By Brenda Erdahl
Sports Editor
After a rough start to its 2023 homecoming game the Irish football team ended strong when Logan Salmela scored a final touchdown in the fourth quarter on a 60-yard kickoff return. It wasn’t enough to win the game against a larger, faster Holdingford team, but it certainly gave Irish fans something to cheer about.
The Irish’s other touchdown in the 62-16 loss came in the second quarter on a 33-yard touchdown pass completed by Logan’s brother Landon Salmela. The Irish were successful on both of their two-point conversion attempts.
“At times, our team did some great things against a very good Holdingford team,” Maple Lake Head Coach Mike Rowe said. “When we focus on our job, we can be a really good football team. The problem we are having is sustaining that focus for 4 quarters.”
The Huskers, who were 3-0 coming into Friday’s night’s game (Sept. 22) didn’t waste any time getting on the scoreboard. Their first touchdown came early in the first quarter. Later in the first, the Irish had an opportunity to score after a well-executed grab by Logan Salmela off a pass by Irish QB Luke Goelz, but they couldn’t quite go the distance.
Goelz threw 116 yards on 7 attempts with three completions one touchdown and two interceptions. Landon Salmela was 1 for 33 yards receiving with one touchdown and Logan Salmela was 2 for 76 yards receiving.
The Irish are now 0-4 for the season and play Kimball on Friday Sept. 29 at Kimball. The Kimball Cubs are 3-1 after wins over Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted (36-8), Paynesville (34-0) and Royalton (14-8). The Cubs’ one loss came at the hands of Osakis, 28-14.