Layne Bird speaks on season-ending injury, Lanesboro RB talks about playing a game across two days

(ABC 6 Sports) — In football, injuries are part of the game but some are more devastating than others. For the defending 9-man champion Leroy-Ostrander Cardinals, it’s a hurdle they will have to overcome as their starting quarterback is out for the season.

In the Cardinals’ season opener against Southland Friday night, senior Layne Bird broke his leg on the third play of the game. The game was postponed because of inclement weather but on Saturday they were able to pull out the 14-12 victory behind backup quarterback Cam Hungerholt.

“Uhh.. well I’m all over the place,” Bird said. “Happy we got the win and they were able to fight through and Cam was able to step up. It’s definitely really emotional not being able to play anymore and probably being done for sports. Hopefully, I can come back for basketball though.”

It’s the second year in a row the Cardinals have had a player suffer a season-ending injury in week one.

Last year, it was then-junior receiver, Peyton Roe. Head coach Trevor Carrier says it next man up as the Cardinals prepare this week for Mabel-Canton.

Lanesboro turns up the pressure for week one win

It also took the Burros two days to complete their first game of the season because of inclement weather.

They entered Saturday leading Grand Meadow 14-6 before posting a 16-point third quarter en route to a 30-20 victory.

Senior Orion Sass had 193 yards on 24 carries and three touchdowns. He spoke about the challenges of playing football across two days, especially in week one.

“It was definitely different. Never done that before. It’s hard to get the adrenaline going like it was last night. It’s harder when you are not under the lights but we’re able to do it as a team and we came stronger than we did yesterday. “