In prep football on Thursday, Duluth East defeated Esko, Mountain Iron-Buhl toppled Cook County, Mesabi East bested South Ridge and Barnum beat Moose Lake/Willow River.

In Esko, Duluth East, under their new head coach Blane Tetreault, turned the tides for a 24-14 takedown. Their victory would hand Esko their first regular season loss since 2020. Duluth East’s Michael Lewis scored their first two touchdowns to lead 16-0 at halftime.

Esko will next travel to take on Proctor Friday, September 6, and Duluth East will return for their home opener against Hibbing on September 6 at 6pm.

At Mountain Iron-Buhl (MIB), the Rangers’ 9-man team returned to the field after taking home their third straight section title in 2023 to battle the Cook County Vikings. Rangers brought the energy and fire, taking an early 28-0 lead in the first half before sealing the deal at 42-6.

MIB will return home to face McGregor on September 6 at 7pm. Cook County will travel to battle Bigfork on September 6th at 6pm.

In South Ridge, Mesabi East brought the momentum in the season opener for both the Giants and Panthers, taking home the 52-6 win.

South Ridge will next take a trip to face Deer River and Mesabi East will travel to battle Crosby-Ironton on September 6.

In Willow River, the ‘Little Brown Jug’ rivalry game was afoot as the Moose Lake/Willow River Rebels battled the Barnum Bombers. Last year was the first time in 25 years the Bombers would take home the jug, but the Rebels would take their payback in the section final later in the season. Barnum would retake the jug downing the Rebels 9-6 Friday. All their points were scored in the fourth quarter.

Next, Moose Lake/Willow River will travel to face Aitkin and Barnum will head to Chisholm on September 6 at 7pm.