Region 2

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From Grand Forks Herald
A look back at 2005

Richland was the lone team in the region to finish the season with a winning record. But Richland won in a big way, as there was no stopping the team. Richland capped a 12-0 season by beating Divide County 42-7 in the state championship game. Dustin Erbes was the big story in the state title game, as the Richland senior was 11-of-19 passing for 280 yards and four touchdowns, with three of those scoring passes covering 58 or more yards. Hillsboro won a tiebreaker with Hope-Page for the second playoff berth from the region; the Burros were eliminated in the first round.

A look ahead to 2006

Herald rankings (based on coaches' poll): 1. Richland; 2. (tie) Hillsboro and Hope-Page; 4. Sargent Central; 5. Milnor/North Sargent; 6. Barnes County North.

The reasons: Richland graduated heavily. But it also has a lot of experience back because of the younger players who got playing time in one-sided wins. Senior Wade Woodbury figures to be a workhorse in the backfield. Hillsboro and Hope-Page both have veteran teams. Hope-Page returns six starters on offense and defense. The strength is in the backfield, with quarterback John Thorsen and running back Shawn Derby. Hillsboro also has six offensive and six defensive starters back. Danny Rude and Andrew Grothmann give the Burros a proven linebacking combination. Ben Gordon will run a balanced option offense.

Returning all-region players: Danny Rude and Andrew Grothmann, Hillsboro; Keith Vosgerau and Shawn Derby, Hope-Page; Wade Woodbury, Richland; Travis Duffy, Barnes Co. North; Kyle Speich, Milnor-North Sargent.