Fergus Falls started the scoring with a 4-yard run by Griffin Babolian in the first quarter, capping a 63-yard drive.  Manteufel added the PAT kick for a 7-0 lead for the Otters.  Park Rapids responded with a seven play, 74-yard scoring drive.  A 12-yard TD run by quarterback Noah Morris and a Jaydon Walen extra-point kick, tied the game at 7-7.  Babolian then went 64 yards for the second Otter touchdown of the opening quarter and Manteufel made it 14-7 with another PAT kick.  A 49-yard run in the second quarter by Morris and a Walen extra-point once again tied the game with a 14-14 score on the board heading into halftime.  Manteufel’s field goal was the only scoring in the second half.

“A lot of grit from our kids tonight,” commented Fergus Falls Head Coach Steve Olson.  “We struggled defensively in the first half but were able to tighten things up in the second half.  We played well offensively in the first half, but had trouble moving the ball in the second half.  I think our kids grew up a little bit out there tonight, learning what it’s like to play under the Friday night lights.”

The Otters had 224 yards on the ground, 82 yards through the air and 306 total yards of offense.  Babolian ran for 166 yards on 17 carries and Nelson completed 2-of-9 passes for 82 yards.

Park Rapids finished with 371 total yards (260 rushing, 111 passing).  Morris was 9-for-11 throwing the football for 11 yards and he ran the ball 10 times for 54 yards.  Walen had 204 rushing yards on 18 attempts.

The Otters (1-1) will host Pequot Lakes next Friday night.