MLWR Escapes Eskomos, Remains Unbeaten

Tyler Peterson-NSO

Photos By: Jennifer Sczyrbak

Moose Lake-Willow River, who is ranked 4th in the state for Class AA, and the Esko Eskomos, who is ranked 5th in the state in Class AAA, took battle on the field Friday night in Willow River. In the closely contested, back and forth match up, the Rebels escaped the Eskomos, winning 34-27 to move to 3-0 on the season.

To kick off the rivalry game, MLWR struck first. Isaac Riihiluoma scampered 54 yards to take the early advantage. Wyatt Lampel converted the two point attempt, giving Moose Lake the 8-0 lead. Esko would respond though when Jaxson Turner pushed his way into the end zone from 4 yards out, making it an 8-7 score after the 1st.

MLWR would have a huge 2nd quarter to give them the momentum heading into the half, scoring 18 2nd quarter points. It all started when Bryceton Butkiewicz hit Riihiluoma on a 64 yard pass. Butkiewicz then converted the two points to give them a 16-7 lead. MLWR would then record a safety, pushing it to 18-7. Butkiewicz would push their lead to 26-7 at the half after plowing in from 4 yards out and converting the two point attempt.

Esko would respond in the 3rd quarter however, scoring 13 points and shutting the MLWR offense down. Turner kicked it off with a 63 yard run to make it 26-13. Cole Litsey would then find the end zone from 20 yards out on their next possession, making it 26-20 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

In the 4th quarter, Riihiluoma would score his third touchdown of the night, this time from 5 yards out. Butkiewicz converted the two points, making it 34-20. Turner would get into the end zone for the third time on the evening, this time on a 79 yard punt return, making it a final of 34-27.

MLWR (3-0) looks to remain perfect on the season when they travel to play the Mora Mustangs (2-1) on the 11th of September. Esko, who falls to 2-1 with the loss, will look to bounce back against Crosby-Ironton (1-2) at home also on the 11th of September.

Tyler Peterson can be contacted at tpeterson@northlandsportsonline.com

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