What's at stake?
A feel-good win for either team. Fergus Falls concludes its season hosting Minnesota West on Oct. 28, the Warriors' bye week.
Last week
Ridgewater locked up in a defensive struggled with Minnesota West. Each defense allowed one touchdown, but West got close enough to kick two field goals for a 13-7 win. Fergus Falls lost 22-7 to Central Lakes.
The Spartans' file
ADVERTISEMENT
The Fergus Falls roster lists just one player from the Tribune area -- Kevin Boike, a linebacker from Maynard. The Spartans list 16 players from southern Florida or Tallahassee. The Spartans average 230 yards on offense and 300 yards allowed on defense (Ridgewater's figures are 210 and 285). Will Thammavongsa is back at quarterback (50-116, 598 yards, 8 interceptions, 2 TDs). Also back is Tony Carpenter, who ran for two touchdowns against the Warriors. The 215-pound fullback from Sauk Centre has rushed for 390 yards in 89 snaps, a 4.4 average with six TDs. Another ex-Mainstreeter, sophomore Andrew Rousslange, is averaging 12.8 yards in 16 catches.
Extra Yardage
The Warriors lost a heartbreaker at Fergus Falls last year in what turned out to be John Vraa's final game as head coach. A 48-yard pass play from Aaron Minter to Shawn Thissen and the two-point conversion by Louie Pirrotta tied the score 28-all with 2:10 left in the third quarter. But Fergus Falls got two first downs, and then used the wind to kick a 48-yard field goal with no time showing for a 31-28 win, closing the Warriors' season at 4-5... Blake Hagert, sophomore linebacker from Redwood Falls, leads the South Division in defensive points.
The bottom line
Outgunned but seldom outfought, the Warriors get another chance to pick up their second win and finish on a high note. Look for another long battle that won't be decided until the final minutes of the fourth quarter.
- Rand Middleton
