The defence of the Dryden Eagles High School Football team stole the show Friday afternoon to secure first place.
Despite losing multi-use star Dominic Morriseau early in the game to injury, the Eagles persevered defeating the Fort Frances Muskies 13-1 at Harry McMaster Field.
Dryden turned the ball over on two occasions in the first quarter but Fynn Livingston anchored the defence with a big interception to keep the game scoreless.
Livingston went on the other side of the ball in replacement of Morriseau in the second quarter and propelled the Eagles with a 38 yard catch and run from Peter Zilkalns for a major.
Gage Delorme would follow with the extra point kick.
The Muskies finally gained ground into Dryden territory for the first time in the game but missed on a 35 yard field goal giving them one point.
Nothing changed in the third quarter with the Eagles defence continuing its dominant play.
Carter McKinstry picked off a Gabe Hyatt throw, while later in the quarter Cale Wright recovered a fumble to keep it 7-1.
McKinstry was responsible for the only points of the fourth quarter as he returned a Will Richards punt 45 yards for a touchdown to make it 13-1.
With the win Dryden moved to 3-0 in the bubble season, while the Muskies dropped to 1-2.
The Eagles clinched first and will play one more game in Kenora before hosting the championship game.
Before the contest the Eagles recognized referee Jack McMaster, who was believed to be working his final game before retirement.
McMaster dedicated a huge amount of time to ensure high school sports would prosper and has been part of the officiating crew for years.
He wore the ‘Blue and Gold’ and took home two football MVP’s and an Athlete of the Year award among other things.
McMaster was a player, coach, principal and Director of Education of both our region and the Fort Frances District and always gave more to his students than he has asked for in return.
