Holdingford secured the Minnesota Section 6AA championship with a commanding 48-14 victory over Osakis at the Fargodome on Friday. The win marked a significant achievement for Holdingford, who remains unbeaten this season, thanks in large part to standout performances from key players such as senior quarterback Jaxon Bartkowicz.
Bartkowicz showcased his versatility, rushing for 116 yards and passing for 222 yards. He played a crucial role in the game, contributing three rushing touchdowns, including a remarkable 40-yard score. His performance exemplified the strength of the Holdingford offense, which has consistently outperformed opponents throughout the season.
A pivotal moment occurred late in the third quarter when sophomore linebacker Kashton Black made a significant tackle, stopping Osakis quarterback Trenton VanNyhuis for a two-yard loss. Bartkowicz was quick to acknowledge Black’s effort, emphasizing the unity and leadership within the senior-led team. “Yea, big time play,” Bartkowicz noted, highlighting the importance of teamwork in their dominant performance.
Leadership and Team Dynamics Drive Victory
Holdingford’s head coach, Luke Mitchell, praised the leadership of his 19 seniors after the game. He noted that the team’s strong senior presence allowed him to step back during practice and games. “I don’t have to say a lot in practice. I don’t have to say a lot in games. They just take over,” Mitchell stated, reflecting on the players’ ability to guide the team effectively.
The offensive line’s performance was also a critical factor, as Bartkowicz pointed out. “Our line did a great job again tonight, just like last week in Staples,” he said, referring to a previous victory where Holdingford defeated Staples-Motley 41-0. The line’s ability to create space allowed for productive plays, making it difficult for Osakis’ defense to respond effectively.
As the game progressed, Holdingford continued to build their lead. With just 1:35 left in the second quarter, Bartkowicz connected with Nathan Streit for a 39-yard gain, setting up another touchdown by Masyn Patrick that extended the lead to 34-6. The rapid scoring exemplified the Huskers’ offensive efficiency, as they executed a 28-second drive that left Osakis reeling.
Osakis managed to score just before halftime with a pass from VanNyhuis to Tyler Wolbeck. However, this was not enough to shift the momentum in their favor. The second half began with Osakis attempting to mount a comeback, but four consecutive incompletions resulted in a turnover on downs, allowing Holdingford to score again shortly thereafter.
VanNyhuis, who had initially cut Holdingford’s lead to 7-6 with a spectacular 93-yard run, acknowledged the struggles his team faced. “When you can’t get your run game established, it’s hard to hit over the top when they’re playing off coverage,” he explained, indicating that the Holdingford defense effectively neutralized their offensive strategies.
Final Thoughts on the Season
Osakis concluded their season with a record of 9-2, both losses coming at the hands of Holdingford. VanNyhuis reflected on the team’s performance, stating, “We had a shot, but we didn’t execute how we needed to, and the scoreboard shows that we didn’t execute.”
Holdingford’s victory not only highlights their talent and teamwork but also sets the stage for potential success in future competitions. As they celebrate this championship, the team remains focused on their goals, looking ahead with determination to continue their unbeaten streak.
