FOOTBALL
Two Harbors
The Mora Mustangs slowed the Agates’ early-season momentum last week, handing Two Harbors a 35–12 loss after the Agates opened the year with two straight wins.
Mora struck first at 8:16 in the opening quarter on a 10-yard run and added a two-point pass for an 8–0 lead. Two Harbors answered late in the frame when Junior Lucero powered in from three yards out, though the conversion try was stopped, making it 8–6.
Mora controlled most of the second quarter. They scored at 10:36 on a 13-yard run and converted again for a 16–6 lead. A long 82-yard touchdown run stretched the margin to 22–6. The Agates kept themselves in it before halftime when Lucero punched in a one-yard score with 38 seconds left. Axel Morsette’s conversion run was stopped, leaving the game at 22–12.
The third quarter went scoreless. Mora added two more touchdowns in the fourth, sealing the 35–12 final.
Head Coach Tom Nelson posted, “We definitely have some work to do and some corrections are in order. Mora deserves a lot of credit as they executed well and played with a much higher level of intensity than we did.”
Last season the Agates beat Mora on the Mustangs’ field, 40–14. They now turn their attention to Pine City on Friday the 25. Two Harbors won last year’s meeting 7–0.
Cook County
Cook County continues to look sharp in September. The Vikings rolled past South Ridge 46–6 last Friday, stacking that win on top of their shutout of Silver Bay earlier this month. The South Ridge matchup had been postponed last season, but Cook County wasted no time asserting control this year, scoring early and often while keeping the Panthers off balance.
The Vikings’ defense has been especially steady. They have allowed only six points across their last two games, and their offense has shown the same balance that carried them through an undefeated regular season last fall. Several long drives kept South Ridge pinned deep, and Cook County’s special teams helped tilt the field in their favor throughout the night.
The Vikings now settle in for two straight home games. They host Blackduck on Sept. 25 and Northome/Kelliher the following weekend. Cook County defeated both opponents comfortably last year in away contests, and they hope to repeat that success on their own field this time around.
Silver Bay
Silver Bay showed grit in their home game against Blackduck last Friday. Though the Mariners fell 34–26, they found plenty to build on. The offense moved the ball with more consistency than in their loss to Cook County, and the defense forced several key stops that kept the game within reach.
The Mariners’ sideline energy stayed high throughout the night, and the team’s younger players stepped into larger roles as the game tightened. Silver Bay’s coaching staff noted improvement in execution and communication, especially in the second half when the Mariners rallied to close the gap.
They traveled to South Ridge on Thursday, with results to be reported next week. Their next home game is scheduled for Oct 2 against Littlefork-Big Falls.
VOLLEYBALL
Cook County
The Vikings hosted Floodwood in a home match and fell 1–3. The teams split the first two sets, but Floodwood controlled the fourth, winning 25–14 in a back-and-forth frame that slipped away late.
Cook County then hosted Silver Bay on Monday and McGregor on Thursday. Results will be reported in our next issue. The Vikings and Mariners will meet again on Oct. 1 on Silver Bay’s court.
Two Harbors
Two Harbors dropped a road match to Esko on Sept. 16. Esko, currently 10–1, proved tough at the net and controlled most of the momentum.
The Agates bounced back quickly. They hosted Duluth Marshall and swept the Hilltoppers 3–0. They were scheduled to play Barnum at home on Sept 24, with results to come. On Monday, Sept 29, the team heads to Proctor.
Silver Bay
Silver Bay fell 3–0 at Cherry on Sept. 15. They found more rhythm in their home match against Cromwell-Wright, winning one set but ultimately losing 3–1.
The Mariners traveled to Floodwood on Sept. 24, with results to be reported. Their next home match is Oct. 1 against Cook County.
SWIM & DIVE
The Two Harbors swimmers and divers earned another strong win during their home meet against Mesabi East. It was Neon Night in the pool, and Head Coach Heather Mayfield posted, “They keep working hard, pushing beyond their limits, and it showed in every single lane tonight. So proud of this win and the heart this team brings to the pool.”
The Agates then headed to Hibbing, where illness and exhaustion made the meet a challenge. Even so, the team brought home hardware. Their coach noted it is the program’s first ever trophy from the Hibbing meet.
