Big Mike Karlen, has done it again. Playing against Regis in a Friday game, Karlen kicked a field goal for 52-yards, beating his own previous record of 46 yards from last year. But despite a broader team effort put in and last half change in momentum this past Friday against Regis, the Stanley-Boyd Orioles ultimately went down in defeat with the final score 27 – 19 in favor of the undefeated Eau Claire private school, though not without a fight.

“Our boys really fought hard and never quit,” head coach Jeff Koenig said after the loss to unbeaten Regis. “I am really proud of how they played. Unfortunately we made too many mistakes to come out on top.” Of note in Friday’s game, were the fans. “Keep recruiting,” they taunted the Eau Claire team, as they clapped and held up signs. Coming from the other side was an opposite taunt: “Keep on losing,” the fans of the Eau Claire rival chanted back.

Easy to say when your team is undefeated and on top. But while the game didn’t quite turn out the way it could have Friday that wasn’t for lack of effort. With Regis making first touchdown and then another, things were helped somewhat with the field goal kick by Karlen and then another to bring the score 20 – 6 before the half. Other players helped as well. In the first place, Jacob Nesterick made it in the end zone for a touchdown, while the defense did its part to hold back the undefeated private school, to the extent that was possible. But while the team put it an effort they couldn’t have done it without the fans, one asset, you can’t come by as easily.

Stanley-Boyd’s Jacob Nesterick makes it past the Regis defense and a light rain into the end zone Friday. Photo by Joseph Back.