DETROIT LAKES — The Detroit Lakes field goal-blocking unit made a crucial play following a 16-yard touchdown by Cole Schmeideberg in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter. As Braden Overgaard attempted to kick for the equalizer, Ryan Francis raced down the left side, blocking the kick and preserving the Lakers’ 14-13 lead until the end of the game.
In a tightly contested season finale, the special teams performance was key for Detroit Lakes, which prevented the Green Wave from gaining momentum. Head coach Reed Hefta emphasized the importance of special teams, pointing out that it can quickly shift a team’s position in the game. “We definitely want to shore up those things as we go into the playoffs,” he added.
The game featured contrasting halves. The East Grand Forks (EGF) team dominated the first half, effectively running the ball and stifling the Lakers’ offense. Detroit Lakes struggled to reach the end zone, even failing to convert on a promising 13-play drive that advanced 60 yards but ended in a turnover on downs.
EGF capitalized on this momentum, executing an 80-yard drive that culminated in Schmiedeberg’s 9-yard touchdown run just before the first quarter ended, marking the only scoring of the first half. The Lakers entered halftime trailing 7-0.
However, after some critical adjustments during the break, Detroit Lakes emerged with renewed intensity. The Lakers’ defense quickly forced EGF into a three-and-out for their opening possession of the second half, and on the Green Wave’s next drive, they struggled to gain yardage, forcing another punt.
Coach Hefta noted that the defensive improvements were due to better execution and physicality. The offense then started to reward the defense’s efforts. Caden Strand, starting at quarterback for the first time since a shoulder injury, showcased his full recovery by making plays with both his arm and legs.
Strand connected with Dawson VonRuden for a 12-yard touchdown, narrowing the score to 14-7 with seven minutes left in the third quarter. Moments later, he threw a 46-yard touchdown to Andrew Bartnes, who outpaced defenders after the catch, putting the Lakers ahead 14-7.
Hefta expressed satisfaction in watching his talented athletes perform at their best. “It definitely can show how explosive those kids can be at times,” he remarked.
With this victory, the Lakers positioned themselves for the Section 8AAAA playoffs. Following Rocori’s upset of Orono, it seems Detroit Lakes will secure the fourth seed, leading to a matchup against fifth-seeded Little Falls on October 22.
Regardless of the opponent, the Lakers aimed to build on their final regular-season win as a foundation for possible postseason success. Hefta highlighted the need to continue finding ways to leverage their explosive players and improve execution in critical moments.
Final Score: DETROIT LAKES 14, EAST GRAND FORKS 13
Scoring Summary:
FIRST QUARTER – EGF TD 0:34, Schmiedeberg 9-yard run (PAT GOOD) — 7-0 EGF
SECOND QUARTER – NO SCORING
THIRD QUARTER – DL TD 7:04, VonRuden 12-yard catch from Strand (Buboltz PAT) — 7-7; DL TD 5:03, Bartnes 46-yard catch from Strand (Buboltz PAT) — 14-7 DL
FOURTH QUARTER – EGF TD 10:43, Schmiedeberg 16-yard run (PAT BLOCKED) — 14-13 DL