Robbinsdale Cooper receiver Nehamaih Ponder’s block frees up space for David Connors’ 82-yard kickoff return for a TD against Robbinsdale Armstrong. / Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald 
Shawon Easley of St. Paul Highland Park (26) scores in victory over St. Paul Johnson. / Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald 
Gophers volleyball player Airi Miyabe against the University of St. Thomas. The Gophers won. / Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald 
University of Minnesota Stephanie Samedy during the Gophers’ victory over Iowa State University. / Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald 
: St. Paul Central running back Joshua Sims (20) and quarterback Cole Fee (2) led the Minutemen past St. Paul Como Park. / Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald
Opening kickoff return sparks victory for Hawks
Friday, September 17, 2021
David Connors returned the opening kickoff return 82 yards for a touchdown and caught a pass for another score from quarterback Joe Russell in the third quarter, leading Robbinsdale Cooper to a 49-14 prep football victory over archrival Robbinsdale Armstrong last Friday evening before a capacity crowd at Cooper Stadium.
Offensive linemen Corey Deloach, Jeramiah Hoskins, AJ Rhines, and Brenna Vierzva not only provided Russell with enough time to connect with Key’Von Cager for another score but paved the way for running back Camden Royal’s two touchdowns and tight end Jaxon Howard’s one-yard run for paydirt.
The score was 14-14 at halftime as Armstrong quarterback Jamen Malone completed two touchdown passes to receiver Peyton Newbern in response to Connors’ kickoff return and Howard’s one-yard run.
In the second half, it was all Cooper.
The Hawks defensive unit, led by linebacker Josh Gonleh, defensive backs Dashon Amos and Andre Reese, defensive ends Carter Zirbes and Howard, and defensive lineman Deshawn Ricks, totally dominated by holding the Falcons scoreless in the second half.
Cooper placekicker Leo Garcia was seven for seven in extra-point attempts.
Thursday, September 16
Outside/opposite hitter, Airi Miyabe had eight kills, two aces, and one block in leading the University of Minnesota volleyball team to a 3-0 victory over the University of St. Thomas at Maturi Pavilion.
Saturday, September 18
Running back Shawon Easley scored on a rushing touchdown in the second half to lead St. Paul Highland Park to a 20-14 prep football victory over St. Paul Johnson.
Running back Joshua Sims’s touchdown run late in the fourth quarter sealed St. Paul Central’s 22-6 pre-football victory over St. Paul Como Park. Opposite hitter Stephanie Samedy had 12 kills and four blocks, leading the University of Minnesota past Iowa State University 3-0 in nonconference volleyball at Maturi Pavilion
Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald is a contributing columnist at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.