Cards improve to 3-0

The Carrington Cardinals weren't going to let the slow start in a hostile environment hamper them two weeks in a row.

And behind pinpoint passing from Josh Bickett and big plays from his backs and receivers, CHS is now 3-for-3 for the season with a 34-16 win in Grafton over the Spoilers to begin Class A - Region 2 play Friday night, September 6.

It wasn't even that close in the final books, as the Cards held Grafton to 78 total yards of offense until the Spoilers got two late touchdowns on the CHS reserves.

"All in all, it was a good effort, as it's never easy winning on the road," Cardinal Coach Kyle Smith said.

The invaders from the southwest struck first when Josh Bickett connected to McKade Zink for a seven-yard touchdown pass. With Peyton Harrington's kick, the board read 7-0 in favor of the Cards.

Next up, it was Ryder Bickett's turn to do his thing. The senior tight end continued his romp through the stat sheet with another big play for a score in the opening quarter, this one covering 65 yards.

"Ryder just continues to be a tough matchup for teams," said Smith.

One quarter later, Tate Wolsky got the first of his two touchdowns, a three-yard run, and he would add a second run to the pylon for 16 yards in the fourth quarter.

His defense would be the big factor, as he swarmed the field for 14 solo stops and five assists. Alec Threadgold also had 11 combined tackles.

"Tate just had a monster game for us, and did some good things offensively as well," Smith added.

Corbin Clifton added a touchdown in the third quarter, covering two yards.

Grafton finally scored in the fourth quarter following a 51-yard pass from backup quarterback Brody Lillemoen to Kruiser Burns, and Lee Roy Delgado finished the drive with a one-yard run.

Lillemoen would call his own number with a one-yard scamper with just seconds remaining, and also converted both of his 2-point conversion passes.

Zink had a big game both rushing and receiving, catching four balls for 97 yards and rushing six times for 62 yards to finish with 159 yards of total offense and 179 all-purpose yards with a kick return.

Josh Bickett went 8-for-8 for 200 yards through the air, keeping his sparkling passer rating high.

Homecoming is up next for the Cards Friday night, September 20, at Cardinal Stadium when the Park River Area Aggies arrive for a 7 p.m. kickoff. Royalty will be named Wednesday afternoon, and will be honored at halftime.

Class A - Region 2 Football

Carrington 34, Grafton 16

Cgtn. 13 6 8 7 34

Grafton 0 0 0 16 16

First Quarter

Carrington: McKade Zink 7 yard pass from Josh Bickett (Peyton Harrington kick)

Carrington: Ryder Bickett 65 yard pass from J. Bickett (kick failed)

Second Quarter

Carrington: Tate Wolsky 3 yard run (run failed)

Third Quarter

Carrington: Corbin Clifton 2 yard run (Zink run)

Fourth Quarter

Carrington: Wolsky 16 yard run (Harrington kick)

Grafton: Lee Roy Delgado 1 yard run (Brennan Perez pass from Brody Lillemoen)

Grafton: Lillemoen 1 yard run (Aidan McMillian pass from Lillemoen)

Carrington Statistics

Offense

Passing: J. Bickett 8-8-200 yards-2 TD; Wolsky 0-1-0

Rushing: Zink 6-62; J. Bickett 10-32; C. Clifton 8-32-TD; Wolsky 4-31-2 TD; Chase Ova 2-5; Gabe Clifton 1-5; Parker Bickett 1-4; Harrington 2-(-2)

Receiving: Zink 4-97-TD; R. Bickett 1-65-TD; C. Clifton 2-32; Wolsky 1-6

Defense

Tackles (unassisted/assisted): Wolsky (14-5); Alec Threadgold (8-3); C. Clifton (6-2); Hayden Hagel (4-2); R. Bickett (2-2); Harrington (2-2); Maddox McIlonie (2-1); Cody Otto (2-3); J. Bickett (1-2); G. Clifton (1-3); P. Bickett (1-0); Dylan Bachmeier (1-4); Jacob Hinrichs (1-0); Ethan Roller (1-0); Kirby Freeman (0-1); Drew Matt (0-1); Jacob Boeshans (0-1)

Interception: R. Bickett

Sack: Wolsky

Tackles for Loss: Wolsky 2, C. Clifton