Life Lesson Week in Minnesota

This story was originally written for Kitty Mayo and the Lake County Press. The first version was published in Friday's edition. Please support your local newspaper. Pick up a copy or, better yet, subscribe. (No, I'm not on the payroll). 🙂

Five days.

Sometimes that’s all you need to depict the story of a season—and the sporting dreams and heartbreaks of a childhood. Five days until the end of what will be one of the favorite chapters in a life, then facing the question of “what now?” Five days of the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Days when that life lesson stuff ultimately smacks us first in the nose—then in the gut.

On Tuesday, October 27, in the first round of the Minnesota state high school football playoffs, the Two Harbors Agates defeated the Proctor Rails 47-0 at Halsted Field.

Colton Hyopponen forced two fumbles in the first few minutes of the game, returning one for a touchdown and the other setting up Silas Fournier’s six-yard rushing touchdown. Junior Lucero scored twice. Axel Morsette threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Zeke Gomez, then later scored on a 56-yard run. Haydn Stahl closed the scoring with a short touchdown run.

Eighteen days earlier, Two Harbors beat Proctor by an identical 47-0 score in Proctor. After that game, I wrote about the Rails’ admirable competitive spirit. On Tuesday, I saw the sequel. Minutes after the resounding defeat, the Proctor Rails football team stood on the track at Halsted Field, turned to the bleachers, looked up to their families, friends, and supporters, then voiced a traditional cheer to express their dedication to their school and community. Pummeled once again. Yet, once again, standing proud. That “get knocked down seven times, stand up eight” kind of stuff.

The Rails then ran towards the postgame on-field gathering of Agates. They took a knee beside their opponents. Side by side. Arms resting on their rival’s shoulders. Kind words were spoken. Perhaps a prayer.

That Proctor Rails family–their football players, coaches, parents, cheerleaders, and younger brothers and sisters lingered at Halsted Field long after the game was over. Don’t worry, we’ll leave the lights on for you.

Hugs. Handshakes. Conversations. Tears. Younger siblings chasing each other around. Someday, they’ll wear that green and white uniform and play varsity games in Two Harbors.

Youth sports are supposed to teach life lessons—how to lose with dignity and keep things in proper perspective. The Proctor Rails showed they’d passed those tests with flying green-and-white colors. Second to none. Winners. That group must make Proctor proud.

Meanwhile, three Two Harbors Agates Seniors knew that this would be the final time they’d ever take that postgame walk from Halsted Field to the locker room. Once more, helmet in hand, the winding path, then never again. Leaving your second home before moving out of your first. Don’t worry, you can always return.

“That’ll be seven dollars, please.”

That night’s victory earned the Two Harbors Agates three more practices. They’d have one more team dinner. They’d help another family move the morning after a game. They’d experience one more school bus ride to central Minnesota. For some, it symbolized everything they’d dreamed of when they were elementary school rascals chasing each other around on the playgrounds and fields. Playing and games. Childhood staples. There never seemed to be a limit to the number of games. But life imposes limits. This time, for some, there’s only one more game to play.

And play they did.

The plays didn’t equate to victory, but we’ll remember this season fondly. Success isn’t solely measured on the scoreboard. Two Harbors won seven of their 10 games. Respectable by any measure. This was a season to remember. Heck, the Permian Panthers are immortalized despite losing their final game to Dallas Carter in “Friday Night Lights.”

On Saturday afternoon in Pequot Lakes, the Patriots defeated the Agates 45-6 just two weeks after beating Two Harbors 42-6. They say lightning doesn’t strike twice. Proctor and Two Harbors might disagree. It stings the second time just as bad as the first.

"Well, it’s real simple: You got two more quarters and that’s it. Now most of you have been playing this game for ten years. And you got two more quarters and after that most of you will never play this game again as long as you live."
Coach Gaines, Permian Panthers, Friday Night Lights

Last week was life-lesson week in Minnesota. From Tuesday through Saturday, 209 teams, from down there in Mable to up there in Badger, walked off a football field with their teammates, coaches, parents, cheerleaders, and band members for the final time. Two Harbors was one of those teams. Freshmen in those towns can’t comprehend the velocity of the next three years—and the 50 years thereafter. The three Seniors on the Two Harbors roster now know that all too well. Near sunset, Deegan Ekroot, Colton Hyoppenen, and Haydn Stahl took those helmets off for the final time.

Twenty-four hours later, they shared their thoughts about their experiences as Agates. We got the boys rolling with a couple of softball questions: The Vikings are Haydn and Deegan’s favorite team, while Colton favors the Kansas City Chiefs. Haydn’s favorite player is Cam Skattebo of the NY Giants; Deegan opted for a throwback—former Viking cornerback Xavier Rhodes. Colton predictably named Patrick Mahomes.

Favorite high school cafeteria lunches? For Colton, it’s chicken alfredo. Deegan favors pizza. For Haydn, it’s the Mexican Chicken Bowl. When three football players each cite a different favorite, it’s a clear indication that the cafeteria staff is doing an outstanding job. My only surprise is that nobody voted for the legendary 50-year cafeteria delicacy known as Hamburger Gravy.

They shared favorite memories.

Deegan Ekroot: “My two favorite moments were beating Pierz to head to the section championship two years ago and holding up the trophy last year after beating Denfeld at TCO.”

Colton Hyopponen:: “A few of my favorite moments are when we beat Denfeld at TCO and also meeting CJ Ham, and just realizing he is just a normal person just like the rest of us. Other favorite moments were just being out on the field with my teammates every Friday night. No matter if we won or lost, the memories we made as a team and the brotherhood we built are something I’ll never forget.

Haydn Stahl: A few of my favorite moments throughout my years in Agate football: during my freshman year, I got my first-ever solo tackle on a kickoff against Hibbing. My sophomore year, we made a run to the section finals. Then beating Denfeld at TCO and meeting CJ Ham in my junior year. Finally, beating two Class 4A schools in my senior year after many people said we couldn’t do better than a 5-5 record.

By 4 pm, the clock read zero. The score indicated that participation in this sport, at least at the high school level, was over. The boys now knew exactly how the Rails felt a few days earlier.

Deegan: “I didn’t want it to end. It was sad to realize I won’t be able to play with this group of guys anymore after such a good year. That realization made it feel worse. Everyone felt like we just let ourselves down. We were disappointed, not in each other, but in not winning. Everyone on this team is a great person. We always felt like they had our backs and wanted to work hard.”

Colton: “I would like to say how blessed I am to play with this group of guys. I want to thank all my coaches for showing up and helping us get better every day, and my teammates for making this season unforgettable, even though we tried our best but sadly came up short to Pequot in the second round. I’d personally like to thank Coach Nelson for always believing in me and as a team.”

“Slowly throughout my senior year, I was realizing how it’s truly a blessing to play with my teammates and how we only have these moments once in our lives. After the game against Pequot, when the final horn went off, that’s when it really hit me with all these emotions. Seeing my teammates showing those same emotions hit me even harder. Some memories that will always stick with me are getting ready for practice and the feeling before every game. You’re nervous before the game starts, but once that first whistle blows, all those nerves go away, and you just feel free.

Haydn: “After the game against Pequot ended, I had lots of emotions. I didn’t want it to end. I loved showing up to practice every day and seeing my teammates; they’re all my brothers in their own ways. Reality finally set in–I wouldn’t be able to put on those pads with my brothers anymore. I wouldn’t be able to go into battle with them. All I wanted to do was embrace my teammates. I can definitely relate to the Proctor seniors for not wanting it to be over.”

Seven touchdowns were scored on Saturday afternoon. Pequot Lakes scored the first six.

With less than 10 minutes remaining in his high school career, Deegan Ekroot put those morning weight room sessions, summer workouts, and autumn practices into action one more time. He was handed a football. As a young boy, he was taught to run that way—not the other way. He was 35-yards away from that thing he grew up dreaming of doing. His teammates blocked for him. Then, he did it. He scored a touchdown. He and his teammates celebrated together–one final time.

“It felt good scoring, but it was bittersweet since we were losing and time was ticking down until my high school career ended. It felt like one final goodbye to the season and football in general for me.”

The scoreboard told two stories:

First: 42-6

Next: 0:00

The latter indicated the minutes and seconds were gone, never to be reloaded and relived. For those three seniors, and many others, this part of life was over. Today: a football player, a football parent, a football family.

Tomorrow, nevermore.

You know it’s over.

No, it’s really over.

But it’s not.

That thing you’re walking away from will follow you forever. Those childhood footprints behind you will always be chasing–ensuring you stay young as you grow old. You don’t know this now, but the young boy who first ran onto the field years ago will never leave. He’s still you. Always will be. Soon, you’ll be chasing after something else, something good. Maybe you already are. It’s good to turn the page.

Coach Tom Nelson offered his respect: “This team was as much of a FAMILY as any team I have coached. These guys truly enjoyed being teammates. You could see it. The team had a close-knit feeling. It was a joy to be around them.”

During the first playoff game, Colton scored the first touchdown–Haydn scored the last. During the final playoff game, Deegan scored the Agates’ only touchdown—closing the book on 2026.

Heck of a way for three Seniors to write this final football chapter

The featured image for this story, shown above, is a picture I took this year of Halsted Field but altered using AI to add fictional images of 2026 Agates Seniors: Hyopponen, Stahl, and Ekroot. Yes, I know the Agates don’t wear white pants for home games–but I like them. 🙂

Postgame disappointment is nothing new. This picture is from Weymouth, Massachusetts, in 1952. Freeport Municipal Stadium

Recent Community Service by The Agates

Personal Note: The Harbor Point move involved one of my classmates. That classmate was helped by other classmates up there in Minnesota and by these members of the Two Harbors Agates football and basketball teams. The beneficiary of the move has lived a challenging life. After the move, he said, “I feel like a king.” I’m guessing my classmate hasn’t had many reasons to feel so good about himself, his life, and the world around him. These football players–these good young men, and the positive culture enveloping the high school athletes at THHS had something to do with that.

In Two Harbors, football isn’t just a game.

SIX QUESTIONS – AGATES FOOTBALL COACHES

Question 1: What are your coaching responsibilities with the Agates?

BILL ANDERSON: I help Coach Morsette with the linebackers.

JIM ANDERSON: Defensive coordinator, defensive backs. Offense playbook asst.

RYAN ENDICOTT: Assistant Coach – working with the offensive and defensive lines.

KYLE IMHOLTE: Assistant coach- tight ends and defensive line

RYAN MCINTYRE: Assistant Coach, defensive backs, offensive backfield, punt team, and extra point unit. I radio info down from the press box on game days, and I help tape ankles and do the team stats as well.

ANDY MORSETTE: I coach Linebackers and Running Backs

TOM NELSON: Head Coach/OC–Oversee the Agate Football Program, Strength and Conditioning Coordinator.

JOSH WIDDES: Special teams and OL/DL

Question 2: How many years have you been coaching football?

BILL ANDERSON: This is my 14th year with the program.

JIM ANDERSON: 27 years coaching football from junior high up to semi pro. I also coach regional football camps and work with the MN Vikings as a Youth Football Development Coach. I’ve coached football and track for 2 years. 30+ years total coaching football, track, basketball, baseball, bantam hockey (Duluth city champs).

ENDICOTT: I have been coaching football for 5 years. I also help coach baseball, basketball, and hockey at the youth levels.

IMHOLTE: 10 years coaching both football and basketball, the past 4 seasons coaching Agates football.

MCINTYRE: This is my 26th season coaching football, all at Two Harbors. I’ve coached varsity for all 26 seasons, plus some JV, C-team, and Jr. High in the past. I’ve also coached track & field at Two Harbors for the same amount of time. Head varsity coach since 2015, varsity assistant coach-sprints 2010-2014, Jr High track coach 2002-2009.

MORSETTE: Coaching in the program for 12years

NELSON: 33 years coaching Football—26 years as Head Coach. Have been coaching for 36 years overall (FB, BBall, Track).

WIDDES: 12 years at Marshall and the last 5 in Two Harbors

Question 3: If you’re watching college football on TV, what are you most likely to be eating?

BILL ANDERSON: A lot!!! Likely some type of pizza.

JIM ANDERSON: My go-to is usually meat and cheese spread, likely with hot wings and Jalapeño poppers as well.

ENDICOTT: Homemade Nachos is a favorite for football days.

IMHOLTE: Nachos and then ice cream 😄

MCINTYRE: Probably pizza, or a burger.

MORSETTE: Popcorn

NELSON: Pizza

WIDDES: Pretzels or Sour Patch Kids

Question 4: If you could attend a game at any college football stadium in the USA, where would you want to go?

BILL ANDERSON: I’d like to see the Gophers at the Big House-home of the Michigan Wolverines

JIM ANDERSON: Don’t have a particular favorite, but I do like to be early and watch the whole marching band parade scenario play out. Build the vibe for the whole day. A good band drives up the entire level of excitement for everyone.

ENDICOTT: I would like to attend the “Big House in Ann Arbor Michigan. I have extended family from that area that are big Wolverine fans.

IMHOLTE: Clemson’s Death Valley is best atmosphere I’ve been to but would love to see a night game at LSU’s Death Valley

MCINTYRE: Hmmm…not sure

MORSETTE: I enjoy going to Gopher games, so Huntington Bank Stadium

NELSON: Virginia Tech–Experience the “Enter Sandman” entrance.

WIDDES: Iowa State for the ISU vs Iowa game

Question 5: Other than family, who is your favorite football player of all time?

BILL ANDERSON: Tommy Kramer

JIM ANDERSON: Peyton Manning. His overall knowledge of checks and reads playing the game mentally and then executing that at the NFL level.

ENDICOTT: Jared Allen – Motor, passion, relentlessness and a heckuva sense of humor!

IMHOLTE: John Randle- favorite Viking and Lawrence Taylor- favorite non-Viking…both game wreckers

MCINTYRE: Guys like John Randle, Jared Allen and Harrison Smith for the Vikings, Bo Jackson or Joe Montana when I was a kid.

MORSETTE: Brett Favre

NELSON: John Randle and Thurman Thomas

WIDDES: William “The Refrigerator” Perry

Question 6: Why do you coach?

BILL ANDERSON: I enjoy getting to know the players and developing relationships with them while teaching the skills needed in sport and life.

JIM ANDERSON: I love to see kids who need/want direction learn that it’s OK to be coached and evaluated, sometimes negatively. Then learn the skills and knowledge for a given tactic to execute as an individual within the team structure. Then they understand what they might be capable of if they really work at it. For most things, that means outside of football. To teach the things that I needed when I was young but didn’t realize.

ENDICOTT: I started coaching because of a strong passion for the game. There is nothing better than being able to help influence a young player’s life, positively, inside and outside of the game. It’s not just about coaching football. It’s about getting to know the players and their families. When a player comes up and asks you a question about personal life, you know you have made that trust hurdle. The bond that creates only helps on the football field. Kids from come all different lifestyles and families. On the field they come together as a group for one common goal. Pretty special.

IMHOLTE: I enjoy helping the boys as they work to achieve goals and try to be a positive influence in their lives. I love the team-oriented aspect of football- no 1 person can succeed without their teammates; all working together for a common goal and the brotherhood that results. I had several influential coaches in college that taught me to embrace the grind, outwork your competition, but have fun doing it…things that can carryover to adulthood- I try to instill those values when coaching .

MCINTYRE: I just hope to help the kids enjoy the game, to hopefully become better players and better teammates, teach them things about the game that I didn’t learn when I was their age, and learn a little about life along the way.

MORSETTE: I love Agate Football, it feels good to give back to a program that gave so much to me when I played.

NELSON: I Coach because when you make a difference to a kid in a positive and impactful way. There is no better feeling. Teenage years are tough and confusing, and if we can be there to help them through, teach them a few things about football and life, and give them a support system (FAMILY) that they can be a part of outside of their own family, then we are helping them in life. I hope when it is my time to leave this Earth, Heaven is where I get to coach the Agates every day and then spend each night with all my family and friends…then do it all over again for eternity.

WIDDES: I really enjoy teaching the kids about the game of football and the ways of life. I feel it’s important to be a good role model and to be there for the boys as a support system. No matter what is going on in my life, being at football with the team is always a great part of my day. I always say, “It’s cheaper than therapy!” LOL.