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Another installment of “The Battle for the Paddle” will take place this Friday as Champlin Park visits Anoka in this classic Minnesota rivalry.

Champlin Park is looking at a rebuilding year, as head coach Mike Korton resigned after the 2017 season. New head coach will looking to get his start as head coach off to a great start and what better way to do that than with a win over bitter rival Anoka.

Anoka will try to take advantage of the new system after a disappointing 2017 season. Who will take home the paddle this season?

MVP

Bennett Otto

Champlin Park

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Levi Cooper

Anoka

Levi is a 2-Year Letterman on the varsity football and basketball team. He is a member of the leader academy at Anoka and currently carries high honors. He plans to pursue a degree in Dentistry and has to decide on a college.

Jack Foss

Champlin Park

Jack is a 3-sport athlete lettering in Football, Nordic Skiing and Tennis. He is an active member of Champlin Park’s NHS Program and continues to volunteer in the community weekly. Jacks leadership will continue to grow outside of the classroom and on the field for years to come.

HALL OF FAME

Jerrell Hancock

Anoka

Jerrell played in the Anoka-Champlin Park rivalry his Junior and Senior years. He was an impact player during the 2006 Section Final game where he scampered for 220 yards on only 10 carries and led the team with 3 TD’s. Jerrell set the tone for the entire game with a 78-yard TD run on the opening drive leading the Tornadoes to a 34-19 Section Final Championship win. Jerrell was also a state champion in the 200 and is a record holder in the 4x100, 4x200, and 4x400 for Anoka Track & Field. He has dedicated his time to help underprivileged younger athletes find their path through speed training and life skills.

Mike Korton

Champlin Park

Mike has been coaching football at Champlin Park for the past 26 years since Champlin Park broke off from Anoka and the rivalry began. He was an assistant for 11 years before becoming head coach, a role he filled for 15 more years. He compiled a record of 98 wins and 55 losses, Coach Korton won the paddle 13 times going 13-2 in the rivalry game.

GAME SUMMARY

It was a game full of turnover in this season's "Battle for the Paddle," but Champlin Park eventually pulled it together and defeated rival Anoka 21-0. Four first half turnovers spelled doom early for the Tornadoes from Anoka, but Champlin Park couldn't fully take advantage and put the game away thanks to early turnovers themselves. Finally, the Champlin Park offense got a little momentum, aided by their turnover-producing defense and led by eventual MVP Bennett Otto. The Rebel offense was able to put up 21 unanswered points and close out the game with a dominant victory over Anoka. Champlin Park takes home The Paddle!