STAPLES, MINN (KWAD) — In easily the most anticipated season opener for the Staples-Motley Cardinals in years, the 2025 Cardinals came out hot in a 42-13 win over 8AAA opponent East Grand Forks.

The Cardinals, whose last game was at US Bank Stadium in the Prep Bowl last November, played their home opener in front of a standing-room only crowd, and unveiled new banners under the press box celebrating the team’s runner-up finish in the Class AA State Tournament in 2024.

Senior Colbe Tappe picked up where he left off last season, running 203 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries, averaging more than 20 yards per touch, including scores from 52 and 80 yards out. He highlighted a ground attack that piled up 380 yards as a team.

Senior running back Luke Bjerga added 87 yards and two scores on six carries, while senior quarterback Eli Rutten was nearly flawless through the air. Rutten finished 8-of-9 passing for 110 yards with one touchdown, while also adding a rushing score.

Senior Turner Beachy provided versatility on offense with a touchdown catch and 46 total yards across six touches, while sophomore Beau Carlson chipped in with 48 rushing yards and a 58-yard reception. On defense, senior Connor Kuhns picked off EGF quarterback Jakob Stassen in the third quarter.

The Cardinals racked up 490 yards of total offense in the win, holding East Grand Forks in check to cruise to the season-opening victory.

The Cardinals defense stepped up big when needed, forcing turnovers on downs on their three times, two EGF punts, had one turnover on a Connor Kuhns interception on a tipped ball, and held firm as the Green Wave tried to score from the Cardinals seven-yard line before the end of the first half.

Staples-Motley improves to 1-0 and have now won their last 13 regular season games. They’ll host 0-1 Roseau, coming off a 52-19 loss to Barnesville, on Friday, Sept. 5, with kickoff set for 6 p.m.