Green Wave's Boespflug: Soccer to star in Perham showdown
After two years on the sideline, East Grand Forks' Chay Boespflug has become a defensive force as the team seeks revenge against Perham.
By Jason Lee ·
East Grand Forks football fans will watch closely this Saturday as the Green Wave travel to face Perham, a team that has beaten them in two of the last three meetings. The Green Wave (7-2) are the third seed in Section 8AAA, while the Yellowjackets (8-1) are the second. The two schools have been separated by 14 points or fewer in all their recent matchups.
The narrative for East Grand Forks now centers on Chay Boespflug, a senior who had stepped away from football after eighth grade. He spent his freshman and sophomore years playing soccer. When he returned for his junior year, he initially joined the team only to handle kicking duties. Head coach Ryan Kasowski noted that Boespflug found more joy in the game and began taking on more reps on both offense and defense during the offseason.
This season, Boespflug has developed into a key player for the defense. He has recorded five interceptions and caught three passes for 44 yards. Kasowski described him as a solid player who overcomes size disadvantages with effort. Against Park Rapids in the quarterfinals last Tuesday, Boespflug took two of the team's four interceptions in a 41-15 win. He also kicked four extra points in that game.
The team's camaraderie has been a driving force. Boespflug said he misses his soccer friends, but the current group feels like family. He emphasized the need to take in the experience minute by minute. Senior Jaxon Stassen, a teammate, called it fun to watch Boespflug make plays on both sides of the ball after his absence from the sport for two years.
The Green Wave will begin their preparation for the Perham game this Wednesday with film study and practice through Saturday. Boespflug believes the team is due for a win, noting that the opponents know their numbers. The team aims to be ready the moment they board the bus on game day.
The Green Wave lost to Perham 12-6 earlier this season. Last year, Perham defeated East Grand Forks in the regular season and again in the section quarterfinals. Each of those games was decided by a narrow margin. The Green Wave will look to break that trend in the semifinals this Saturday.
Source: Grand Forks Herald
