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Otters win Homecoming, go 6-0
Published Saturday, October 4, 2008
Homecoming is always a memorable event for those in attendance, and this year’s Otter football team gave the fans something they’ve beem missing for the last few Homecoming games.
A win.
A scrappy but over-matched Little Falls (0-6) team ran into the buzzsaw that is the 6-0 Otter offense, giving up 42 points in the first half. That was all the scoring Fergus Falls would need, winning 42-24.
“We talked to our guys about not letting down for the Homecoming game,” said Otter coach Richard Risbrudt. “We were glad to see them put points on the board early and often.”
Matt Mithaugen got the Otters on the board first with a three-yard touchdown run. Trevor Gervais converted the extra point; he was a perfect six for six on PATs for the night.
On the next Otter series, quarterback Derek Hansen hit a leaping Will Rader in the back of the end zone with a nice pass to go up on the Flyers by two touchdowns.
Little Falls’ offense finally started to click on their next drive, as they drove the ball down into the Otter red zone. The defense held, however, and the Flyers settled for a field goal.
The Otters answered immediately, as Hansen hit an open Nick Risbrudt on the sideline for a 42-yard score. Hansen had another great night under center for the Otters, throwing for 179 yards and three scores.
Mithaugen would score twice more in the first half, on an 85-yard touchdown pass from Hansen and an eight-yard run, making the game 35-3. Mithaugen would finish the game with 46 yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns.
The Flyers scored a touchdown to make the score 35-10. Ike Carlson finished off the scoring for the Otters with an eight-yard touchdown run, ending the half at 42-10.
“It was a great night for our team,” Carlson said. “The offensive and defensive lines played really well tonight. It was an all-around good effort.”
Starters played sparingly in the second half as Risbrudt emptied his bench, giving as many underclassmen as he could a taste of football on the varsity level.
“Our goal as a coaching staff was to get as many guys as possible into the game tonight,” Risbrudt said. “We got quite a few in there.”
The Otters host the Brainerd Warriors next Friday.
“That’s going to be a huge game for us,” Carlson said. “We need another big crowd like the one tonight for that one.”
Fergus Falls 42 Little Falls 24
RUSHING- Carlson 5 att 54 yds 1 TD; Mithaugen 10 att 46 yds 2 TD; Hansen 4 att 2 yds
PASSING- Hansen 6/10 179 yds 3 TD; Rengel 0/4 1 INT
RECEIVING- Mithaugen 1 rec 85 yds 1 TD; Risbrudt 2 rec 61 yds 1 TD; Rader 2 rec 26 yds 1 TD; Lee 1 rec 7 yds
PAT- Gervais 6/6
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by success (anonymous) on October 4, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That wasn't the only thing memorable about last nights football game? Wasn't the half time show worthy of any coverage?
Posted by otterfan (anonymous) on October 4, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
success: are you referring to the streaker or the band? LOL
Posted by FergusFamily (anonymous) on October 4, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess they caught the kid - a FFHS student in jail today.
Posted by success (anonymous) on October 4, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I believe they could have mentioned both highlights of the half time show. By the way no pun intended on the first comment with "coverage". ha.ha
Posted by tippy98c (anonymous) on October 4, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
He's (and I know for sure it's a he) in jail!?!?!?!
Posted by concerned08 (anonymous) on October 4, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
He should be in jail. Not only was it disgraceful and disgusting, but it was certainly illegal.
Posted by TKay (anonymous) on October 4, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I heard that he was from Little Falls?
Posted by philori (anonymous) on October 4, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I feel bad for the kids who worked so hard on the field show, and also the directors, for all the time they had in this! We have a child who was in the band, and she felt really bad...They had all worked so hard, and all they heard about was the streaker! They should do the show again, maybe next week at the half-time...so we could really enjoy it!
Posted by otterfan (anonymous) on October 4, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I still enjoyed the half-time show, even while somebody streaked across the 'stage'. This man must be 18 or over to be jailed for such a thing. Doesn't in-school suspension sound more resonable? I perceived it as a joke and nothing more.
The band did a wonderful job and I always enjoy hearing them!
Posted by concerned08 (anonymous) on October 4, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)
A JOKE!!! I agree with philori. Students put a lot of hard work into that and that little idiot took away from that. There should be serious repercussions for his behavior. The band still did a fantastic job and I hope the students don't let that inconsiderate punk take away from that.
Posted by tippy98c (anonymous) on October 4, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh lighten up!! Peoples hard work is disgraced everyday; doesn't mean people go to jail for it.
It's not the streakers fault he trumped the band.
Posted by concerned08 (anonymous) on October 4, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
1. He didn't "trump" the band. The band was fantastic
2. It is totally his fault. Unless someone stripped his clothes off and pushed him onto the field.
Posted by heygurl87 (anonymous) on October 4, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I thought that a person streaking across the field is a really funny prank to pull at the homecoming football game. Sure it took away from the fieldshow, but it definately made homecoming '08 something to remember!Props to the streaker!
Posted by Granny (anonymous) on October 4, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it is hillarious. Had a few of those in my day also.
Mooning was the big thing "dragging main". hehe
Posted by parent08 (anonymous) on October 4, 2008 at 8:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Now let's consider the CHILDREN, especially the girls (ages 5, 6, 7...) who thought that they were attending a football game and half-time show, and instead saw their first X-rated show. Let's try to keep this in perspective.
Posted by fergusgraduate (anonymous) on October 4, 2008 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This was a great way to spice up homecoming. The game was a blowout and this got the crowd interesting in something. I don't think it took away from the band or choir besides for everyone was talking and not watching them. No year in the past could you ever hear the choir anyways so I'm sure you couldnt this year either.
I agree you can't get away with that these days and he needs to have some consequences but lighten up. He was a juvenile, a 10th grader at FFHS. The rumor mill went crazy last night, he was NOT from LF and he did NOT have a gun. He left his clothes somewhere ( I believe in the Grace Methodist area by the playground, and left his cell phone in his pocket, which the police found).
Posted by otter123 (anonymous) on October 4, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with fergusgraduate. It certainly did spice up homecoming. I was in the front row sitting behind the railings and could not see anything inappropriate. The kid does not deserve to go to Juvenile because he streaked. It was meant to be a joke, and it certainly was. He does not deserve to be called an idiot just because he did this. Let's realize that the band handled it fantastically and didn't stop playing, and the choir was just as fabulous as always.
People streak all the time--this is a test of our community on how we handle this, and how big of a deal this will become. He deserves nothing but to come back to school and be educated. Yes, he made a daring decision to strip down, but please, keep in mind, that all of us high schoolers thought it hilarious. He did something none of us dare to do, and so we give him credit.
Posted by concerned08 (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 12:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Otter123,
That is a sad, uneducated statement. He does not get credit for doing something that other people wouldn't dare to do. The student deserves punishment for this. You need to understand that this is not only disgusting but it is a crime as well.
I bet that your high school colleagues that were a part of the show would feel differently about this student's actions. Maybe I am wrong, but why don't you ask some of the and see how hilarious they thought it was.
Posted by ginger_ale1 (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 1:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Chill the $*@& out people!!! There is seriously way too much religious guilt in this town! This is only as big of a deal as you make it out to be. Streaking at sporting events is just as much of our culture as those lame homecoming shows. Honestly, the only people who come to watch the halftime show are former band members or parents of the kids who are playing. Kudos to the students for putting in all the effort, but they can't help that nobody cares. Ten years from now nobody will remember the show, but everyone will remember the hilarity of the act. I'm not trying to justify this kids actions... Yes it was a mistake, however it's simply that: a childish mistake. A crime??? Yes it was illegal, but do you want to throw the book at a kid who had the courage (and stupidity) to pull off a stupid prank? I have a recommendation for those of you who want to throw the book at this kid: you need get a prescription for Viagra, buy a Berry White CD, take the weekend off, send the kids to your parents, and ... ... ... until you can relax and giggle about the stupid, yet funny act that this young kid played at the homecoming football game.
Posted by tippy98c (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 4:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Concerned 08,
Yes he did trump the band.
I mean come on...out of the 20-30 or so people I spoke with after the fact NOT A SINGLE PERSON mentioned how great the band was despite the fact.
The game was a blow out!!! The music was at best mediocre. Why not yell at all the folks who left early when an Otter victory was imminent? What about those underclassmen who work so hard to get playing time? How disrespectful of fans to leave early not giving those players encouragement to finish the game.
The streaker was inappropriate but does not deserve jail time.
Posted by hightag08 (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 6:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ginger_ale1
I was going to write a long rambling email about how your argument was flawed, but then I decided it wasn't worth it. But read carefully: Viagra is for erectile dysfunction. I'm sure people who need to take the stuff don't care for your insensitive remark. So, get off your Facebook account, get your math homework done, quit texting your boyfriend, and learn how to spell Barry White's name.
Posted by Lighten_up (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 6:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Seriously! This kid is only 15, it was not a well thought out idea but do we really need to berate him? The same thing happened at Cretin derham in the cities, and they didnt raise half the fuss Fergus is! Learn to laugh and drop the unimportant stuff, did anyone really get hurt? Seems the only one who is really going to get hurt is this poor kid, maybe a little guidance and understanding would be more appropriate than writing him off as a criminal.
Posted by ginger_ale1 (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hightag08:
I must have hit a sensitive note with the Viagra comment? Yeah, I know it is for ED, but anyone who thinks a harmless prank is worthy of jail time could benefit from a four hour erection. Should I recommend some more artists who could help stimulate your mood: Tedy Pendergrays, Marvyn Gay, Al Grien...
Posted by FergusFamily (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's not for the bloggers of Fergus Falls to determine this kid's punishment. If he wasn't a juvenille, indecent exposure to minors is a gross misdemeanor. Laws are made by people lots smarter than those who post here and think this was funny. Thank goodness. Dares and risks come with consequences. He knew that when he did it.
Posted by roydarecker (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Goodthing the daily Journal didn't have a picture example like a certain pie tin.
Posted by fergusgraduate (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
concerned- the band kids are there because they have to be, same with the choir kids. You don't think they would have rather been up in the stands with their friends? I was in the show a few years back and hated every second of it, along with everyone i knew, and dont remember it at all. Any kid in high school is going to crack up at the idea of a classmate streaking weather it was gross or not. I spoke with several people at the game and all that it was funny and brought back memories from their high school days when streakers were all too common. Yes it was inappropriate but seriously get off your high horse and get a clue, maybe a life.
Posted by concerned08 (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fergusgraduate-
I actually just spoke with a few students an hour ago that didn't find it funny. And they said they are not alone. They, along with other members of the band, are proud of the work they had done on the show and disappointed that some thoughtless kid had to take the attention away from them. So not all students/graduates have the jaded view that you do.
Posted by ginger_ale1 (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My two brothers were in their homecoming show two weeks ago. Both of them described the experience as "Lame as h***." Yes, they put a lot of work into the show, but honestly, the majority of sports fans don't know. They use the half-time break to go to the bathroom or to get some food at concessions. I was not at the game, but everyone who I have talked to thought it was "Funny as h***." Yeah, the kid made a mistake. But he did not hurt ANYBODY but himself. He did not ruin the halftime show; nobody will be mentally damaged for life from watching this young man run naked across the field. It's not a big deal folks.
Posted by otterfan (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nobody really feels this was a big deal...only concerned08 and the "few students" this person knows. There is actual 'bad things' happening in our community that we should be concerned over for our children...NOT a streaker at a homecoming game. Teenagers do stupid things. Period.
I was at the game and pretty much the whole section I was sitting in started laughing and joking about the whole situation.
Concerned08 needs to let it go, and stop crying over spilled milk.
Posted by otter123 (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Concerned08:
I spoke with many of my friends that were in the half time show, and they thought it hilarious. Half of them didn't know what was going on and so they kept playing. Kudos to them. They can have their spotlight back when they're doing a concert. OR, maybe they can redo the show at this Friday's game. Whatever they choose, the act has been done. He deserves nothing more than to be lectured, and possibly a fine if that would make people happy. But jail time?? He was on the field for no more than 2 minutes. I am defending my classmate only because he doesn't deserve to be kept in Juvenile. He's a good kid, and he did a stupid prank. Take a chill pill, and learn to laugh a little.
Posted by jafo (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I thought it was pretty funny, and all of the people in the stands around us thought it was funny, as well. My son, who was in the band, thought it was hilarious! It takes ... uh, guts... to pull something like that :-) ... and I know there are laws against public nudity... so I suppose he should have to pay a fine, or something. He didn't hurt anyone, so I would hope there isn't a giant over reaction to this. Yeah, right. I heard he was 'tazed... and unless he was resisting the officers... there's no reason for that. I agree with those who say "lighten up"... and it's too bad he didn't have a better exit strategy. ;-)
Posted by fergusgraduate (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Concerned- Your kids must really love band.
I know several people who could care less if they were out there and if you asked them to do it again next Friday they would not want to! It's the same every year, the dreaded halftime show, the month long rehearsals in class and a big sigh when it is over.
The kid wasn't so "thoughtless..." He made the entire stadium more entertained. You must have be the only one who was angry. He did put thought into, as he had his clothes over by the dumpster of Grace Methodist Church and was going to exit there. There is a trial that goes straight through those woods to there. If we was a bit quicker he would have been home-free. I'm sorry my thoughts, along with everyone else in the stands are so jaded.
On a side note, did you come for the band or do you regularly attend Otter games?
Posted by who_cares (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
People! this is being dragged way out of porportion! come on, lets be mature. im sure the homecoming show was not runined, if anyting it added to it! Let the cops make the descion, i don't think writing on the daily journal comment page, is going to solve anything!
Posted by themominator (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Really people, chill out. It's not that big of a deal. Like someone else said, he didn't hurt anyone but himself in the end. People would have remembered the game anyway, especially since we won, but now they'll really remember it! There is no need to get all up-tight about a little nude instance at the school. We should spend our time worrying/talking about the things that really matter for our kids and the community.
Congrats to all the football players. You guys did an awesome job, and it was great to see the younger guys get out on the field and get some extra experience. Keep up the hard work.
Congrats to the band too! You guys kept great composure while most of us were in complete awe about the streaker! Keep up the good work.
I think we should just lay off the poor kid and start talking more about the things that need to happen in the community that really will make an impact.
Posted by tomanyjudge (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 9:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fergus Falls is really lame if that is all you have to worry about....take a look around the world there are a lot worse things going on everywhere than some 10th grader streaking a crossed the football field. People in this town really need to get a grip on reality. You can really tell that Fergus is a small town full of people that have nothing to do but make a big fuss over petty issues.
Posted by themominator (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go tomanyjudge. You couldn't have said it any better!
Posted by who_cares (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Agreed with tomanyjudge! way to be!
Posted by gumball (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Right on "tomanyjudge"!! Here in Seattle & in metro Minneapolis, the school administrators worry about SHOOTINGS at rhe homecoming game. I realize it is duck-hunting season, but it's pretty remote that it would happen in Fergus. Yes it is too bad that he ran thru there program. But, he's just a kid who was probably dared to do it by his friends. Just as I was decades ago when I streaked a cheerleader practice in the Sr. High Gym in Fergus.Lighten Up! I'm sure his paarents will be punishing him enoough.
Posted by E_85 (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 10:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just hope he made a pile of cash over it! I don't think it should be a big deal, unless he is a "BIG DEAL".
Posted by bigdaddy (anonymous) on October 5, 2008 at 11:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Along with my entire family.... I laughed uncontrollably. Whether you agree or disapprove, some of us are called to a higher purpose....like entertaining the masses! No one at my high school reunion talked about past band performances. But at my 10 and 20 yr reunion, we still had the entire group recalling the night 5 of us streaked down a busy main street on a hot friday night. I tip my hat to you kid! Trust me, whatever the outcome, you had more people laughing, than not, in that stadium.
Posted by earthtone (anonymous) on October 6, 2008 at 7:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My family and I also laughed about this kid. The unfortunate thing is that the band and choir did not get the attention that they deserved due to this kid. Hopefully this kid has not been busted for this before or he may be questioning whether it was all worth it. I think he would have to register as a sex offender if this was not the first time he did this?? OUCH. I think he should be released from juvenile detention, and required to complete 300 hours of community service for the band and choir directors. If he was charged, then drop any charges after he gets the community service work done. This is however, only appropriate if he does not have any prior history of this kind of behavior or other legal stuff going on. If he does not, I think the nights he spent in the detention center and community service will be quite a wake up call.
Posted by Colt45 (anonymous) on October 6, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I dunno, this is some pretty serious stuff. Either the kid should get life and the "victims" should get free counciling and long term mental health care for the horrors inflicted upon them by this sexual deviant whos future holds nothing but institutions and prison.
OR, we could pass this off as "youthfull exuberance", scold him, maybe make him publicly apologize to the student body and let it go.
As for making "piles of cash", if the kid would have been a true entrepreneur, he would have sold advertising on his back.
c45
Posted by bigdaddy (anonymous) on October 6, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
LOL, colt, Golden palace.com I am sure would've been interested in renting space. Thanks for the chuckle!
Posted by luvmyboys (anonymous) on October 6, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This morning I heard on the radio that they are actually thinking of making him register as a sex offender and charging him with a sex offender crime. You've got to be kidding me. Even the radio DJ's were appalled. Was it a mistake, yes. Should he be punished, yes, but not like that. School suspension, public apology, or anything like that. But a sex offender for streaking? Not hardly.
Posted by fencesitter (anonymous) on October 6, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
( ! )
- Pictured above is what the streaker may have looked like.
Posted by davieboy (anonymous) on October 6, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
After reading so many of the Pro-Streaking comments, and a number by adults with children, it's not hard to understand why there are so many losers on the county jail web site. It's just an extension of the growing make up and mentality of this community and county. It's pretty sad that as a society we've come to accept public nudity at a high school football game as normal behavior. My 13 yeard old daughter and her friends were at the game. They didn't care for it and found nothing funny about it. On the other hand.......No, don't throw the book at the kid. It was a dumb "Kid Thing", but don't defend his action as there being nothing wrong with it either. The next thing we'll hear about is somebody steaking a local church service and then many of the posters will again get on line and tell everyone to lighten up as really there's really nothing wrong with that either. For those of you adults that are bragging about having done it years ago.......it was wrong then. You just don't get it, because if you did, you wouldn't be defending it 10-20 years later. There have to be some rules and a semblance of manners, consideration and/or couth in society if you expect to have a 1/2 way decent one. Yah, I know "lighten up". I don't think so.
Posted by hightag08 (anonymous) on October 6, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ginger_ale1:
Anyone who doesn't know how to spell has zero credibility.
Al Green
Marvin Gaye (note the E)
Teddy Pendergrass
Posted by roydarecker (anonymous) on October 6, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't think it was right but doesn't warrent sex offender charges. I think a little school punishment, A little community service and maybe even a little probation at the most.
Posted by hightag08 (anonymous) on October 6, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah, that streaker was HILARIOUS- but not nearly as funny as America's funniest home videos! I love lowbrow comedy!
time to stop picking on Ginger_ale ( you can have your viagra back) and offer my opinion.
Was it Funny? I guess.....if you enjoy that sort of thing...to each his own.....
Serious punishment? probably not- maybe a one day suspension from school but I guess they have sent him to Juvenile Detention Center- If that is true, I don't know if I agree...
Like it or not, it will remain in everyones memory who witnessed the event. One of the parents I spoke to (who was there) said in her section the attitude was: "what just happened?" - more disbelief than outrage or laughter..
If a kid wants to run naked that's his choice I guess... If I was there I would have probably said "huh"? then "hmm...Don't see that every day..."
just my opinion and nothing more...
Posted by doctipster (anonymous) on October 7, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Everyone start calling the Ottertail county attorneys office. Demand they drop the charges. the phone number is 218-998-8400... let them know your opinion...
Posted by jojo (anonymous) on October 10, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think that he should get a fine and a few community service hours. THATS IT!!! Kids of any age can see more balls on MTV!! Parents who think that your kids are perfect and are telling you that they thought it was awful are telling you only what you WANT to hear.... Take a better look at your kids and I am sure their music and tv shows are a lot worse than the streaker. They have seen worse and are laughing about it with their friends.
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