FLANDREAU – The Fliers dropped to 0-2 on the season as Elk Point-Jefferson rolled to a 54-14 win on Friday, Sept. 1.

“The result of the game wasn't what we were hoping for, but despite what the scoreboard said at the end of the game, we improved and got better Friday night – that is the important thing,” said Flandreau head coach Travis Ahrens. “We are really trying to focus on the process of what it takes to be successful, not just in football, but in life as well. We as coaches really thought we took some positive steps in that direction.

“This is a great group of young men that we have here and they are doing a phenomenal job of working towards improvement and playing hard. We will continue to improve each week with that type of effort.”

The Fliers finished with 169 yards of total offense as Michael Witte completed 12-of-21 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns.

Luke Behrens pulled down six passes for 69 yards and one TD, while adding both PAT kicks.

Tayson Alberts had two catches for 39 yards and a score as Bastian Erickson picked up 25 receiving yards with one reception.

Brendan Ten Eyck carried the ball seven times for 23 yards and hauled in a pair of passes for 6 more.

Austin Weber and Brayden Sayler also chipped in with a pass reception apiece.

Defensively, Matt Pauley led the Fliers with 10 stops while Ten Eyck had six tackles and John Delohrea contributed six.

“Senior Michael Witte really stood out offensively in his first full year at quarterback – he showed a lot of toughness and resilience taking some big hits, while still completing over half his pass attempts and throwing two touchdowns,” Ahrens said. “Sophomore Matt Pauley – in his first action of the year after coming back from injury – led the team with 10 tackles and will only get better with more time in practice.

“Senior Brendan Ten Eyck also stood out with some outstanding leadership on defense helping get our young guys lined up.”

Flandreau (0-3) heads to Mt. Vernon/Plankinton.