This week’s Athletes of the week are Crookston Pirate senior football players Hunter Knutson and Jesus Sanchez Jr. The two have helped lead the Pirates up front on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball and are a big reason why the Pirates are going back to the Section Championship on Friday night for the first time since 2004.
Hunter Knutson as mentioned before is a senior but has taken over the Center spot on the offensive line just this year. “Hunter has done a fantastic job of stepping into the Center role on the offensive line. He has been a solid, dependable force up front for us on both sides of the ball,” said Pirates coach Nate Lubarski. “Hunter is a smart, strong, aggressive player who has also become an excellent leader for our team.”
On the defensive side of the ball, Knutson has also helped wreak havoc in the backfield and even scored a TD on a scoop and score in a game against Frazee earlier this year. The Pirates defense has held their opponents to just 20 points in the two section tournament games so far, and defense will be a big key in their game against the Barnesville Trojans on Friday night. “Reaching this point was definitely a goal we’ve had in mind,” said Knutson. “I think if we play like we can we have a great chance to go win the game.”
Jesus Sanchez Jr. has also played on both sides of the ball, specifically helping Crookston get into the backfield in the Barnesville game earlier this year, slowing down the high-powered Trojans offense. “Jesus is a quiet player who comes to work and learns each day. He has gotten better at playing the offensive guard spot each week,” said Pirates coach Nate Lubarski. “Jesus goes about his business, works at doing his job, and is a very coachable player.”
Like Knutson, Sanchez and the rest of the Pirates believe if they play hard and like they’re capable of, they can upset the Barnesville Trojans on Friday night. “It’s pretty cool that this is the first time we’ve made it this far in 18 years,” said Sanchez. “I’m hopeful that it motivates us and leads us in a way to take it all the way to State.”
The Pirates will take on the Barnesville Trojans in the Section 8AA Championship on Friday night from the Fargo Dome. The kickoff is slated for 8:00 p.m. and we will carry the game on the air and on the KROX Livestream starting with the RiverView Health pregame show at 7:20 p.m.
HUNTER KNUTSON
First started playing Football – 2nd Grade
What do you feel is the strongest part of your game – Offensive Blocking
Part of your game that needs work – Long Snapping
Favorite football field away from Crookston – EGF because of the turf
Do you have a pregame ritual – Just hanging out with the guys before the game
Favorite sport – Football
Favorite sports team – Minnesota Vikings
Favorite athlete – George Widman
Last movie you’ve seen – Step Brothers
Favorite food – Pizza
What music are you listening to – A little bit of everything
Plans after graduation – Attend a tech school for Construction Management
Family –
Dad – Justin (Kustom Kollision)
Mom – Tracey (Lawyer at Reynolds, Harbott, Knutson, & Larson P.L.L.P.)
Sister – Carley (10th Grade)
JESUS SANCHEZ JR.
First started playing Football – 7th Grade
What do you feel is the strongest part of your game – Offensive Blocking
Part of your game that needs work – Moving my feet and getting faster
Favorite football field away from Crookston – EGF because of the turf
Do you have a pregame ritual – Listening to music and getting something to eat
Favorite sport – Football
Favorite sports team – Dallas Cowboys or Chicago Bulls
Favorite athlete – DeMarcus Lawrence
Last movie you’ve seen – Smile (It wasn’t good)
Favorite food – Spaghetti
What music are you listening to – A little bit of everything
Plans after graduation – Go to Trade school and become an Electrician
Family –
Dad – Jesse (American Crystal Sugar)
Mom – Linda Cisneros (Teacher at the Head start)
Brothers – Ben (Two-years-old)
Sister – Samantha (10th Grade)
