As spectators walk toward the field from the parking lot, though, the scene unfolds like something from a movie.
With the school on the hill in the background and the Red River of the North flowing only about 30 yards from the visitor's bench, the Grovers' field seems perfectly placed.
And then there are the trees. Oh, the trees. The trees that help give the Oak Grove school its name. The trees that line the river and surround the field, giving the spot of green grass protection and sanctuary.
In short, Oak Grove Lutheran School has one of the most beautiful high school football fields I have ever seen.
The setting helps Oak Grove overcome the limitations tied to being a small school -- limited seating, scruffy grass, particle-board press box. In some ways, the limitations make the field even more charming and give it the character that makes it unique.
Such beauty comes with a price.
For the past couple seasons, the Grovers have played their home games across the river on a college field in Moorhead after their home field was severely damaged by consistent flooding from the Red River.
The Grovers almost gave up on having a home field. But with a mild winter followed by a dry spring and summer, the Grovers decided to try again and brought their home field back to life.
In so many ways, the refurbished field is perfect for the high school game. One such way is how the field is more or less an extension of Oak Grove Park, which hugs a bend in the Red River, separating Fargo from Moorhead and North Dakota from Minnesota. The park is, of course, filled with river-lining trees, trees that give way only for frisbee golf and football. Never mind the falling leaves; the cleats can handle them.
The hidden nature of the field, too, fits the feel of the school, as well. It almost feels like a rite of passage just to find the school, then reassure yourself you are in the right place, even though those Friday night lights aren't really visible behind the trees that protect the field.
As nice as it might be for high school players to play on a college field, the Oak Grove home field has an ambiance few, if any, schools can match.
Even though the wind and chills of fall's first real cold front pushed us away from the field after halftime, I'm glad we had the chance to see such a beautiful sanctuary -- and feel incredibly fortunate that, thanks to mild and dry weather and the chutzpah of a group of dedicated Grover football supporters, the sanctuary exists at all.
Random observations: Trees don't really stop cold fronts all that well, hence our early exit. ... The wife was disappointed that the Grovers' colors weren't blue and red. ... Two words: mini donuts. ... I didn't mention it much, but the Oak Grove school campus is darn near as pretty as the school's football field. ... I've lived in Fargo for a little more than nine months, and I'm still blown away that I can sit on a football field and look across the way and see another state. Just like I'm still in awe a bit that when we go shopping, we cross the state line. ... Not too much to say about the game. It was 24-6 when we left at halftime. Northern Cass was quite good for its school size, while Oak Grove was competitive and won't be a pushover for anyone.
Next week: West Fargo at Fargo South.
--patrick
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