Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Football Battle of St. Louis Park Preview

The "Battle of St. Louis Park" heads to the gridiron Friday night as the St. Louis Park Orioles travel to  Benilde-St. Margaret's for a 7 PM Homecoming game against the Red Knights.

Both teams head into the game with identical 2-2 records.  The Orioles played their annual Homecoming game last Friday and routed the Richfield Spartans 41-14.  Quarterback Aaron Ellingson was a factor in St. Louis Park's victory, throwing two touchdown passes and scoring on a 77 yard keeper run.  One of the recipients of Ellingson's touchdown passes was tight end Ben Thyne.  He's part of an outstanding group of receivers that includes Akili Farris, Cole Ewald and McCabe Dvorak.  In the backfield is Sajid Nathim, who has 320 rushing yards, three behind Ellingson.  St. Louis Park's defense, anchored by Jariel Lopez-Barrera and Adam Bauer has a tough task ahead in order to beat BMS.  They will need to slow down BSM's top running back Isaiah Smith.

Looking at the Red Knights, Smith had an outstanding game last Friday against the Chanhassen Storm as BSM came up short 36-33.  Jacob Miller's touchdown pass with :13 left to Cade Plath clinched the win for the Storm.  The Red Knights took the lead with Will Petty's 14 yard run with 1:29 to go.  But the big story for BSM was Smith who ran for 178 yards and reached the end zone twice on runs of 53 and 70 yards.  it was his second consecutive game of more than 100 rushing yards.  On September 14, he ran for 160 yards and a touchdown as the Red Knights demolished the DeLaSalle Islanders 47-7.  John Whitmore was the bright spot on defense for the Red Knights with 18 total tackles.  The key for BSM is a strong running game from Smith and the defense has to force turnovers.

If you plan on coming to the game, please arrive early.  The main parking lot could be full well before game time but there is plenty of parking across the street at Beth El Synagogue.  It should be an interesting game amid the vehicles cruising down the Highway 100 frontage road that's close to BSM.

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