Denfeld gets ‘back on track’ in explosive win over Cloquet

DULUTH — Eager to turn the page on last week’s lopsided defeat at North Branch, Duluth Denfeld appeared like a team on a mission in Friday’s Homecoming game matchup against Cloquet. The Hunters’ potent one-two backfield punch of Deon Bergner and Taye Manns combined for five total touchdowns in a 38-22 bounce-back win over the Lumberjacks at Walt Hunting Stadium-Marv Heikkinen Field. ADVERTISEMENT “I think we got back to the kind of brand of football that we wanted to play against North Branch, and we definitely wanted to make a point to get back on track this week,” said Denfeld head coach Erik Lofald.

“Deon’s explosive runs in the first half really set the tone...



” Bergner found the end zone three times in the first half alone, while Manns nabbed two interceptions on defense, including a game-sealing 54-yard interception return touchdown in the fourth quarter. The pick-six was Manns’ second of the season and third interception overall. “He just shows that he’s not just a running back,” said Lofald.

“He’s maybe one of the best defenders in the area as well.” Despite coming up short in the end, Cloquet coach Jeff Ojanen praised his team for its resilience shown in battling back in the second half without some of its key starters, including leading rusher Blair Chartier. “Our kids battled their butts off,” said Ojanen.

“We came in with some key guys out and we had guys step up and then even during the game we had guys step up and get thrown into duty and did a heck of a job. They battled tonight, so I’m proud of them.” A better start could not have been scripted for the Lumberjacks as the offense marched 65 yards in 12 plays while chewing up over seven minutes off the clock on their opening drive.

Quarterback James Wilmot capped off the impressive start with a nine-yard strike to Cavan Fjeld in the end zone. ADVERTISEMENT After giving up the early score, the Hunters used their big-play ability to generate four unanswered touchdowns before halftime to take a commanding 24-7 lead. Quarterback Lee Brooks Jr.

kicked things off by hitting a wide-open Ethan Nault streaking down the sidelines for a 79-yard touchdown connection to make it 7-6. Denfeld pulled ahead minutes later after a Taye Manns interception led to the go-ahead 37-yard touchdown run by Deon Bergner. Bergner entered the game with eight touchdown runs and 518 rushing yards on only 48 carries as the formidable second option to Manns.

“It’s great, because it’s like they pick their poison, really,” said Bergner. “If they (key in on) me, it’s Taye, and if they get Taye, then it’s me. So really it’s pick your poison.

” Bergner’s breakaway speed remained a factor throughout the second quarter as he added touchdown runs of 31 and 80 yards. As the Hunters continued to create separation on the scoreboard, the Lumberjacks were dealt a devastating blow as Wilmot was sidelined with an injury for the remainder of the game. Sophomore Max Jaxdewski took over under center and helped guide the Lumberjacks to their first scoring drive since midway through the first quarter.

The third-quarter possession began at the 42-yard line and picked up steam behind hard runs by Aiden Nelson, Jacob Parks and Jack Horvat, who plunged into the end zone from a yard out. ADVERTISEMENT Jack Battaglia reeled in the two-point conversion to make it a 24-15 game deep in the third quarter. “He came in and ran the offense flawlessly and made some nice passes to Jack Battaglia so really proud of him stepping up and being ready to go,” said Ojanen on Jaxdewski.

“That’s a big deal for a kid that’s a sophomore stepping in and running our offense and putting us in a position where we were still in the game in the fourth quarter...

” After a red zone fumble recovery, the Lumberjacks got the ball back with a chance to make it a one-score game deep in the third quarter. A pair of first down runs by Aiden Nelson and Jack Horvat, along with a first down reception by Battaglia put Cloquet near midfield before a halfback pass attempt on fourth and long was intercepted by Manns for a back-breaking touchdown. Manns found the end zone a second time later in the fourth quarter on a 1-yard run.

As the clock ticked down to under a minute and the game all but out of reach, the Lumberjacks added one final touchdown as Jaxdewski hit Battaglia in stride over the middle of the field for a 65-yard connection. Both teams will be back in action on Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.

m. as Denfeld (5-1) travels to Virginia to take on Rock Ridge, while Cloquet (2-4) will play host to Grand Rapids..