Esko dropped by powerhouse Mora

Entering Friday’s home game, the Eskomos were 2-1 and facing a Mora team that was undefeated and averaging 38 points per game through three games.

When the wind died down following the game, the Mustangs were still undefeated and handed the hometown team a 40-18 loss.

“They have big strong linemen with fast, athletic running backs,” said Esko coach Scott Arntson.

The Mustangs raced out to a 14-0 lead early in the first quarter on a 48-yard touchdown run by Koby Swanson and a 5-yard touchdown blast by Caleb Anderson. Bennett Wright ran in for the 2-point conversion on the first score for the Mustangs.

Esko answered before the first quarter ended when Brock House ran 47 yards to pay dirt, cutting the Mustang lead to 14-6 after the failed conversion attempt.

Unfortunately, the Mustangs responded with a pair of scores before halftime when Wright slipped in from the 15-yard line and Nick Nelson blasted over from the 2-yard line. Mora also got a 2-point conversion run from Andrew Rasmussen on the Wright scoring, pushing the Mustangs lead to 28-6 at halftime.

“They were just tough to get off the field,” Arntson said. “They don’t put themselves into negative yardage situations.”

After a scoreless third quarter, the Mustangs added a quick score in the fourth quarter when Wright scored on a 10-yard touchdown run, but Mora missed the extra point kick. Esko fought back moments later when sophomore Nolan Witt rambled into the end zone from 13 yards away, but the Eskomos failed to convert on the extra points as they trailed 34-12. Both teams added late scores for the final of 40-18.

Sophomore Nolan Witt led the Eskomos with 130 yards and a touchdown, while House had six carries for 68 yards and a score.

Things don’t get any easier for Esko this week when the Eskomos host the Aitkin Gobblers (3-1), who upset Moose Lake/Willow River 36-20 last weekend.