We basically shut down the Falls for most of the game.”

Head Coach John Jirik

FIELD TWP— The Grizzlies all but shut down the International Falls offense in their season opener here on Thursday night, but still lost to the Broncos, 20-12, in double overtime.

For the Grizzlies, it was a missed opportunity as they launched their first season playing at the 11-man level.

It was a defensive battle throughout regulation play. North Woods scored on their opening drive to take a 6-0 lead, and those were the only points that either team would score until late in the fourth quarter, when International Falls intercepted a deflected pass. Moments later, Broncos quarterback Jace Hellin completed a 23-yard pass for six points, and that’s how regulation play ended.

Both teams scored six and failed to convert in the first overtime. In the second OT, the Broncos scored and converted, and held off the Grizzlies in their possession to clinch the win.

“We really let one slide there,” said Grizzlies Head Coach John Jirik. “We basically shut down the Falls for most of the game.”

The Grizzlies were able to move the ball fairly effectively on offense, racking up 240 yards in regulation, and five times reaching inside the Broncos’ ten-yard line— but wrapped up with just six points to show for it.

By contrast, the Grizzlies held the Broncos to just 137 yards offensively, nearly half of which came in that single fourth quarter pass play that tied the score. “We had a few mental mistakes, but overall we played pretty well,” said Jirik.

TJ Chiabotti had a big night as the Grizzlies workhorse, rushing for 106 yards on 23 carries. Hallin provided nearly all of the Bronco’s offense, rushing for 98 yards, while completing a pass for 23 yards.