Lakers strike on big play to lead Sauk Centre

At the end of the first quarter, Minnewaska Area and Sauk Centre were tied 6-6 on Homecoming night at O'Gara Field. The Lakers got their touchdown with 59 seconds on the clock in the first quarter.

Sauk Centre then scored in the second quarter to take a 13-6 lead. They've earned nine first downs so far in the game. With 1:26 left on the clock, they're sitting with a 3rd-and-6 possession at midfield. The Lakers thwarted a pass attempt to force a fourth down, and the Lakers punted to the Lakers 19-yard line.

Austin Ostrander struck with an 81-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Beecher on Minnewaska's first play of their next drive. The ball was caught at about the Sauk Centre 45-yard line, and Beecher went the distance untouched to score with 58 seconds left before halftime.

Ostrander then called his own number and ran in the two-point conversion to make it a 14-13 Minnewaska Area lead.

At Collegeville, Paynesville has a 16-0 lead over Melrose Area in the first half.

**Second half update:
The Lakers poured it on in the second half and hold a 34-13 lead with just 3 minutes left. They will improve to 4-2 overall on the season as they gear up for Homecoming night next Friday at Veterans Field. Their opponent will be the Benson Braves.

Final score tonight: Minnewaska Area 34, Sauk Centre 13. The Mainstreeters fall to 4-2 overall.