HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

 

BGMR vs Win E Mac

Halloween Party!

 

GATORS END SEASON AT WIN-E-MAC

In Section 8 9-Man Quarterfinal action on Tuesday, October 23^rd, the #6 seeded BGMR Gators made the trek to Erskine to take on the #6 seeded Win-E-Mac Patriots and were eliminated by a score of 44 – 0. The cold temperature combined with a steady rain led to many Gator turnovers and sloppy tackling throughout the contest.

After falling behind at the half, the Gators responded with an attitude in the second half and played tough defense in holding a potent Win-E-Mac offense to many three and out possessions and two takeaways by fumbles. However, the Gator offense struggled throughout the contest. With the loss, the Gators end the season at a respectable 4 – 5 record for the 2012 campaign.

“I would like to thank the communities of Badger, Greenbush, Strathcona, and Middle River for the support of our football program for the 2012 season. Our local businesses have been invaluable partners in making our tailgate parties and fundraising efforts a great success. In addition, I would like to thank Greenbush Post #88 and Middle River Post #444 for providing Color Guard at each of our home games this season. We will continue to improve as a football program and our success will not be measured solely by wins on the field, but more importantly by the experiences our young men take with them throughout their lives,” said Coach Solberg.

Gator seniors Tyler Bentow, Tanner Creviston, Timm Ingle, Alex Rhen, Jacquan Rhen, and John Westman will be missed. In addition, Gator senior managers Hailey Brazer, Bailey Bergeron, and Kayla Stanelle will be missed as well. “I would like to thank all of our seniors for their hard work and dedication to the program during their careers as BGMR Gators,” said Coach Solberg of the seniors. A strong nucleus of underclassmen played key roles down the stretch and received some valuable varsity experience that will be built upon for next season. The returning Gators will be a force to be reckoned with as many Gators have already begun preparing for the 2013 season in the weight room.

If you are interested in helping in any way with the BGMR Gator football program, please contact head coach Matt Solberg at msolberg@greenbush.k12.mn.us or at 763-742-4137

Section 8 9-Man Quarterfinals

Tuesday October 23^rd

            BGMR                                      0          Win-E-Mac                              44

Stephen-Argyle                       35        Sacred Heart                           8

Grygla-Goodridge                   32        Climax-Fisher                          0

Kittson County Central            7          Clearbrook-Gonvick                6

Section 8 9-Man Semifinals

Saturday October  27^th

Stephen-Argyle                       22        Kittson County Central            21

Grygla-Goodridge                   41        Win-E-Mac                              20

Section 8 9-Man Finals

Thursday November 1^st 12:30 pm Fargodome

Stephen Argyle vs. Grygla-Goodridge

VARSITY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Tyler Bentow, a senior receiver/defensive back is the varsity player of the week for the Win-E-Mac game week.  A captain for the 2012 Gator football team, Tyler had 9 tackles and played excellent pass coverage throughout the game in muddy conditions. “Tyler’s work ethic and attitude are second to none. Tyler readily accepts and gives his best at any task we ask him to and always does what is best for the team,” said Coach Solberg of Bentow. Tyler is the son of Doug and Teri Bentow.

SCOUT TEAM PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Cody Kirkeide, a sophomore quarterback/running back/defensive back is the scout team player of the week for the Win-E-Mac game week. “Cody did an excellent job playing the scout team quarterback this past week. His skill set allows him to play a variety of positions and will be looked to for great things in the coming years,” said Coach Solberg of Kirkeide. Cody is the son of Barry and Roxane Kirkeide.

Gators Beat By Bearcats

In the early game of Week 8 Top of the State Conference football action, the 4 – 3 Gators made the trip  to Lancaster to take on the Kittson County Central Bearcats in a pivotal contest for section seeding. The Gators were plagued by injuries and missed assignments in the contest in dropping the game by a score of 42 – 8.

The Gators received the opening kickoff and quickly drove the ball downfield on the ground with senior fullback Alex Rhen and senior quarterback Jacquan Rhen. After a 9 play drive, the Gator offense fizzled out on the Bearcat 27 yard line. The Bearcats quickly drove downfield and scored on a long pass to open the scoring at 6 – 0. For the rest of the first half, it was all Bearcats as the Gators turned the ball over multiple times and gave the Bearcats a short field with which to work. Unfortunately for the Gators, the first half also ended junior tight end/linebacker Brayden Larson’s season as he went down with a broken leg making a catch a key 3^rd and long. At the half, the Bearcats led by a score of 20 – 0.

In the second half, the Gators found some momentum and put together a scoring drive highlighted by key receptions by senior Tanner Creviston to continue the Gator drive. Quarterback Jacquan Rhen scored the Gators lone touchdown on the afternoon on a quarterback draw from 12 yards out. After a successful conversion reception by senior Tyler Bentow, the Gators narrowed the margin to 34 – 8. The Bearcats scored once more on the afternoon to finish the scoring at 42 – 8.

The Gators were led offensively by Alex Rhen who had 19 carries for 60 yards on the afternoon and Jacquan Rhen who was 10 – 25 passing for 124 yards. The leading receiver for the Gators was Tanner Creviston who had 4 receptions for 54 yards. Defensively, the Gators were led by freshman linebacker Joe Hlucny who had a stand out debut in making 13 tackles, recovering a fumble, and intercepting a pass in relief of injured linebacker Brayden Larson.

With the loss, the Gators finish their regular season at 4 – 4 and earn the #6 seed in Section 8 9-Man football. The Gators are in action next on Tuesday 10/23 at 7:00 pm in Erskine as they take on the #3 seed Win-E-Mac Patriots in Section 8 9-Man quarterfinal action.

Week 8 Scores : Top of the State Conference

            BGMR                                      8          Kittson County Central            42

            Stephen-Argyle                       33        Clearbrook-Gonvick                6

Northern Freeze                      28        Climax-Fisher                          19

Grygla-Goodridge                   47        Sacred Heart                           6

Top of the State Conference Final Standings

TEAM                                      WIN                 LOSS

Stephen-Argyle                       8                      0

Goodridge/Grygla                   7                      1

Kittson County Central            5                      3

Clearbrook-Gonvick                5                      3

BGMR                                      4                      4

Northern Freeze                      2                      6

Climax/Fisher                          2                      6

Sacred Heart                           0                      8

Section 8 9-Man Playoff Seeding

#1        Stephen-Argyle (8 – 0)

#2        Goodridge-Grygla (7 – 1)

#3        Win-E-Mac (6 – 2)

#4        Kittson County Central (5 – 3)

#5        Clearbrook-Gonvick (5 – 3)

#6        BGMR (4 – 4)

#7        Climax-Fisher (2 – 6)

#8        Sacred Heart (0 – 8)

Section 8 Quarterfinal Matchups

Tuesday October 23^rd

#8 Sacred Heart @ #1 Stephen-Argyle 7:00 (Argyle)

#7 Climax-Fisher @ #2 Goodridge-Grygla 3:00 (Goodridge)

#6 BGMR @ #3 Win-E-Mac 7:00 (Erskine)

#5 Clearbrook-Gonvick @ #4 Kittson County Central 7:00 (Hallock)

 

VARSITY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Joe Hlucny, a freshman running back/linebacker is the varsity player of the week for the Kittson County Central game week. Playing in relief, Joe had 13 tackles, a fumble recovery, and an interception in a standout debut to lead the Gators in tackles for the contest. “Joe stepped up and played a heck of a game for us,” said Coach Solberg of Hlucny. Joe is the son of Doug and Teresa Hlucny.

SCOUT TEAM PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Nels Wicklund, a junior tight end/linebacker is the scout team player of the week for the Kittson County Central game week. “Nels has done a great job in his first year back to football after a couple of seasons off. Nels has been at each and every practice all year and has been a staple on our scout team,” said Coach Solberg of Wicklund. Nels is the son of Dale and Annette Wicklund.

Gators Triumph Against Knights

On the brisk evening of October 11th, in a rare Thursday night contest, the Gators took on
the Climax/Fisher Knights and triumphed by a margin of 28 – 20 with help from some clutch offensive plays and a dominating 4th quarter defensive effort.

The Gators came out clicking offensively in the first half and quickly moved downfield behind an outstanding effort by the Gator offensive line, consisting of tight end Brayden Larson, guard Cody Olafson, center Steven Hlucny, and guard John Westman. However, each of their first two drives ended in fumbles, allowing the Knights to take a 6 – 0 lead on a fumble return for a touchdown. The Gator defense held the Knights in check offensively as well with some key 4 th down stops throughout the first half and the score remained 6 – 0 at the break. 

In the second half, the Gators would get on the board on their first drive on a 3 yard Brayden Larson pass reception from Jacquan Rhen to tie the score at 6 – 6. On their next possession, the Gators would again strike paydirt with a Jacquan Rhen 35 yard touchdown run on 3 rd and long. The conversion was good on an Alex Rhen pass reception from Jacquan Rhen to put the score at 14 – 6.

On the opening play of their next possession, the Knights responded with a 69 yard touchdown pass. After a successful conversion, the score was again tied 14 – 14. The Gators next drive stalled after 3 plays, and the Knights blocked the Gator punt to give them a short field with which to work. On their first play, the Knights scored on a 27 yard run to take a 20 – 14 lead to begin the fourth quarter. With their backs against the wall and facing adversity, the Gators responded in the face of adversity and played their best team football of the season.

On the next Gator possession, Alex Rhen found the endzone from 8 yards out to tie the score at 20. The Gators then stopped the Knights on their final four possessions with some great defense. Sophomore Cody Kirkeide, filling in for injured senior Tanner Creviston,  made a clutch pass break-up on 3rd down to stop the Knights from taking the lead. After a clutch sack on 4 th down by Alex Rhen, the Gators took the ball over with 1:28 left on the clock and one timeout. Facing a 4th down and 4, the drive was highlighted by a 27 yard touchdown reception by Aaron Dostal from Jacquan Rhen over a Knight defender for the game-winning touchdown with 12 seconds remaining to seal the victory.

The Gators were led offensively by Alex Rhen who had 27 carries for 152 yards and a
touchdown and Jacquan Rhen who had 13 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown. Jacquan
Rhen also completed 11 of 22 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown. The leading receiver for the Gators was Aaron Dostal who had 4 receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown.

With the win, the Gators improve to 4 – 3 on the season and are in action on Tuesday, 10/16 at 3:30 pm in Lancaster against the Kittson County Central Bearcats.

GMR Science Department Receives $25,000 Grant

The GMR Science Department was awarded a check for $25,000 from Monsanto on Wednesday, October 10, 2012.  Please watch for your next edition of the Chomper for the full story! 

Gator Football Tailgate Party

This Thursday night from 5:00-7:00 in Badger, there will be a tailgate party at the football game against Climax/Fisher.   It will be the last regular season home game.  The following is being served: Burger or Brat, Potato Salad, Chips, and Pop! All for just $5. This tailgate is Sponsored by Agassiz Insurance/Reality and Squid's.

Frostbite Invitational Tournament

The Gators struck again at the Frostbite Invitational Tournament. Strong serve receive passing, aggressive offense, and stifling defense were key in most of the matches, but a few lapses and lulls did hinder the Gator attack.

 

The Gators started the day with a rematch with Red Lake Falls. The Eagles edged out the Gators in the previous meeting, so it was imperative that the Gators play their best to get the upper hand in tournament play. After a 1-7 start, the Gators quickly regrouped and went on the attack. They would battle to an 11-9 edge and not look back in the first set winning 25-16. Set 2 proved to be a little more interesting and precarious. The Gators aggressively ate up the floor with a 14-6 start, but the Eagles would sharpen up their attack and battle back to make it a close set. The Gators would get the win 25-23. Kate Howell must have felt she had something to prove as she ate up the front row with 9 kills, 1 ace block, and 2 service aces from the back line. Andrea Burkel showed her quickness as she got to many balls and had a season high 13 assists. Strong Gator serving and smart net play contributed to the win.

 

Off to a great start on the day, match two would be a little more problematic. Momentum was all Gators in the first set as strong serving and aggressive front row play would stun the Chargers. The Gators dominated the first set 25-7. The Chargers couldn’t find any sort of rhythm, and Gator sharp shooters from the back service line, kept the Chargers scrambling on serve receive. Set 2 was more interesting as the score changed several times throughout the match; however, the Gators just couldn’t manage the sweep and fell short 20-25. Ashley Schultz played a really nice game front row, and the Gator block just couldn’t slow her down. In the short set, the Gators jumped to a quick 5-2 start. The Chargers had 3 costly service errors, and the Gators were in attack mode toward the end with 5 earned points down the stretch. The Chargers made it interesting with a final surge, but the Gators would close out with a 15-11 win. Alyssa Wahl was the “on fire” Gator with 7 front row kills and 5 solo blocks. Tori Mekash played solidly all the way around and had 6 kills, followed by Kate Howell with another 5. Michele Green also had a couple huge stops on the right side as well as 2 kills. Setter Morgan Anderson commanded the floor with her own season high of 14 assists.

 

The Gators faced the Freeze for the second time in the season in match 3 of the day. Once the Gators got rolling, it was lopsided in their favour. Again, strong out of system serving was key as the Freeze struggled to get good looks on the attack. The Gators jumped up 15-7 and marched to the end with a 25-14 win. The Freeze rebounded quickly as the Gators knew they would and set 2 was much more suspenseful. The Gators jumped to a 10-5 start and it seemed to be going their way. However, when you give the Freeze an inch, they widen it to a foot. The Gators were up 24-20 and missed the opportunity to shut the door. Tori Davidson was fed every ball to end the set, and the Gator defense just couldn’t stop her. The Gators would let the set slip through their fingers with a 24-26 loss. Momentum was still going the Freeze way in set 3. With a solid Freeze block up every Gator attack, the Gators didn’t swing or move around the block as they should. Strong Freeze serving also caused some Gator struggling. The set was tied 8-8, but costly Gator digging errors and non assertive play would cost the Gators 10-15. Mekash led the charge for the Gators with 10 kills, 2 service aces. Courtney Kirkeide had 2 kills as well as 2 ace blocks. Kate Howell scored 4 kills from the front row, Katie Langaas also chipped in 4 kills and a block, and Green had 3 solid kills from the right side. Serve receive passing wasn’t as accurate against a strong serving Freeze team, but Burkel chased down 10 assists.

 

Like all good teams do, the Gators rebounded quickly against KCC. These two squads haven’t faced each other yet in the 2012 regular season. The Gators jumped to an early start, but the set would ping pong a back and forth early on. At a 10-7 lead, the Gators went into attack mode again as hitters and blockers really did their job. Aggressive serving was also an asset as the Gators put the Bearcats out of system frequently and the back row passers were able to contain the Bearcat attack as Lexi Dahl and Britta Rynning could never get started. The Gators dictated the set and won 25-16. Set 2 was all Gators as they kept the Bearcats scrambling and out of rhythm. The Gators had many long serving strings in this set and marched to a 25-12 victory. Katie Langaas stepped up this match with 8 kills and 2 blocks. Aunica Novacek and Mariah Modahl were the dynamic duo in the back row and nothing could penetrate their court as each made great saves and passes right to target. Shanyce Bishop hardly had to move to set as the passes were right there and earned 18 assists in the match.

 

At the end of the day, this brought a rematch for the championship between the Gators and the Freeze. Madison Thompson was unstoppable at the service line as she cast off 10 serves in a row giving the Freeze a decisive 11-0 start. Giving a team such an edge makes it pretty challenging to compete, but the Gators didn’t totally throw in the towel. They tried to shift momentum their way, but the Freeze block and passers were just too tough. It was looking pretty grim 4-21, but the Gators squeaked out a few points in a row to get to 11-22, but they had let the set just run away and lost 12-25. When plan A doesn’t work, you have to figure out plan B. The Gators had a much better showing in the second set and got on the scoreboard right away with a 5-0 start. Early on, the Gators had a few nice ropes, but again, a tough Freeze team would not be denied. They clawed their way right back into the set down the stretch. The Gators were up 22-20, but errors again were costly and the Gators didn’t shut the door, a necessity against a tough, aggressive team. The Gators lost 23-25. Freeze serving, hitting, and digging is top notch, so to compete, any team has to be at the top of their game. Mekash and Langaas led the Gators with 4 kills and 1 block each. Novacek and Modahl both had 2 service aces, and Bishop and Burkel had 6 and 5 assists respectively.

 

Tournaments have faired very well for the Gators as they found themselves in the championship matches at all three. Overall the Frostbite lived up to its reputation as we had 10-14 inches of snow to contend with; however, it was a great day for volleyball. The Gators really played well throughout the day and showed some nice gains from event the beginning of the season. As they head into the last stretch, they are playing how they should be playing which should prove to be quite interesting as they wrap up regular season play and head into tournament time. It’s volleyball! Anything can happen!

Gators vs. Eagles - Volleyball

The Gators fell short in their efforts to beat the Red Lake Falls Eagles October 1. The first set proved to be a battle as the Gators were quick on the draw to reach all of the 5 point milestones in the set and earned 9 out of their first 10 points on their own with aces, kills, and a block. They were in control of their side of the net and finished with a 25-19 victory. Katie Langaas had the hot hand with 5 kills and 1 block just in the first set. Set 2 seemed to be going the Gator way, but the Eagles battled back with a couple solid ropes at the end to pull up 20-17 and then marched to the end. Gator attack and passing errors were costly and they lost 21-25. The Eagles jumped to a quick 4-2 start in the 3^rd set, but Mariah Modahl quickly changed the momentum with a string of serves to help the Gators get the first milestone of the set. The Olson sisters from Red Lake Falls stepped up and had several blocks at the net, causing some difficulty for the Gator attack. This was a close battle all the way to the end of the set as the Gators clawed their way back into it and tied it up 23-22 but weren’t able to close the door, losing 25-27. The Gators needed to battle hard to push to 5 sets in the 4^th and again, struggled to contain the Eagle middle hitters. The set went back and forth early on and the Gators had a nice surge at the end pulling to a one point deficit, but again fell short and lost 21-25. Tori Mekash had a standout defensive game with 66% accuracy on serve receive and 62% accuracy digging as well as 11 kills from the outside.

 

This is a match that easily could have gone either way, but the Gators missed some critical opportunities down the stretch. Aggressive play at the net and a “nothing hits the floor” defensive attitude is critical for Gator success. They will face the Eagles first match of the Frostbite Invitational Saturday, October 6, at Stephen.

Leaders for the Gators were Katie Langaas with 15 kills, 2 blocks, Tori Mekash with 11 kills, 2 aces, and Alyssa Wahl with 8 kills, 2 blocks.

Shanyce Bishop had 23 assists on the evening with 9 assists added by Andrea Burkel.

Kate Howell had 3 service aces from behind the endline.

Gators Frozen by Clearbrook-Gonvick

With the winter weather cancelling school both Thursday and Friday this past week, the Gator varsity football game with Clearbrook-Gonvick scheduled for Friday night October 5 th was rescheduled for Saturday afternoon October 6th at 1:00 pm. However, the cold weather along with the early morning bus ride proved too much for the Gators to overcome in the first half. Turnovers and missed assignments plagued the Gators as they found themselves behind 26 – 0 at halftime. In the second half, the Gators woke up and battled back to narrow the deficit for a final score of 32 – 16.

Although the first half was forgettable, the Gator goal line stand to hold the Bears from scoring in the closing moments of the first half was the lone highlight of the first half. The Bears got the ball back on the Gator 3 yard line after a controversial call, and the Gator defense held the Bears on four straight plays to force a turnover on downs.

In the second half, the Gators scored on their opening possession highlighted by a Jacquan
Rhen to Aaron Dostal 43 yard touchdown pass on 3rd and long. The drive was capped off by an Alex Rhen 6 yard touchdown run. After a Jacquan Rhen two point conversion, the Bear lead was narrowed to 26 – 8. The Gator scoring was closed out by a Jacquan Rhen 10 yard touchdown run on a scramble and the conversion was good on a Jacquan Rhen to Tanner Creviston pass to finish the scoring at 32 – 16.

Individual highlights for the Gators were Alex Rhen carrying the ball 19 times for 65 yards and a touchdown and Jacquan Rhen going 5 – 10 passing for 82 yards. Tanner Creviston had 4 receptions for 49 yards and a 2-point conversion. Making his varsity football debut, freshman linebacker Devin Dostal had a standout effort on defense in making 16 tackles on the day. The Gators have little time to dwell on the loss, as the Gators are again in action on Thursday October 11th against Climax/Fisher in Badger for the Gators final home game of the regular season. With the loss, the Gators fall to 3 – 3 on the season.