Tri City North Stars remain undefeated

For a first year team, the semipro Tri City North Stars are exceeding their own expectations.

The North Stars, who are a part of the Midwest Premier Football League, improved to 5-0 after beating the North Shore Grizzlies of Duluth 48-6 on Saturday afternoon in front of about 200 fans at Cushman Field.

Tri City coach and owner James (J.J.) Kern isn’t surprised with his teams’ success.

“Early on I knew we had a very special group of guys,” said Kern. “Some of the scores maybe not so much, but I had a feeling we were going to be a very good football team.”

The team consists of players from many different areas and parts of life - including players from Grand Forks Air Force base, a player from the U.S. Virgin Islands and even a grandfather.

“For semipro, it’s guys from all walks of life,” said Kern, “but we really are coming together like a family. Even though some of the guys are military, some are college, some are in their upper 30s… it’s really people from all walks of life coming together, that’s what is special.”

North Star wide receiver Sharmba Moore, who is originally from Alabama, came to the area to play football for Northland Community and Technical College. Moore, who scored the second Tri City touchdown on a long pass across the middle from Duane Aamot, dominated the North Shore defense all afternoon.

Moore said he and his teammates are having fun.

“I’m having fun with them,” said Moore. “Everybody is smiling and happy we’re winning, so that’s the best thing about it.”

Running back DeAngelo Brackins, who played prep football in International Falls, Minn., and commutes from Fargo for games and practices, said the teams’ chemistry is helping them succeed.

“We go out together, work out together,” said Brackins. “It brings us closer. It makes us want to go out there and play harder for our teammates.

“A lot of people down in Fargo ask about how the team is doing.”

The North Stars were recently ranked 25th in the country by the Semi Pro Elite website.

“I’m really proud of our whole organization,” said Kern. “A lot of people know who we are now. For a first-year organization about halfway through the season, I think it’s going really, really well.  I’m just happy about how the whole community has been behind us.

“A lot of these guys probably didn’t expect to become friends. We’ve got guys from all over the place coming together as one, so it’s pretty cool.”

1/6: Tri City North Stars receiver Tyler Jones hangs on to the ball while being taken down by a pack of Grizzlies defenders Saturday afternoon during the North Stars' game against the North Shore Grizzlies of Duluth. Photo by Kile Brewer/Grand Forks Herald

2/6: Tri City North Stars receiver Tyler Jones lowers his head and prepares for impact off of a pass reception Saturday afternoon during the North Stars' game against the North Shore Grizzlies of Duluth. Photo by Kile Brewer/Grand Forks Herald

3/6: Tri City North Stars running back Deangelo Brackens avoids a Grizzlies defender Saturday afternoon during their game against the North Shore Grizzlies of Duluth. Photo by Kile Brewer/Grand Forks Herald

4/6: Tri City North Stars lineman Roger Sackett stands on the sidelines Saturday afternoon during the team's game against the North Shore Grizzlies of Duluth. Photo by Kile Brewer/Grand Forks Herald

5/6: Tri City North Stars linebacker Sean Trottier talks strategy with teammates after coming off the field Saturday afternoon during their game against the North Shore Grizzlies of Duluth. Photo by Kile Brewer/Grand Forks Herald

6/6: Tri City North Stars players stand on the sidelines during a timeout Saturday at Cushman Field during their game against the North Shore Grizzlies of Duluth. Photo by Kile Brewer/Grand Forks Herald