Yes, North Branch has North in its name. But how the Vikings ended up in a league (Northeast - Red) with distant Duluth-area and Iron Range schools is a bit of of a mystery.
North Branch (3-0) gets into the heart of its northern swing when it travels to Eveleth to play Rock Ridge (2-1), the new school that combines the Eveleth-Gilbert and Virginia high schools.
North Branch is led by Ashton Labelle, a senior with 390 rushing yards. Rock Ridge is coming off a 36-6 triumph over Duluth Denfeld in which Ryan Manninen rushed for three touchdowns.