Cardinals Improve, Still Lose

Progress is a process. It takes time.

Staples-Motley displayed by far its best effort this season and possibly since 2010, scoring first in the first, second and fourth quarters before faltering late in a 27-18 loss to state-ranked Warroad Friday.

In the end, Warriors running back Keedon Sweetney single-handedly rattled and broke the Cardinals ranks, rushing for 158 yards and three touchdowns, including two decisive scores in the fourth quarter to secure the win. Sweetney scored from 4, 5 and 60 yards out and added a 70-yard kickoff return touchdown.

“Give Warroad credit.  They made big plays at critical times to pull out the win,” Staples-Motley co-head coach Paul Mithun said in an email.

Mike Beach toted the ball 16 times for 75 yards and a score for Staples-Motley (0-3), which rushed for a season-high 169 yards.

Snatching the lead early and admiring it at numerous junctures throughout, the Cardinals were able to successfully open up their passing attack, as well.

Kyle Jansson threw for 132 yards and two scores.

The effort was particularly positive considering Warroad (2-1) was ranked No. 9 in Class 2A and S-M was coming off losses of 51-0, most recently, and 38-6 to start the season.

The Cardinals outgained Warroad 301 to 214 in total yards.

Lack of experience, though, especially in competitive fourth quarter situations drove Staples-Motley to its 14^th consecutive loss.

S-M last played a game decided by one score or less nearly two years ago — before almost everyone on the current roster played varsity football.

While the team showed marked improvement in defeat, Mithun does not want to settle for moral victories moving forward.

Up next: Detroit Lakes (3-0) Friday at 7:00 pm. Listen live on KSKK 94.7 FM.