As the sun set, the battle was set between Mahnomen-Waubun and the Red Lake County Rebels, both unbeaten teams.
The physicality was turned up a notch with the Thunderbirds (5-0) controlling the game and putting the final touches on a smashmouth 21-6 victory on Friday, Sept. 26.
The Thunderbirds’ usual fast start came from running back Brody Lhotka, who has a knack for long touchdowns and hit a 65-yard house call to open things up in the first quarter. Lhotka rushed for 157 yards on 10 carries and three touchdowns.
“I only do the running. Our great o-line does a lot of the work,” Lhotka said. “All five linemen do way more than I do. I have an open field gap, and I capitalize on it.”
The physicality showed early, as several gunners plowed over RLC blockers during each of the kickoffs.
“We have a knack for physical football,” Mahnomen coach John Clark Jr. said. “We like to establish that style of play early, which gives us the edge throughout the game.”
The Thunderbirds followed the bend-but-don’t-break method, giving up a couple of first downs each drive but tightening up the linebackers and coverage once RLC reached midfield. The Thunderbirds were able to record several sacks and force fumbles once the Rebels had entered their territory.
“Once the opponent gets close to the end zone, we step up and make a play,” Clark Jr. said. “We gave up a little too much yardage-wise, but we stood firm.”
After neither team scored for most of the first half, Mahnomen-Waubun pieced together a solid drive courtesy of a moon ball from quarterback Blake McMullen to Tanner Stech, getting the Thunderbirds inside the 15. Lhotka then secured his second touchdown of the game with a 6-yard run.
“We’re taught to be physical runners,” Lhotka said. “The ball is given to me, and I run downhill absorbing as much contact as I can.”
