SLP Loses Wild Game in Wild Weather

Coach Vince Vaprness described Friday's St. Louis Park football game as a contest of weather and momentum shifts.

On the weather front, sunny skies at the start of the game gave way to heavy wind, as well as rain and sleet, later in the evening.

On the field, the Orioles fell behind 19-0 to host Chisago Lakes (3-1 overall, 2-1 in North Suburban Conference) in the first half, before rallying to within five points late in the game. But miscues and turnovers ultimately cost Park (1-3, 0-3) in a 46-26 defeat.

"We need to regroup and get back to basics," Varpness said.

Case in point: Trailing 31-26 in the fourth quarter, Park had the ball with a chance to take the lead. But quarterback Quinn Livdahl threw a pick—one of two he threw on the night—to end the drive.

Chisago Lakes scored quickly after the turnover to go up 38-26. The Orioles had another chance to rally, but their next drive stalled out on downs in Chisago Lakes territory. The Wildcats tacked on one last touchdown to seal the game.

"(It was) the second week in a row that penalties, missed tackles on defense and offensive turnovers lost us the game," Varpness said.

Livdahl finished 4 of 14 for 126 yards and one touchdown. Davon Malone and Kashif Hayes combined for 14 carries and 140 yards with two touchdowns. DJ Pollard added two catches for 101 yards and a score.

On defense, Mitchell Thomas returned an interception for a touchdown. Nick Shaughnessy and Grant Donald added 13 and 11 tackles, respectively.

Park will next take on North Branch at home on Friday.