Thursday night lights are flipping on more often than usual this prep football season. That is due to an officials shortage across the Northland. Some schools are opting for early 4 p.m. kickoffs Friday, others have volunteered to moved their games up a day. Among those Thursday, September 12 were Duluth Denfeld and Moose Lake/Willow River.

At Denfeld High School, the Hunters would take down Pine City 56-0 in their home opener. Denfeld would lead 30-0 after the first quarter behind a monster performance from running back Taye Manns. He’d return an interception for a touchdown, then tack on two more from the ground to start the scoring.

Denfeld stays undefeated improving to 3-0. They will next host crosstown rivals Duluth East Friday, September 20th at 6 p.m.

In Willow River, the Rebels would rally to defeat Crosby-Ironton 38-20. The Rangers scored first just 15 seconds into the game, but Moose Lake/Willow River stayed on their heels tying it 14-14 in the second quarter thanks to two Levi Mikrot touchdowns.

The Rebels improve to 2-1. They next host Mesabi East Friday, September 20th at 7 p.m.