NY Mills to travel to Parkers Prairie on Friday

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

New York Mills picked up its fifth straight win to start the season as the Eagles defeated the Menahga Braves 39-0 on Friday night. In the process, the Eagles secured the Northwest South District title as they improved to a perfect 5-0 in the district. 

The Eagles jumped out to an early lead thanks to a 23 point first quarter. Jonah Johnson got the Eagles on the scoreboard when he scored on a 38-yard touchdown run. Eathan Ruther converted the two-point conversion to give the Eagles an 8-0 lead. 

Bren Salo followed with the Eagles’ second touchdown of the quarter when he scored on a 69-yard run. Ruther converted the two-point conversion to make the score 16-0 early in the first quarter. Ruther picked up his first of three touchdowns on the night when he scored on a 5-yard run and Braydon Ehnert converted the extra point kick to make the score 23-0 at the end of the first quarter.

“We played another very good game. We were able to jump out to an early lead and played great defense to get the victory.”

Head Coach Matt Radniecki

After a scoreless second quarter, Ruther scored on an 11-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Salo found Dane Niemi for the two-point conversion to make the score 31-0 in favor of NY Mills.

In the fourth quarter, Ruther capped off a big night on the ground as he scored on a 35-yard touchdown run, his third touchdown of the game. Salo found Ruther on the two-point conversion to end the scoring at 39-0.

Radniecki credited the rushing attack for being a big reason for the success of the Eagles once again. 

“On offense our rushing attach was on again with the line and backs running hard,” he said. “We had 276 yards rushing and only gave up 88 yards rushing.  I really think we can be effective with the pass and we will need in the upcoming games in the playoffs.”

In addition to the success of the varsity, Radniecki credited the work put in by the second and third team units that got some valuable time on the field once again. 

“Very proud of the team effort and again our second unit and third unit got valuable time on the varsity field for their future,” he said. “Thanks again to all the fans who came and travel to Menahga for the game.  It felt like a home game for us.” 

The win was the ninth straight for the Eagles dating back to last season as they will travel to Parkers Prairie to take on the 1-5 Panthers on Friday. Parkers Prairie comes into the game averaging 13.3 points per game on offense and have given up 22.7 points per game on defense. 

NY Mills, on the other hand, is averaging 34.8 points per game on offense and vie up just 4.8 points per game on defense, which is the second lowest in all of Class A. Minneota is giving up just 1 point per game.