The game started off with a 76 yard TD kickoff return by Braeden Bredman.  “There were some fantastic blocks in front of him,” said Coach Strand. “Coach Nathan Strand is in charge of our kickoff return team and takes a lot of pride in that.  They executed the return perfectly and Braeden took it all the way.”  Isaac Maneval added the extra-point kick for a 7-0 Barnesville lead.

Hawley responded with a great drive, picking up a couple big passing plays on their way to the end zone.  On their 11th play of the drive Derek Tibbitts carried the ball in from 2 yards out but their 2 point conversion failed, leaving the Trojans with a 7-6 lead.  Barnesville took their next possession 54 yards in 9 plays with Andrew Pederson taking it in from 4 yards out.  Maneval’s kick was good, making the score at the end of one quarter, 14-6.

Hawley’s next possession took them from the 28 yard line down to the Barnesville 37 yard line where on 1st down Connor Loeks came up with an interception.  “Connor made a great play on the ball and stepped in front of the pass at the right time,” noted Coach Strand.

Barnesville then went on a 7 play scoring drive that started on their own 31 yard line.  A couple of highlights included a 1st and 10 Zachary Bredman pass to Wyatt Suter for a 32 yard gain, an 11 yard run by Bredman and then a 9 yard run by his brother Braeden Bredman to get the ball all the way down to the 26 yard line.  “The drive was capped off when John Roller had a fantastic 9 yard run where he would spin off of guys twice before crossing the goal line into the end zone,” reported Strand.  Maneval’s kick gave Barnesville a 21-6 halftime advantage. 

Hawley got the ball to start the 2nd half.  On 2nd and 9 from the 45 yard line Nelson hit Levi Lelm with a pass.  “Right after Lelm caught the ball Braeden Bredman came up and put a fantastic hit on the receiver causing the ball to pop out,” recalled Coach Strand.  “Nick Robideau seeing this came up scooped the ball up from the 45 yard line and traveled 55 yards for the score.”  The extra point kick was blocked and the Trojans led 27-6.

The Trojan defense held and forced a punt after 3 plays, but Barnesville also stalled out on their next possession and had to punt.  Isaac Maneval hit a great 41 yard punt pinning the Nuggets on the 10 yard line.  Hawley's next drive took them all the way to the Barnesville 8 yard line before the defense held on 4th and 8.  

The Trojans scored on their next drive when Braeden Bredman took it in from 2 yards out, and Owen Riddle came in and scored the 2 point conversion to make the score 35-6 at the end of the third quarter.  

In the fourth quarter, Gannon Bolgrean came into quarterback and on his first snap of the night he ran 39 yards for the TD and Maneval’s kick made the score 42-6, where it would end up.

“We end the season 8-0 which was a goal, we won the district which was a goal,” said Strand.  “We have higher goals this season and this part of the season is over.  Now we must continue to get better and prepare for games.  The section is tough with Pelican Rapids playing really well right now and I was very impressed with Hawley last night, they have a nice team.  Crookston and Frazee are both in the mix as well.”

Andrew Pederson led the rushing attack with 130 yards on 9 carries.  Barnesville finished with 348 rushing yards on 38 attempts.  Bredman completed 2-of-3 passes for 38 yards.  Defensive leaders were Peyton Amundson with a sack, 5 solo tackles and 3 assisted tackles, Suter with a sack, Braeden Bredman with a forced fumble, Nick Robideau with a fumble recovery, Connor Loeks with an interception, 2 solo tackles and 3 assisted tackles, Ethan Larson with 2 solo tackles and 4 assisted tackles, and Jonny Robideau with 2 solo tackles and 4 assisted tackles.

Barnesville received the number one seed in Section 8AA and will get a first round bye.  They will host a Section semifinal contest against the winner of the Hawley vs Frazee contest on Saturday, October 29.