FARGO, N.D. – Hankinson will take on Enderlin-Maple Valley in a North Dakota 9-man Region 1 duel on Friday, September 17th. The Pirates are 3-1 after thrashing Richland 46-8 last week, while the Falcons are 1-3 and coming off a 28-8 loss to Wyndmere-Lidgerwood.
Hankinson is averaging 25 points per game spurred by the rushing duo of Cooper Boll and Cruz Hernandez. Senior quarterback Chase Evans has strong command of the offense and deftly distributes the ball to his playmakers. David Round, Sam Elliot, and Kaden Kelley are the Pirates’ leading receivers. The defense has been stingy, giving up only 13 points per game. The Pirates are looking to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2018. The program boasts a rich football tradition, being crowned 9 man state champions in 2009 and 1991.
Enderlin-MV’s offense has struggled in their three losses, averaging just over seven points per game. Junior quarterback Trey Wall has thrown for 251 yards and two touchdowns on the season. His favorite target has been senior tight end Evan Richman, their lone returning all-region performer from last season. Richman leads the Falcons this year with 147 receiving yards and a touchdown. Junior Clay Hovelson paces the team in rushing yards with 204. Wall possess dual-threat abilities and has rushed for 200 yards and four touchdowns. The 2021 campaigns serves as a farewell tour for Enderlin-MV, as the two schools are dissolving their coop after this season. Maple Valley will merge with Hope-Page next fall and compete in 9 man under the name “Maple River Raiders.” Enderlin will forge ahead on their own and continue to play in 9 man.
Last season’s scheduled meeting between these two teams was cancelled due to Covid-19. They last squared off in 2019, with Enderlin-MV prevailing 26-24 in overtime. Tune in to the pregame at 5:45 pm with kickoff at 6 pm on 104.7 FM or listen at this link: https://kfgo.com/high-school-sports-live-stream/
