FIELD TOWNSHIP— It was sweet revenge for the North Woods Grizzlies last Friday night as they pounded visiting Cook County 36-8 in their season opener. It was a rematch of last year’s playoff battle, in which the Grizzlies lost a heartbreaker to the Vikings in the semi-final round of the Section 7 nine-man tournament.

In that game, the Grizzlies dominated but miscues in the red zone cost them a trip to the section final. This time around, the Grizzlies put it all together, displaying an impressive rushing and passing game while shutting down the Viking’s offense.

“They ran a spread option offense, which depends on spreading the field out with lots of passing,” said Grizzlies Head Coach John Jirik. “We adjusted to it pretty well.” That adjustment included an interception by sophomore Chase Kleppe.

On offense, the Grizzlies racked up 454 yards, including 293 on the ground. Junior Brendan Parson led the North Woods rushing attack, picking up 165 yards on 13 carries. Junior Garret Abramson carried seven times for 56 yards, while senior Dan Holman rushed for 43 yards on nine attempts. Dylan Day pitched in with 26 yards on four carries.

Quarterback Tate Olson completed nine of 16 passes on the day, for 161 yards.

Senior George Bibeau was Olson’s leading receiver, grabbing three passes for 80 yards. Sophomore Cade Goggleye caught three of his own, for 43 yards, while Chase Kleppe caught two for 33 yards.

On defense, senior Mike Buchanan proved the workhorse, with 15 tackles. Bibeau netted eight, including six solo tackles.

The Grizzlies head south on Friday to take on South Ridge. “We’ll see a completely different offense there,” said Jirik. “They go with five on the line, relying on strength and power.” Jirik said it will be a good test for the Grizzlies to go up against two very different offenses in back-to-back weeks.