Every Chaska-Chanhassen football game is filled with excitement and pride, with each team eager to claim possession of “the jug.” This game also marked the annual “Tackle Cancer Night,” with both teams and their fan bases coming together to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Game announcements indicated that more than $4,500 was raised for the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund.
In addition, both teams were proud to support the Frauenshuh Cancer Center, the designated organization of Maureen McConnell. McConnell is a Chanhassen school nurse, a former Chaska resident, and the proud mother of a former Hawk football player. More than $4,440 was raised for this effort as well. Overall, it was a winning night for the community.
Chaska entered the game with a 2-3 record and was focused on shaking off some recent disappointing results. Chanhassen came in with a 3-2 record. Whatever the Hawks did in practice that week seemed to pay off immediately. Chaska took the opening kickoff and, starting from its own 35-yard line, covered 66 yards in two plays. Just 20 seconds into the game, quarterback junior Dylan Kasper ran for 39 yards and a touchdown to give Chaska a 7-0 lead.
Chaska regained possession a few minutes later after a Chanhassen punt, starting at its own 20-yard line. After losing six yards on first down, the Hawks struck again on second down when Andrew Olsen ran 86 yards for a touchdown. With 7:42 remaining in the first quarter, Chaska had built a 14-0 lead.
Chanhassen controlled the ball offensively for much of the first half of the second quarter. Although the Storm advanced into Chaska territory, they could not get close enough to put points on the board. With 4:01 remaining in the quarter, Kasper ran for another 15-yard touchdown, capping a drive that featured several key passes and runs and extending Chaska’s lead to 21-0.
Chaska regained possession late in the quarter after another Chanhassen drive stalled. Sophomore Jake Laleman connected on a 22-yard field goal, giving the Hawks a 24-0 halftime lead.
Chanhassen received the kickoff to start the third quarter and used a disciplined approach moving the ball with short runs and several key passes. The Chaska defense stood firm, limiting the gains and recording a couple of sacks. Chanhassen held the ball for nearly eight minutes before kicking an 18-yard field goal with 4:11 remaining in the quarter to make the score 24-3.
At the 7:30 mark of the fourth quarter, Chanhassen got into the end zone with a four-play, 63-yard drive that ended with a 9-yard touchdown run. Chaska then fumbled on its ensuing possession at its own 45-yard line. Chanhassen capitalized with a six-play, 48-yard drive capped by a 20-yard touchdown run, cutting the lead to 24-16 with 6:58 remaining.
Having used all its timeouts, Chanhassen had to watch as Chaska relied on effective ball control to run out the clock. The final score was Chaska 24, Chanhassen 16, bringing the jug back to Chaska for the first time since 2021. Chaska now leads the series for the jug, 10-8.
Chaska finished with 281 rushing yards and 90 passing yards, a season high in passing. Kasper led the rushing attack with 122 yards on eight carries and two touchdowns. Olsen added 119 yards on 13 carries and scored one touchdown.
Kasper completed five of nine passes for 90 yards, leading the Chaska passing game. Senior Sully Schrandt led the Hawks in receiving, with four receptions.
The Chaska defense also had a strong night. Senior Kyle Downie, senior Carter Powers and junior Brekin Brink each recorded five individual tackles. Downie and senior Lenny Sanders led the team with 10 team tackles apiece, while Brink and senior Joe Scott recorded nine each.
The Hawks recorded seven sacks. Powers led the way with two, while junior Cooper Vranicar and senior Jemaryn Smith recorded one and a half apiece. Sanders and senior Zachary Dorsett added one sack each to round out the group.
Coach Dahl praised the team’s energy and execution after the game.
“We wanted to start fast, and the guys were explosive. Kudos to the kids for playing with such energy. We got some big plays from a lot of our guys. The team really focused, and this game was a big one. I’m glad the guys could come away with a win and get the jug back home.”
Team captain Powers, who had a strong night on defense, said the team’s preparation made a difference.
“Each practice this week we treated like a game. We wanted to come out strong, and their coaches had a great strategy for us. We really clicked,” he said.
When asked about preparing for another game after only a few days of practice, Powers replied, “Well, the other team has to do the same thing too, so we’ll put in the work, and we’re at home, so we’ll be ready.”
A fan favorite this season has been offensive and defensive lineman senior Reginald (Reggie) Derrick. At 6 feet 5 inches and 335 pounds, he is an imposing presence on either side of the ball and inspires enthusiasm among his teammates.
When asked about the most important aspect of his play, Derrick emphasized footwork: “Getting your footwork right. Most folks don’t know that to move an opponent, it takes strength, but you have to move the other guy with your legs.”
Derrick acknowledged that linemen may not receive as much attention as quarterbacks and running backs, but he appreciates his unique perspective on the game. “But I get a front-row seat to all the plays. The game looks a bit different from the trenches.”
Asked to recall the highlight of his career, Derrick didn’t hesitate: “Winning the jug. My brother never won it, so now I can give him grief.”
In other games Friday night, Waconia defeated Mankato East 21-15, Mankato West squeaked by Two Rivers 58-0. The Northstar Gold South conference standings after six games are as follows:
| School | Wins | Losses | Points For | Points Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mankato West | 6 | 0 | 225 | 77 |
| Waconia | 5 | 1 | 155 | 78 |
| Chanhassen | 3 | 3 | 117 | 112 |
| Chaska | 2 | 3 | 106 | 112 |
| Mankato East | 2 | 4 | 124 | 155 |
Next week’s games will be on Wednesday as it will be MEA week with no school on Thursday and Friday. Chaska will face Waconia at home and Chanhassen travels to Mankato to face West.
