by Wyatt Wolf/Sports Reporter

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – It was Military Appreciation Night at Tiger Stadium as St. Cloud Tech hosted the Detroit Lakes Lakers. After a big game against Breck last week, Everett Stine and company looked to continue right where they left off.

The Lakers held off the Tigers 26-20 Friday night in a back-and-forth matchup that came down to the final quarter.

The game, however, would start on the ground for the Lakers, as Elliot Wahl pounded his way into the end zone for the only score of the first quarter. Tech was held scoreless in the opening quarter, getting only two chances with the ball as Detroit Lakes controlled the game on the ground.

Early in the second quarter, the Lakers turned to their fullback, Jake Helm, who punched in a 1-yard touchdown to put Detroit Lakes up 12-0. Tech wouldn’t go away that easily, as Andrew Brown would finally get the connection with his big target, Henry Condon, for a huge 46-yard touchdown.

St. Cloud Tech continued to battle in the second half, but the Lakers’ defensive line proved to be too much for the Tigers. Andrew Brown was hit as he threw, resulting in an interception by Tumelo Olson, who returned it for a touchdown. Olson had himself a night, also returning a punt that set up another Helm touchdown.

It would be too little, too late for the Tigers, as late scores from MarQwon Brown and Everett Stine left them just short, falling 26-20.

St. Cloud Tech, now 2-2 on the year, will be back in action next week in Becker. Tune in to the action on 97.5 Radio X.