Thanks to a 37-0 blanking at the hands of the Duluth-Superior Shoremen, the Brainerd Lumberjacks have had to suffer with the bitter taste of defeat in the back of their throats since June 27 with no way to assuage the loss.

He became the leading scorer in Minnesota State High School League boys' hockey history.

Three weeks is a long time to sit with a defeat on your mind.

The expectations for first-year teams are relatively low - grow as a team, work out the wrinkles in the game plan, win a few games.

Inspired by miraculous catches, big hits and a championship trophy on the line, the largest crowd Harvey Shew Field has seen this season watched as the Lumberjacks used a big second half to chop down the Metro Phoenix 53-14 to win the Semi Pro Football League Championship Saturday night.

Following the Brainerd Lumberjacks tryouts March 28, head coach J.J. Kern believed his team could win the Semi-Pro Football League Championship.

Harvey Shew Field has remained vacant since the Lumberjacks claimed the Semi-Pro Football League Championship July 25. Cleats, pads, and the bright red helmets have been neatly tucked away.

The title defense begins April 24.

Following a 24-10 loss to the Screaming Eagles of Detroit Lakes on May 29 the Brainerd Lumberjacks were carrying a 2-4 record.