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Duluth Denfeld head coach Erik Lofald fired up his team during a second half time out against Pine City last Thursday. Howie / HowieHanson.com

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How 'Bout Those Hunters!

Unbeaten Duluth Denfeld is ranked 6th in Class 4A in the latest StarTribune.com high school football state rankings (paywall).

"I think it’s great that the program has been recognized by Minnesota media," said Hunters head coach Erik Lofald. "The kids have worked hard for the recognition. That said, it’s just a weekly snapshot, and we have to be locked into the present and give (Duluth) East our full attention."

Duluth Denfeld (3-0) will host Duluth East (2-1) on Friday at 6 p.m.

UMDBulldogs.com

Bulldogs Hockey

Defensemen Aiden Dubinsky, Owen Gallatin and Joey Pierce today were named Bulldogs men's hockey assistant captains in 2024-25. Forward Dominic James was named captain in May.

Vikings sign tackle Marcellus Johnson to practice squad

By Craig Peters

EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings on Tuesday signed tackle Marcellus Johnson to their practice squad and released tackle Ricky Lee III.

Johnson began his NFL career earlier this year as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants.

He appeared in three preseason contests and signed to New York's practice squad after roster reductions but was released on Sept. 11.

The native of Normal, Illinois, played at Eastern Michigan (44 games from 2018-22) and Missouri (10 games in 2023).

Lee first joined Minnesota's practice squad on Aug. 29.

The skinny on C.J. Ham's first blocked punt

By Lindsey Young

MINNEAPOLIS – C.J. Ham burst through the line and went airborne.

The 5-foot-11, 250-pounder stretched himself out and reached his hands as far as he could, then felt the satisfying smack! of leather against his white gloves.

115th career game, first blocked punt. Read more at Vikings.com (no paywall)

Duluth Denfeld running back Taye Manns. Howie / HowieHanson.com (2023 file)

Prep Sports Elites

. Psst: Look for star Duluth Denfeld senior halfback Taye Manns to eventually sign with the Bulldogs. He's the best running back in the area since former Duluth Central standout Ted McKnight and the late Terry Egerdahl, who starred at Proctor and with the Bulldogs. Manns has McKnight's and Egerdahl's speed, and the power of current Vikings fullback C.J. Ham of Duluth Denfeld.

Duluth Denfeld senior forward John Scott will be a player to watch this season. Howie / HowieHanson.com (2023-24 season)

. Local boys hockey players to watch in 2024-25: senior defenseman Henry Peterson and senior power forward River Freeman of Hermantown; 6-foot-4 senior forward Bobby Thornton of Cloquet-Esko-Carlton; senior forward John Scott of Duluth Denfeld; senior forward Wyatt Peterson of Duluth East; junior forwards Pacey Adduono, Benson Peterson and Bennett Scissons and junior defenseman Layton Anderson of Duluth Marshall; junior forward Caz Carlson and senior forward Grady Dimberio of Rock Ridge; junior forward Tate Swanson of Hibbing/Chisholm; and junior forward Nathan Garski and junior goaltender Carter Casey of Grand Rapids.

Senior guards Jack Battaglia of Cloquet (left) and Marnaries Ferguson of Duluth Denfeld will be ultra-elite players to watch this season. Howie / HowieHanson (2022-23 file photo)

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