On a night Stillwater's defense was forced to fill unanticipated holes, the offense kept the Ponies undefeated.
Senior quarterback Max Shikenjanski and junior running back Sam Young co-authored a 27-14 victory Friday at previously undefeated Forest Lake. They accounted for all four Stillwater touchdowns.
Five of Stillwater's defensive players, three starters and two regulars, missed the game for disciplinary reasons. Friday marked the first time in Beau LaBore's 18-year coaching career when he started three sophomores on defense.
Fourth-ranked Stillwater received a near-perfect performance from Shikenjanski. He completed his first 12 passes through three quarters. The diminutive Young, listed at 5-6 and 150 pounds, tore through No. 8 Forest Lake's defense. He tallied season highs with 189 yards on 30 carries.
"Sam is super strong, super fast and really explosive," LaBore said. "In high school football, you don't judge guys by how big they are. He plays bigger than his stature."
Despite two previous performances of at least 125 yards, Young sensed the Rangers defense wasn't prepared for the Ponies' rushing attack. Young certainly was prepared. He had salivated since learning of the game plan on Monday.
"You're ready for it when you know you're getting the ball," Young said. "The running game is fun because you have those long drives where you just pound them."
The game started as a showcase for each offense. Stillwater struck first with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Shikenjanski to Joseph Hoheisel. Forest Lake (5-1) answered with a Leyton Patzer 30-yard scoring run.
