Ever since their first meeting in 2009, the Chaska–Chanhassen football game has been a spirited and passionate contest between the two District 112 high schools.
This year’s matchup was no different, with a packed stadium on an unseasonably warm night. Both teams entered the game at 4-1, with each hoping to keep pace in the section standings.
The Hawks took the opening kickoff but went three-and-out, punting to the Storm.
Chanhassen quickly marched 70 yards, capped by a 12-yard touchdown pass from Nathan Rambler to Loghan Gustad with 6:24 left in the first quarter. Rambler later connected with Kade Bush on a 53-yard strike to put the Storm up 14-0 by the end of the first quarter. With 6:15 left in the second quarter, Peyton Ramsey powered in from 19 yards to extend the lead.
Chaska answered with its longest offensive play of the season — a 91-yard touchdown pass from Sam Summer to Trey Castilla III at the 4:44 mark, cutting the margin to 21-7 at halftime.
The third quarter became a defensive battle with both teams struggling to find momentum. Field position proved crucial until 6:21 remained in the fourth, when Chanhassen’s Logan Smith intercepted a pass and raced 85 yards for a touchdown.
Chaska responded late, as backup quarterback Dylan Kasper — who replaced Summer midway through the fourth — connected with Jabez Jobirra on a 9-yard touchdown with 2:52 left, closing the final margin to 28-14.
After the game, Hawks senior captain Mason Davis reflected: “We learned a lot about ourselves tonight, and our season is still very much in play. The Chan game is always intense and they played hard. Yeah, we’re bummed, but we’re going to finish strong.”
Senior offensive lineman Tanner Davey added: “We’re in this fight. We know every game matters, and we want to be well positioned for the playoffs. We’re going to keep battling and fighting because that’s the kind of team we are.”
Game Leaders
- Chanhassen: Rambler went 13/19 passing for 187 yards and 2 TDs. Ramsey rushed 18 times for 81 yards. Bush caught 5 passes for 97 yards and a TD. Defensively, Gavin Anderson and Pete Vidmar each tallied 5 solo tackles and 7 total.
- Chaska: Summer went 6/18 passing for 152 yards and 1 TD; Kasper added 4/9 passing for 42 yards and 1 TD. Summer also led the Hawks in rushing with 33 yards on 18 carries. Castilla III posted 102 yards and a TD on just 2 catches. Davis anchored the defense with 6 solo tackles and 9 total.
Looking ahead, Chaska travels to Waconia and Chanhassen will host Mankato West on Friday, Oct. 10. Waconia is coming off a 22-21 loss to Mankato East, while Mankato West fell to Two Rivers 35-14. Chanhassen leads the section at 5-1, with Chaska, East and Waconia all close behind at 4-2.
