Holdingford secured the Minnesota Section 6AA title with a commanding 48-14 victory over Osakis at the Fargodome on November 3, 2023. Key performances from senior quarterback Jaxon Bartkowicz and the team’s strong defense propelled the Huskers to an unbeaten season.
The game showcased a blend of offensive prowess and defensive strength. Holdingford led 41-14 late in the third quarter when sophomore linebacker Kashton Black made a notable tackle, stopping Osakis quarterback Trenton VanNyhuis for a 2-yard loss. Bartkowicz quickly congratulated Black, demonstrating the unity and team spirit that defined Holdingford’s performance.
Bartkowicz’s contributions were significant, as he rushed for 116 yards and passed for 222 yards, scoring three touchdowns on the ground and two through the air. After the game, he praised his offensive line, stating, “They’re just doing a great job getting off the ball. It’s three yards until you get touched for the first time, and that’s a big deal.”
The game unfolded rapidly, with Holdingford establishing dominance early. With just over a minute left in the second quarter, Bartkowicz connected with Nathan Streit, who made a spectacular 39-yard reception. On the next play, Masyn Patrick caught a pass to increase the lead to 34-6, completing a swift drive that lasted only 28 seconds.
Osakis head coach Bill Infanger acknowledged Holdingford’s skill, stating, “They’re amazingly talented, strong, fast, physical. Just another level of football team compared to anything else we saw throughout the season.” Despite their efforts, Osakis struggled to establish their run game, which hindered their ability to score effectively.
VanNyhuis managed to find the end zone with a remarkable 93-yard run, narrowing the gap to 7-6. However, after halftime, Osakis could not maintain momentum, failing to convert on four consecutive incompletions that shifted the game’s momentum firmly back to Holdingford. The Huskers then extended their lead further with a 1-yard touchdown run from Patrick.
As the game concluded, VanNyhuis reflected on the missed opportunities for Osakis, saying, “We had a shot, but we didn’t execute how we needed to, and the scoreboard shows that we didn’t execute.” With this loss, Osakis finished their season at 9-2, both defeats coming at the hands of Holdingford.
Holdingford’s head coach, Luke Mitchell, praised his senior leadership, noting, “We have such a good group of leaders. We have 19 seniors, and this team is really senior-led.” The victory not only secures the title but also highlights the Huskers’ strength as they advance in the playoffs.
