Can you believe it? High School Fall sports are already diving headfirst into playoff season! At the time of this writing, we are heading into an action-packed week. Here’s a look at where our local volleyball and football teams stand. These athletes are geared up and ready to leave it all on the field and court. Fingers crossed that next week I’ll be celebrating nothing but wins across the board!
VOLLEYBALL
The Two Harbors Volleyball team has had a phenomenal season, showing incredible teamwork and skill. The Agates ended their regular season with a sweep over Cromwell-Wright, finishing with an incredible 21-4 record. They’ve earned their place in the postseason and will have played their first-round matchup on October 23rd on their home court.
It’s worth mentioning that both the Varsity and Junior Varsity squads are eligible for an academic team award – an accomplishment that speaks to their dedication both on and off the court.
“We are so proud of the grit and determination these kiddos show each and every day!”
one of the Agates coaches shared online.
The payoff is here. Great job, Agates!
The Silver Bay Mariners wrapped up their regular season with a 7-16 record, landing the #7 seed. They will have faced off against the #2 seed, South Ridge, on October 23rd at South Ridge School. The two teams recently clashed on October 14th, with the Panthers defeating the Mariners 3-1, but the Mariners are looking for a different outcome this time around.
A bright spot for Silver Bay this season came from the junior varsity team, who clinched the Po-lar League Conference Championship. They swept McGregor, Moose Lake-Willow River, and Esko in straight sets and defeated Barnum in a thrilling three-set final to secure the title.
Further north, the Cook County Vikings finished their season at 7-12 overall, with a 2-6 record in Polar League play. They were slated to play Barnum on October 23rd, hoping to avenge their 3-1 loss to the Bombers earlier this month.
FOOTBALL
The Two Harbors Football team closed their regular season with a 7-1 record, earning the #2 seed and home-field advantage for their first playoff game. Their only loss came at the hands of Pequot Lakes in mid-September, but the Agates bounced back with four straight wins, after a forfeit by Proctor, to end the season on a high note. The team carried that momentum into their final matchup, steam-rolling Hibbing with a 59-0 victory.
Maintaining much momentum, the Agates hosted Pierz in the Class 3A, Section 7 Semifinal at 2 PM on October 23rd.
Members of the Agates football team recently volunteered to help a local resident move into a new home, demonstrating their strong commitment to community service. This effort is one of many volunteer activities the team has embraced. Notably, two players have already logged over 40 hours of service each through the football program this year.
Cook County’s football team also put together an impressive 5-3 season. They hosted Northome-Kelliher on October 22nd.
Assistant coach Mike Theisman shared some insight ahead of the big game: “Saw [Northome-Kelliher] two weeks ago and played well. Excited to have a home playoff game for the seniors and our community.”
SWIMMING
The Two Harbors Swim and Dive team have been practicing hard and competing harder.
Their regular meet season ended on October 15th, they attended what their coach called, “one of our favorite meets of the season.” The North South Invitational paired the Agates with Mesabi East and Rock Ridge. Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, Denfeld and Proctor-Hermantown represented the South. The North team took the win.
“All year long we are competing against these teams and tonight we got to be one big team with a common goal,” said Coach Heather Mayfield. “I love watching our girls with these two other teams.”
Bella Imolte, who seems to break records wherever she goes, broke the pool and meet records in the 200 freestyle and the 100 backstroke.
Two days later found the Agates completing a 100,000-yard practice, which is swimming for six miles! Due for a break and a little fun, the girls headed north to Grand Marais to have a practice up that way, the next day. “The relaxing and bonding time was priceless,” posted Mayfield.
The good mix of relaxation, fun, and challenging practice will no doubt give the Agates a boost when they travel to Grand Rapids Middle School to swim in the Sectional Tournament on 11/7 and 11/9.
As the playoffs unfold, our local athletes are ready to give it their all, fueled by hard work, heart, and hometown pride. Let’s rally behind them and hope for nothing but successes this post season!
