Pequot Lakes quarterback Blake Spiczka was too much for visiting Esko to handle as the Patriots earned a 27-7 home victory on Thursday night in Jeremy Zywicki's first game as Esko's head coach.

Spitczka threw for 165 yards and three touchdowns.

After he threw for two scores in the second quarter, Esko got on the board itself on a 22-yard touchdown pass, but gave up a kickoff return touchdown to go behind by double digits again before the end of the half.

Esko hosts Cloquet on Sept. 5 for its home opener.

The Giants got on the board first Thursday night in Aurora, but the Tigers scored 24 unanswered points to get a road victory.

Cole Lehman scored a rushing touchdown from 22 yards out to put the Giants in front in the irst quarter, but it was all Rush City from there, with Braylon Nihe

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