What a weekend. I missed an important high school football matchup Friday, but I saw another prep game Saturday afternoon with numerous connections.
The game I saw
Saturday afternoon for Minneapolis football standout Troy Russell was spent watching his son, leading rusher Isaiah Krause, play for Minneapolis Henry at running back against St. Paul Central at James S. Griffin stadium in St. Paul.
The Patriots lost the game as Central quarterback Trenton Funches’ leadership and three touchdowns by running back Calhai Haugen propelled them to victory. Henry’s highlight came after quarterback De’leon Gardner connected with wide receiver Datelle Straub for a 59-yard touchdown.
Also attending the game was former St. Paul Central football lineman James Walsh. Walsh, who played at Central during the 1980-1981 seasons before going on to the University of St. Thomas for a four-year career, was there for a number of reasons.
“I played here,” he said. “My son [Seamus Walsh] played here [Central],” he continued, beaming with pride. “I’m also close friends with Henry Coach Mark Heiser, who I have coached with on the [football semi-pro team] St. Paul Pioneers.
Walsh is currently a reporter for the Star Tribune.
The game I missed
A game I really tried to make to no avail was Minneapolis North’s 42-22 victory over St. Paul Como Park.
The host Polars remained undefeated behind the outstanding play of quarterback Armon Dalton and receiver Omar Brown.
Brown had a touchdown reception and returned a fumble for another score in contributing to the Polars win. Running back Kehyan Porter rushed for 108 yards and two touchdowns while Dalton also passed for two scores.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about Como Park quarterback Robert Adams, and it appears that the senior is as good as advertised, completing two touchdown passes to receivers Donzello Barros and Lumin Johnson while rushing for 58 yards.
Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.
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