Pine City hosted Cloquet in their last home game of the year on Friday night.
Pine City started the game on offense to try and grab momentum early on. Although their offense didn't provide much spark their defense looked improved.
Yes, Cloquet did score on their first offensive possession but the Dragons forced them to run 7-8 play before they found the endzone. That has been something the Dragons co head coaches have been making a point of emphasis throughout the year. Down 8-0 in the first their offense once again couldn't put together a drive. Senior Riley Cummings would punt the ball away again. He was a big contributor to the defense with his punts alone. He switched field position each time he punted, which forced the Lumberjacks to start on their own side of the field. A welcome site after the last couple weeks saw Pine City opponents often start in plus territory. Cloquet's offense continued to click but the Dragon defense didn't let them score in under 7 plays the entire first half. Turnovers were a key factor again in the first half. The Dragons turning the ball over twice lead to more points for Cloquet. Pine City went into halftime down 31-0.
Though the 2nd half wasn't much different on the offensive side of the ball, there were some improvements from the 1st to 2nd half. Ball carriers found a little more room to run and Senior QB Erickson had more time to throw. Backups made their way into the game late and showed they were ready and willing to play anytime. The Dragons did hold the Lumberjacks to 10 points in the 2nd half but it was too little too late. Pine City fell on the last home game of the season 41-0.
With the loss the Dragons move to 1-6 on the season. They will play their regular season finale on Wednesday in Mora against the rival Mustangs.
Photo Credit: Four Seasons Photography