It was Homecoming 2026 on Oct. 2 as Chaska (2-2) hosted the Mankato West Scarlets (4-0, ranked No. 3 in the latest Class 5A football poll). The game started off with a strong competitive spirit. West gained possession of the ball with about 8:50 remaining in the first quarter and took a 7-0 lead at 7:31 on a 23-yard run. Chaska got on the board at 4:40 when junior Dylan Kasper scored on a one-yard plunge to tie the game at 7-7.

The Mankato offense displayed a high degree of tenacity, particularly with its ability to connect on key passes. The Scarlets were flagged several times and found themselves in long-yardage situations, only to find ways to continue on. They took a 14-7 lead with 14 seconds remaining in the first quarter on a nine-yard run.

The Scarlets intercepted a pass early in the second quarter and worked the ball deep into Hawks territory. They scored on a fourth-and-two situation with a 23-yard run, extending their lead to 21-7 with 7:51 remaining in the quarter. The Scarlet defense remained focused, making first downs difficult to come by for the Hawks throughout the first half.

With 2:00 remaining in the half, Mankato faced a fourth-and-two at the Chaska 28-yard line. A quick pass gained the necessary yardage for a first down and kept the drive alive. Mankato scored with 28 seconds remaining in the half to make the halftime score 28-7.

Halftime provides players with an opportunity to catch their breath and gives coaches a chance to identify opportunities for improvement. The Chaska coaching staff made good use of the break, taking notes and communicating adjustments to the team. Although Mankato received the second-half kickoff, Chaska’s defense held the Scarlets to a three-and-out. The ensuing punt rolled to the Chaska six-yard line, but the Hawks responded with a steady march downfield. Kasper connected with senior Sully Schrandt for a 21-yard touchdown pass with 5:17 remaining in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 28-14.

The third and fourth quarters saw both teams make key gains and important defensive stops. Sophomore Sire Ulmer broke off a big run for the Hawks in the fourth quarter, while the Chaska defense managed to sack the Mankato quarterback. Both teams faced fourth-and-short situations and elected to go for the first down. Sometimes it worked, and sometimes it didn’t.

Kasper connected with Schrandt once again, this time for a 33-yard touchdown, bringing the Hawks within a touchdown at 28-21. Mankato responded by taking the ensuing kickoff downfield and scoring on a four-yard run with 7:35 remaining in the game, extending its lead to 35-21. That proved to be the final score. Chaska took possession after the touchdown and drove to the Mankato 31-yard line before turning the ball over on downs with 2:59 remaining. 

Chaska finished with 224 yards rushing and 64 yards passing to fuel its offense. Junior Andrew Olson led the Hawks’ rushers with 87 yards on 17 carries. Junior Luke Raser added 78 yards on eight carries, averaging 9.8 yards per carry, while Ulmer contributed 38 yards on four carries for a 9.5-yard average.

Kasper completed 4 of 10 passes for 64 yards and two touchdowns. Schrandt was his primary target, recording 62 receiving yards on three receptions, two of which went for touchdowns.

Senior Lenny Sanders and Ulmer led the Hawks defensively with five solo tackles each. Sanders contributed to 10 total tackles, while Ulmer was involved in nine. Seniors Carter Powers and Jemaryn Smith combined for a sack.

Head Coach Bryan Dahl described the game as a disappointing loss but praised the team’s effort. 

“The guys fought hard and played with great emotion, came back hard in the third quarter, and kept ourselves in the game. They are a good team, and a few plays set them apart,” he said.

During the Saturday morning workout, the team captains encouraged their teammates, recognizing how the team had pulled together against a competitive opponent and discussing how they would prepare for the next game. A captain summed it up: “It’s Chan week. Time to look forward.”

Chanhassen defeated Mankato East 21-18, while Waconia beat Burnsville 42-7. The Northstar Gold South conference standings after five games are as follows:

It will be the battle for the jug next week as Chaska travels just a few miles north to play Chanhassen.