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Richfield snaps 19-game winless streak with explosive victory over St. Croix Lutheran

By DAVID LA VAQUE, Star Tribune, 08/30/19, 9:15PM CDT

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The Spartans, with four touchdown plays from 37 to 81 yards, prevailed 49-34 in a wild offensive show by both teams.


Richfield wide receiver Mitchell January (14) celebrates after scoring a long touchdown at the end of the first half of Friday's game. Photo: Alex Kormann * alex.kormann@startribune.com

Richfield coach Kris Pulford held the game ball after the first victory of his career and the Spartans’ first in three years because his players held their heads high despite a slow start.

Down two touchdowns before the game Friday at St. Croix Lutheran was eight minutes old, Richfield rallied for a 49-34 victory and ended an 0-19 losing streak.

Jubilant players threw water and water bottles on the sidelines in the final seconds. After shaking hands with Crusaders players, the Spartans celebrated with their classmates who rushed the field.

“It’s so fun to see those guys be excited because they haven’t been excited about football in awhile,” said Pulford, a 2004 Richfield graduate.

First report

A flurry of explosive scoring plays helped Richfield secure a 49-34 victory Friday at St. Croix Lutheran and end an 0-19 losing streak dating back to 2016.

Touchdowns covering 37, 81 and 57 yards -- and another for 37 yards – kept the Spartans ahead in a wild offensive display by both teams.

Richfield quarterback Ryan Miles ran and threw for scores, including once after the ball sailed out of a shotgun snap and over his head. His ability to stay poised and make plays despite the chaos was key on Friday.

Check back later for more on the game.

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