The second-ranked Fertile-Beltrami Falcons football squad showcased their prowess, amassing over 300 rushing yards en route to a commanding 35-6 triumph over Goodridge-Grygla, securing a berth in the 9-man state semifinals.
1st Quarter –Fertile-Beltrami
Fertile-Beltrami claimed the opening kickoff, and on the initial play from scrimmage, Isaiah Wright dashed 91 yards for a touchdown, swiftly propelling the Falcons to a 6-0 lead. Subsequently, Goodridge-Grygla’s offense failed to gain traction, resulting in a three-and-out followed by a punt.
Taking possession, Fertile-Beltrami stuck to a ground game, with Caleb Sather advancing for five yards. Wright contributed another carry for seven yards, securing a first down. A sequence of plays culminated in a 39-yard run by Wright, positioning the Falcons at first and goal. Two short runs and a two-yard pass to Bryer Strem set the stage for Caden Swenby to connect with Derek Sorenson in the end zone for a five-yard touchdown, extending Fertile-Beltrami’s lead to 12-0.
Goodridge-Grygla’s subsequent possession saw a series of plays, but Fertile-Beltrami’s defense, led by Derek Sorenson, forced incompletions on crucial downs, resulting in a turnover on downs.
Fertile-Beltrami regained possession but promptly fumbled, allowing Goodridge-Grygla’s Donny Johnsrud to recover. However, the Chargers failed to capitalize, and Fertile-Beltrami took over again.
2nd Quarter –
Goodridge-Grygla initiated the second quarter with a drive led by Rychlock, earning a first down and reaching first and goal. Despite multiple attempts, the Chargers fell short as Fertile-Beltrami’s Jack Leiser and Caden Stoltman combined for a sack, denying them entry into the end zone.
Fertile-Beltrami’s subsequent possession saw a mix of plays, including an interception by Sawyer Jacobson for Goodridge-Grygla. However, the Chargers couldn’t capitalize, and the Falcons regained possession after a punt.
Goodridge-Grygla managed to advance but faced a fourth and one as the quarter concluded, leaving Fertile-Beltrami ahead 12-0.
3rd Quarter –
Goodridge-Grygla received the second-half kickoff but struggled to make headway, resulting in a three-and-out and a subsequent punt. Seizing the opportunity, Fertile-Beltrami’s first play of the drive featured Wright’s 60-yard touchdown run. Swenby then connected with Preston Hanson for a two-point conversion, extending the Falcons’ lead to 20-0.
Goodridge-Grygla’s next possession ended abruptly with Fertile-Beltrami’s Sather making a tackle for loss on a crucial fourth and one, returning the ball to the Falcons. Fertile-Beltrami capitalized on the turnover, with Strem scoring a nine-yard touchdown run, and Swenby adding a two-point conversion for a 28-0 lead.
As the quarter unfolded, Goodridge-Grygla faced defensive challenges, with Joe Sorenson intercepting a pass, allowing Fertile-Beltrami to maintain control.
4th Quarter –
Fertile-Beltrami commenced the final quarter with a series of plays, with Swenby’s strategic moves resulting in a touchdown, bolstering their lead to 35-0 after Easton Petry’s successful extra point.
Despite a commendable return by Rubischko, Goodridge-Grygla’s subsequent drive ended with Rychlock securing a one-yard touchdown. Fertile-Beltrami then closed the game with their backups, running out the clock and securing a decisive 35-6 victory.
With this win, Fertile-Beltrami maintained an unblemished 12-0 record, setting the stage for a semifinal clash against Kingsland, while Goodridge-Grygla concluded their season with a commendable 9-2 record.
