Carpenter High School Spartans, in orange, in action against the Humboldt Mohawks on Sept. 19, 2025. The Spartans showed progress in their third game of the season despite falling 84-12.(submitted/Coleton Ethier)

By Kenneth Cheung

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Spartans flash big plays in third game despite loss to Humboldt Mohawks

Sep 22, 2025 | 6:00 AM

The Carpenter High School Spartans may still be chasing their first win, but their third outing of the season showed a team beginning to find its stride.

In Humboldt, on Sept. 19, the Meadow Lake squad delivered big plays on offence and a stronger defensive effort, even as the Mohawks pulled away for an 84-12 victory.

“They continued to play better than they did the previous weeks… We only gave up 14 points in the second half, and we scored six,” said head coach Coleton Ethier.

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The Spartans put up highlights that drew cheers.

Early in the first quarter, quarterback Kayl Solsten hit receiver David Sawi on a short screen pass that turned into a 75-yard sprint. Later, fullback Caleb Rodrigue broke through the line for a 46-yard touchdown run.

“There are definitely positives that are coming,” he said.

Carpenter High School Spartans, in orange, in action against the Humboldt Mohawks on Sept. 19, 2025. The Spartans showed progress in their third game of the season despite falling 84-12. (submitted/Coleton Ethier)

(submitted/Coleton Ethier)

Ethier said tackling has improved, but it remains a focus.

“We improved on tackling, but we still have a ways to go in order to be tackling at an elite level,” he noted.

Despite a tough start to the season, he praised the players’ resilience.

“I’ve been happily surprised that they really haven’t thrown much in terms of frustration,” Ethier said.

“They were proud of their improvements at the end of the game. They also agreed to continue to get better.”

The coach also credited Humboldt for showing what the top end of the league looks like.

“Honestly, they’re really good athletes,” he said. “They sprinted through from whistle to whistle, and they really showed our kids what an elite football team looks like.”

The Spartans return home next to face the Delisle Rebels on Sept. 26.

“We’re excited to play them. They’re another team that is very physical and well coached. So it’ll be a battle, but we if we keep improving the way we have, we will be just fine.”

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com