Cardinals slip a win away from Wolverines in opener

Sivert KlefsaasDykhoff.JPG — Sivert Klefsaas runs in a two point conversion in the first quarter while Josh Dykhoff looks to stop him short of the end zone Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, in Staples. Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal

By Michael Johnson

September 03, 2021 at 3:12 PM

STAPLES — In a wet and wild opening night of high school football action, the Staples-Motley Cardinals managed to slip by the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines 22-16 in overtime.

WDC quarterback Payton Rondestvedt ran in two touchdowns, one in the first quarter and another in the second. That was the end for Wolverine scoring.

The Cardinal's Sivert Klefsaas rushed for 170 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning overtime score.

For the Wolveirnes, Rondestvedt had 105 yards passing; Evan Lunde had 157 yards rushing; Josh Dykhoff added 63 yards receiving.

The Wolverines lost two fumbles in the slippery night, while S-M lost one.

Wadena-Deer Creek next hosts Menahga 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 10; Staples-Motley hosts West Central 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 10.

Wadena-Deer Creek 8 8 0 0 0 -- 16

Staples-Motley 8 0 8 0 6 -- 22

First quarter

SM-Sivert Klefsaas 3 run (two-point good)

WDC-Rondestvedt 3 run (two-point good)

Second quarter

WDC - Rondestvedt 5 run (two-point good)

Third quarter

SM-Klefsaas 19 run (two-point good)

Fourth quarter

Overtime

SM-Klefsaas 12 run (two-point run failed)

Overall: WDC 0-1, SM 1-0.

Isaac Hamann.JPG — WDC wide receiver Isaac Hamann stays a step ahead of Cardinal defender Corey Hansen Thursday, Sept. 2, in Staples. He pulled in the catch good for 34 yards. Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal

By Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson is the news editor for Agweek. He lives in rural Deer Creek, Minn., where he is starting to homestead with his two children and wife.
You can reach Michael at mjohnson@agweek.com or 218-640-2312.