The Two Harbors Football Team knew the challenge ahead of them, going up against Pequot Lakes in the 7AAA championship game on the UMD football field. It was Halloween evening, but the players were much more excited than they were scared to take on the only team that had beaten them all season.
“I think our guys were ready,” said Coach Tom Nelson. In fact, he advised the team that if there was an option for an additional practice before the big game, he would have forgone it.
Unfortunately, the Agates were not able to advance further in the playoffs. Their final game ended in a 15-36 loss, a score reminiscent of their matchup in September, which ended 14-35.
“We knew we had our hands full,” said the coach. “I thought we played well in many areas. We did some good things, but we also did a couple things that probably hurt us a little bit.”
The two touchdowns came from senior Jacob Carpenter in the first and Zack Libal in the fourth. Zach Johnson, also a senior, gained the extra point in the fourth quarter.
Pequot Lakes was top-seeded and undefeated all year. According to Nelson, “They’re tough, they’re good, and they’ve been one of the favorites to go pretty far in the playoffs.”
Their football program has over one hundred kids from 9-12th grade. The Agates, despite being a multiple school team, had forty-three this year. Fourteen of those athletes are seniors this year. Their departure will definitely be felt.
“We had some really talented kids that we lost between our running backs, quarterback, and our lineman and defense leads,” Nelson said. “When you lose fourteen seniors, that’s going to take a little bit of a bite out of your roster.”
Nelson described this year’s crop of seniors as, “Good kids, good young men, good students.” He added, “That’ll be the biggest thing. That’s what I miss every year when you see that group leave.”
Multiple seniors are looking to extend their football careers. Tate Nelson has accepted a scholarship to play football for UMD. Zack Libal may be playing for St. John’s, while Jacob Carpenter, Josh Johnson, and Ethan Meeks are also planning on playing football in college.
“At times throughout the year we’ll say, ‘Think about it. This group of people, coaches, and players – this will be the last time ever that we will all be together,’” the coach recalled. “We always tell them to enjoy the journey. Enjoy all the experiences, even the bad ones sometimes.”
Despite the recent loss that ended the season, the Agates have a lot to celebrate. According to Nelson, the balance of the team this year was a real highlight of the season, with a nice line all the way across.
The volunteerism that the team displayed this year is also something that the players, coaches, and community take great pride in. The initiative to get the kids out there helping the local area started over twenty years ago. At first, the players were seen outside picking up garbage proudly wearing their jerseys. These days, they have expanded their volunteerism, helping in many ways all over the community.
“One of the big reasons we did it was to try to instill something in the kids to serve their community but also tie them into the community,” said Nelson. “People are really appreciative of it, and I think it’s really pulled the team and the community together.”
The community also steps up for the team, helping by providing donations and funds to help with the costs of equipment, volunteering their time, and coming out to the games.
“We just thank all of our supporters,” said the coach. “Whether that be cheering in the stands on a Friday night or whether that is helping us with fundraisers. All of that stuff is really important to us.”
As the team looks to next season, Nelson stresses the importance of keeping up in the weight room. “It’s the one thing you can absolutely control. Get yourselves dedicated to the weight room because it’s going to make you healthier and make you better for all your sports,” he tells the kids.
Playing winter and spring sports is also encouraged. “We look at that as training for football,” Nelson said. “You are being put in different athletic situations and competitive experiences. It’s working your mind and body.”
Looking back on the season, Nelson highlighted the team’s accomplishments: “8-2 overall is something to be very proud of,” he said. “Getting to the section championship game was a great accomplishment.”
Congratulations to the Agates for the incredible season! We can’t wait to see what you accomplish in 2025!