Bemidji Chases First Win of Season in Homecoming Matchup With Sauk Rapids-Rice

A 15-13 loss to Buffalo dropped the Lumberjacks to 0-3, but players and coaches see Friday's homecoming game as a chance to reset the season.

Bemidji High School football fell to 0-3 on the season after a 15-13 loss to Buffalo on Friday, despite one of its most explosive offensive plays of the year. Junior Josh Arel intercepted Bison quarterback Reiker Wignes in the second quarter, then scored shortly after on a pitch from offensive coordinator Mitch Hendricks, with lineman Nehemiah Schwinghammer delivering a block that cleared his path to the end zone.

Arel, who plays defensive back, wide receiver and backup quarterback, was forced into action under center late in the game after starter Owen Vandermeer went down with an injury. Vandermeer had just scored on a 65-yard run before exiting. Arel said his experience relieving Vandermeer in 2025, including one start, helped him stay composed.

The defense has held opponents under 20 points in each of the past two games against Grand Rapids and Buffalo, keeping Bemidji within reach in both. The Lumberjacks host Sauk Rapids-Rice for homecoming on Friday, and players say the game carries extra weight with Brainerd (3-0), Alexandria (2-1) and Monticello (3-0) still on the schedule.

Head coach Kyle McMartin said the team has emphasized avoiding homecoming distractions, including parades and school events, to stay focused on winning. Schwinghammer said the 0-3 start does not define the team and that a victory Friday would show Bemidji belongs at a higher level.