FDLTCC Falls in Opener

Dwight Cadwell – NSO

Photos by: Tom Urbanski & Dave Harwig

The Fond du Lac Thunder football team opened up their 2014 season Friday afternoon with a 22-19 loss to the Spartans of Minnesota State- Fergus Falls at Esko.

The Thunder started fast with an opening drive touchdown as Travis Brown connected with wide receiver Tyrone Woods on a 39 yard touchdown pass to give the Thunder an early lead.

The Spartans would tie the game at 7-7 with their very first play from scrimmage as Jessie Vanialu connected with Paris Woods on a 65 yard touchdown pass.

With 35 seconds left in the first quarter the Spartans took the lead for good when again Vanialu hit Woods in stride with a 67 yard touchdown reception to make it 13-7.

It was a safety in the third quarter which extended the lead to 15-7, and Vanialu scored on a 2 yard run to put the Spartans in front 22-7. Travis Brown connected with Damon Barnes twice last in the quarter once on a 70 yard touchdown pass and a 40 yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 22-19 but the Thunder could get no closer.

The Thunder will be at home next Saturday when they will face Minnesota West Community College in Esko at Noon.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com