Proctor Rails

Last week the Proctor Rails were defeated by Virginia in the regular season finale. Tonight they head back up to the Range for a rematch in the first game of the playoffs. The season finale between Proctor and Virginia was unusual. The game meant nothing in the sense that both sides already knew they would face each other in the 7AAA quarterfinals six days later. "We didn't show a lot of tricks, we were very basic, yes we would have liked to have won the game but at the same point we didn't make some adjustments just knowing that we were going to be able to play them again in a week," said Coach Derek Parendo. "It was ugly the first game, we just really couldn't get it together but we changed a few things, made some adjustments so I think we'll be alright," said Captain Jordy Carlson.

Last year, it was Proctor that defeated Virginia twice, once in the last game of the season, and again in the playoffs. The Rails know Virginia is halfway to returning the favor from last season. "They've already won once against us so they're expecting to come out and beat us, but we can't let that happen," said Senior Ryan Rands. "We have it in us, we just have to get it out on the field."

In contrast to the first game, both teams are playing for everything this week, a chance to play one more time. "It really means a lot because if we do lose it's the last playoff game, we're done. Definitely play with a lot of heart out there," said Lucas McCarthy. "We've practiced so hard over the year and it's been really tough on us after losing coach last year and things like that, starting a brand new year with brand new things," said Erik Swenson. "We'll put everything on the line we have, hopefully come out with a victory."