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Cousin
Let’s Play Football
October 10, 2019
7
connection
Hallin and Larson help turn Bronco program around in record-breaking style by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football When Riley Larson moved to International Falls in second grade, it not only brought him closer to his cousin, Jace Hallin, it started what would one day would become known as the “Cousin Connection.” Almost 10 years later, the dynamic duo is leading the International Falls Broncos into a new era. They are doing so in record-breaking fashion. On Sept. 27, Hallin set the school record for completions and passing yards in a game, and Larson, his main connection, came two yards short of the record for receiving yards. “Every day we were outside in Jace’s backyard playing football,” said Larson, a junior on this year’s 4-2 Broncos team. “We would throw the ball back and forth for hours.” Hallin is a senior and remembers those backyard games. “It was funny because we would always try to set it up to where we were on the same team,” Hallin said. “We were always outside doing something, but we played football more than anything.” The connection they made as youngsters continues as they head into the final two weeks of the regular season. While their 4-2 record may seem somewhat modest to some, it’s been a long time coming for Broncos players, coaches and fans. From 2014-2017 they didn’t win a single game. “For the past two years we have been in the rebuilding phase,” said assistant coach Jakob Ettestad. “Jace and Riley have been a huge part of this along with the other team leaders and captains.” In an era where football programs are losing kids for a variety of reasons, the Broncos coaching staff and its players stuck together through thick and thin. Having one winless season puts pressure on a program. The Broncos suffered four straight. “Our players faced a lot of adversity and criticism yet they persevered, stuck with it and never quit,” said Ettestad. The Broncos went 3-6 last season and then started off this season with a double overtime 20-12 win over North Woods. They followed with a 34-14 win over Deer River before losing their next two to Moose Lake-Willow River (32-0) and Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin (56-14). They got back on the winning track against Mesabi East. That’s when the Cousin Connection was at its best. Hallin broke the school record for
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most passing yards in a game with 361, most passing attempts with 49, and most completions with 29. Of those 29 completions, 16 went to Larson, who finished the night just two yards shy of the school record for receiving yards in a game, finishing with 220. “The Mesabi game was so fun to be a part of,” said Larson. “I was able to get open with good route running and beating the corner to deep balls. I give a lot of credit to Jace for placing those balls perfectly.” Hallin said he could see early on in the game that Larson would be open a lot. “I knew he would be able to get open and I just tried to put the ball where I knew only Riley would be able to get it,” said Hallin. “He’s really good at going up and getting the PHOTO SUBMITTED ball and has good hands.” Jace hallin (left) and Riley Larson are cousins who have been playing football toWhile the duo has shown tremengether since they were young kids. The QB/WR combination recently set several dous ability on the field, Coach Ettesschool records in their win over Mesabi East and have led the International Falls tad said they are just as special off the Broncos to a respectable 4-2 record. field. “They bring an energy with them Hallin and Larson both said it felt every time they step into the locker good to learn their names would be in room or on the field, whether it’s the school’s record book. a practice or a Friday But it’s a differnight game,” ent record they Ettestad said. are more “I love the brotherhood “They both concerned Team records broken: in football…the football family just have about. The •Most passing yards in a game: we create and the life lessons you that knack team is 361 (previous 275) for footlearn from playing the game.” currently •Most passing attempts in a ball and 4-2 with game: 49 (40) have that two regular Riley Larson switch that •Most offensive plays in a season games to they just turn on game: 83 (81) play. when they step on the “My goal is to win •Most first downs in a game: field.” out the rest of the games and finish 25 (23) Ettestad said both players have 6-2 and then make it to the section Also, there were three the “It” factor that coaches look for championship game and hopefully to individual records broken: in players. state,” said Hallin. “They play with such pride and •Most pass completions in a They are currently in position to passion and that energy rubs off on game: 29 (19) by Jace Hallin do just that. They will travel to Evthe rest of the players,” he said. “They eleth-Gilbert (2-4) this Friday before •Most passing yards in a game: are constantly leading by example hosting Virginia (0-6) in their regular 361 (275) by Jace Hallin and are a great representation of our season finale on Oct. 16. •Most receptions in a game: team’s culture on and off the field and They are currently in second 16 (9) by Riley Larson in the classroom as well.” place in Section 7AA, a six-team field •Larson was also two yards away When asked what he loves most led by Moose Lake-Willow River. from breaking the record for about the game of football, Hallin, Crosby-Ironton is also 4-2. most receiving yards in a who said he hopes to play college The road to state is never an easy game (221). football next fall, said the camaradeone, but for Hallin, Larson and the rie and the atmosphere. Broncos, the road they have traveled “Just the feeling of being underhas come a long way from where they our program is the result of their and neath the lights,” he said. “You can’t were just a few short years ago. everyone’s hard work and the will to get a better feeling than that…to be “As a coaching staff we preach never quit.” with your team and your coaches. We positivity and the will to never quit,” Of course, Hallin will graduate all have such a good connection as a said Coach Ettestad. “Our seniors after this season, ending the cousin team. They are all a big part of why I will graduate having stayed positive connection for the Broncos. But it love the sport.” and knowing they never quit.” turns out that Larson’s younger brothLarson echoed his older cousin’s Hallin and Larson are two of er, Alex, happens to be the backup sentiments. those players who have bought into quarterback. “I love the brotherhood in footthe Bronco way. Is there a brother connection on ball…the football family we create “They have been a huge contrithe horizon? and the life lessons you learn from bution to this team,” Coach Ettestad playing the game,” he said. said. “The success and turnaround of
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