By Sarah K. Simon
Making it to state for the first time in 18 years is an accomplishment in itself. Doing it undefeated? That’s historic. Having already beaten Littlefork-Big Falls earlier this season, the Cook County Vikings faced the same team on October 31 and came away with another win. With resilience, depth, and a defense that de livered, they secured one of the big gest victories in program history.
Though senior quarterback Nick Spry suffered a shoulder injury in the semifinal against North Woods, the Vikings didn’t miss a beat in the section final. Spry remained in the lineup as placekicker, but it was junior Macoy Fairbanks who took the reins under center during the championship game.
The Vikings stumbled out of the gate and Littlefork-Big Falls struck first, taking a 6-0 lead. Cook County answered with a touchdown pass to freshman Anthony Waver. Fairbanks closed the half with a rushing touchdown, giving the Vikings the edge at halftime.
Early in the second half, Fair banks broke loose for an 85-yard touchdown run. Though Little fork-Big Falls managed a late score, Cook County recovered an onside kick and ran out the clock, clinching a 29-12 victory.
The team advanced to the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) 9-Player State Tournament, which includes eight section champions, and faced Kittson County Central on November 6 in Grand Rapids. The Bearcats entered the matchup with an undefeated re cord of their own.
The winner will move on to the semifinals at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 13.
Congratulations to the Vikings on a state-bound season full of grit, determination, and history-making football!
