Duluth East sophomore Isaac Emerson ran for two touchdowns and threw for another in a confidence-boosting win against rival Duluth Denfeld on Friday evening.

Some Duluth East football players are accused of using racial slurs against Duluth Denfeld players during Friday’s game. The district said they have opened an investigation, and are working to gather the facts thoroughly and fairly. Here is the rest of their statement:

Albany football senior Carter Wesen is brought down during a game against Pierz on Sept. 19, 2025 in Albany. The Huskies lost 21-14. / Reid Glenn / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images There are 170 games scheduled across Minnesota on Friday, September 26 ...

In a message from Duluth East coach Blane Tetreault to players and parents obtained by the News Tribune, he encouraged players and coaches to cooperate fully with the investigation and said “racist, bigoted, hateful and demeaning language and behaviors will not be tolerated in our football program.”