstrand.
Northwestern continued their unbeaten run, overpowering Bloomer 63-0. The Tigers scored five touchdowns, displaying a well-rounded offense that outgained Bloomer 509-75 in total yards. Quarterback Kam Kroll contributed significantly, completing 8 of 10 passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns.
Scores from Across the League
The week’s scoreboard reflected a series of decisive victories. Notably:
– Hermantown 31, Esko 6
– Duluth East 33, Duluth Denfeld 6
– Grand Rapids 40, North Branch 8
– Hudson 48, Superior 10
– Cromwell-Wright 36, Bertha-Hewitt 20
– Northome/Kelliher 20, Silver Bay 13
– Moose Lake/Willow River 62, Crosby-Ironton 6
– Ely 32, Chisholm 20
– Cherry 60, East Central 8
– Northwood/Solon Springs 64, Birchwood/Winter 0
The excitement of high school football continues to grow, with teams battling for playoff positioning as the season progresses. Each game brings fresh surprises and showcases the talents of young athletes eager to make their mark.
