Broncos Football – Week 3 Preview Broncos face first challenge

The International Falls Broncos are prepped to face their week 3 opponent Mesabi East Giants. Coming into today’s game, both teams sit at 2-0 with both teams having explosive week 1 wins. The Giants started on the road and faced South Ridge crushing the home team 52-6. Then, won a nail-biter in week 2 against Crosby-Ironton 20-16.

The International Falls Broncos began their season at home on the newly renamed Stuart Nordquist Field at Sports Stadium, playing host to the visiting Timberwolves of Ely/NE Range/Vermilion County. The Broncos would pitch a shutout 54-0 against the Wolves, and according to Defensive Coordinator Coach Kostuik this was their first shutout in a long time.

On the Offensive side of the ball, it was the Cooper Crandall show as he totaled over 300 yards rushing/receiving with 283 of them on the ground. He would find the endzone in the season opener 5 times with 4 of those rushing.

In week two, the Broncos were visited by the Jaguars of Hinckley-Finlayson where after a slower start in the first half, the Broncos would come back stronger in the second half finishing the game 45-14. Starting QB Hayden Swenson would shine as he threw 15/22 for 188 yards and 2 touchdowns, and also scoring a rushing touchdown on a QB sneak at the goaline.

Cooper’s younger brother, Carson Crandall would be the highlight on defense as he stole 2 interceptions from the Jaguars quarterback.

Cooper Crandall had a slower game, if you call a 109 yard and 3 touchdown performance slow. With over 400 yards rushing/receiving and 7 rushing touchdowns in 2 weeks, Cooper Crandall has even received attention in the Metro Area.

The Broncos and Giants kickoff at 7pm at Mesabi East High School. Both Ettestad Brothers agree that this is the game that they’ve been looking forward to, and this game will be the Broncos first true test of the season.