Photo by Paul Trende
Chatfield is the defending state Class AA champions. They returned a lot of talent and experience. The Gophers put up convincing wins in week one and two, so it wasn’t a huge surprise they earned the Class AA #1-ranking in the first poll of the season. After their week three showing, they are #1 with a bullet. The Gophers put a serious shellacking on St. Charles. Jeff Johnson’s group found paydirt 10 times. Sam Backer began the contest by taking the first carry 65 yards to the end zone. With another big effort (8-201, 2 TDs rushing), the senior notched his third straight 200-yard effort to begin the season. Jackson Schild (6-75, 2 TDs rushing), Carson Rowland (6-yard TD run), and Chase Johnston (6-yard TD run) also found the end zone on the ground. Through the air, Parker Delaney (5-9, 84 yards, 2 TDs passing) hit Luke Carrier (8 yards) and Carter Daniels (30 yards) for scores. Lynn Borgen added a 25-yard fumble recovery TD. The Gophers led 35-0 at halftime. They scored at least twice in every quarter in posting a 69-0 victory. Ben Carrier (5-45 rushing) did some good relief-work running without scoring. Drew Schindler had 30-yard reception, punt returns of 29 and 27 yards. Jacob Erickson authored 11 kickoffs. St. Charles didn’t complete a pass and were held to 100 yards rushing on 50 carries. The #1 Gophers (2-0, 3-0) and #3 Caledonia (2-0, 3-0) are atop the Southeast-White. The Saints are 1-2.