Football Is Back In Carlton

Sept 17, 2012

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

After a season of having to see an empty football field, the Carlton Bulldogs are back and playing a limited football schedule this season. The Bulldogs are not playing as a Class A school like in the past; they are playing now a 9-man schedule.

The state high school league dictates at least three varsity games to qualify for section playoffs. With a mixed schedule of three varsity and five junior varsity games the Bulldogs will qualify for the section playoffs when they start in October.

Head Coach Erik Hanson told Northland Sports Online “We have such a great group of young kids and with only four seniors, we are learning all over again,” Hanson also stated “Our athletic director was able to get us the three games we needed to make the playoffs; it’s a great thing for Carlton football.”

With the new classification, the Bulldogs opened their 2012 season with a 30-26 JV victory last week over the Mercuries of McGregor. Red Lake was the first varsity game for the Bulldogs and it was a Bulldogs 61-38 victory over the Warriors last week in Carlton.

“The kids were really excited after the win Friday; we came away with a big win at home.” Hanson said. “We started three eighth graders Friday night and we have tried to emphasize that every player has a role and this team is made up of role players; so if everyone assumes their role and does their best, we should have a strong team.”

The Bulldogs Erik Adams racked up three touchdowns, as did Mike Moralez in the Bulldogs home opener. The Bulldogs will be home again Thursday night when they host Mesabi Academy. They will travel to take on Hillcrest Lutheran in Fergus Falls next week in their second varsity game of the season. Carlton will host West Lutheran-Southwest Christian on October 10th in their third varsity game.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com