The Annandale Cardinals opened the 2023 football season with one of their biggest rivals, the Litchfield Dragons. The Dragons aren’t just a rival though, it’s the only game the Cardinals play for a travelling trophy - the ‘Battle for the Paddle’. Travelling maybe isn’t the right word though, as the paddle has never left the Annandale trophy case.

Would this be Litchfield’s year?

A great effort by the Cardinals meant that the Dragons were going home empty handed once again. One of those key efforts that led Annandale to a 21-13 win was from senior running back Connor Lampi. Lampi carried the load for the Cards with 12 carries for 140 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

I had a chance to sit down and talk with Connor about the game, and the first road game of the season this week vs Breck.

Big thanks to my sponsors, David Burd State Farm Insurance, Trueman Welters Power Sports, Lake Central Bank, and Jeff Lundquist with the Heart of the Lakes Team EXP Realty.

Photo Credit to the Amazing Mary Christen.