Prep Bowl 2023 Issue

December 2, 2023 Volume 5 • Number 7 • Issue 28

In a

PROUD PARTNER OF THE

Class own

of their

7 teams realize the dream of a Prep Bowl title

INSIDE • Mr. Football Finalists........................page 4 • State Semifinal Coverage............page 5-11 • Vikings All-Star Rosters........... page 12-13 • Prep Bowl Coverage...........................14-20 • Vikings in the Community..............page 21

Danielle Hunter’s drive...Page 22

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December 2, 2023

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Mr. Football Finalists

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The Elite Ten finalists for the 2023 Mr. Football Award have been announced by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association (MFCA).

The Mr. Football Award is sponsored by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association and the Minnesota Vikings.

The Mr. Football Award was first presented in 2004, with the first winner being Nick Mertens of East Grand Forks High School. The 2022 Mr. Football Award winner was Cade Osterman, Elk River.

The 2023 Mr. Football Award will be presented at the Mr. Football Banquet on Sunday, December 10th (9:30 AM) at the Doubletree by Hilton Minneapolis Park Place Hotel (hotel address: 1500 Park Place Blvd., Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55416).

Luke Dingmann, Quarterback/Safety - Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Luke Dingmann, standing at 6’4” and weighing 205 pounds, posted a swift 4.6 40-yard dash that he showcased throughout the season. He also used his size when standing in the pocket, taking hits, and not being afraid to take contact from defenders. Dingmann excelled at both passing and rushing for BBE, amassing 1,844 passing yards and 656 rushing yards, solidifying his status as a dual-threat quarterback. He also scored 39 total touchdowns, 30 through the air, and 9 on the ground. The quarterback led his team to an 11-1 record including a Prep Bowl appearance, where he played as a wide receiver because of a shoulder injury which restricted from throwing the ball. Beyond his athletic prowess, he demonstrates remarkable resilience and toughness on the field.

Wyatt Gilmore, Defensive End/Tight End - Rogers Wyatt Gilmore is a 6’4’’, 255-pound defensive end for Rogers, Gilmore is widely considered to be Minnesota’s top-ranked pass rusher and was this year’s second-ranked overall player in the class. Gilmore runs a swift 4.78 40-yard dash, and is committed to playing for the University of Oklahoma to become a Sooner, and has his eyes set on the NFL. The defensive weapon helped Rogers to a 9-2 record, claiming the Section 6AAAAA championship. They advanced to the Class AAAAA State Quarterfinals before falling to Alexandria.

Savion Hart, Running Back - St. Thomas Academy Savion Hart is one of the most electric players to watch in the state. He not only can fly by a defender, but he also uses his 5’11’’ 195-pound frame to run over them.

Hart led the entire state with 2,642 yards on the ground, and he was second in the state with 39 rushing touchdowns. Hart helped lead the Cadets to a 10-3 record, rushing his way to a Class AAAAA Prep Bowl Championship game. He showed up in a big way during the Prep Bowl, running for 226 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Hart has incredible shiftiness and power when he runs, but he is also a tough player who played through many big hits during the Prep Bowl.

Ayden Helder, Quarterback - Stewartville Stewartville’s quarterback Ayden Helder finished the season with 2, 244 passing yards, good for top 10 in the state, and 39 passing touchdowns, which was second in the state, while turning the ball over through the air just once. He stands 6’2’’ 195 pounds, and used all of that size to his advantage in the Prep Bowl, as he pushed his way into the end zone on a sneak attempt, his fourth rushing score of the year. Helder carried his team to an undefeated season with 14 wins, bringing them to their first-ever Class AAA State Championship in program history.

Emerson Mandell, Offensive Tackle - Irondale Emerson Mandell is a top offensive lineman in Minnesota, standing a stout 6’5’’ and 295 pounds. Mandell dominated defenders as a disruptive offensive tackle. He also played on defense this past season racking up 15 tackles and 6 tackles for loss.

Mandell had division one college offers from five schools, including Iowa, Iowa State, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Mandell will be a Wisconsin Badger next season. He is a dominant force in the pass-and-run game, showing that he can excel at the next level of college football.

Antonio Menard, Defensive End/Tight End - Lakeville North Antonio Menard is a 6’3’’ 215 pounds edge rusher from Lakeville North and is committed to playing football at the Air Force after having other offers from Army, Colorado State, Fordham, and Illinois State. Menard finished the 2023 football season with 78 total tackles, 9 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles and added a blocked kick to his long list of impressive stats. His nine sacks were good for the top ten in the state Francis O’Malley, Running back/Linebacker - Montevideo

The six-foot 235-pound running back and linebacker had 1,930 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns in the 2023 football season. He also had 65 total tackles, 3 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles on defense as a linebacker. O’Malley exhibited his great athleticism for Montevideo this year, helping them get to the Section 6AAA semifinal game, before falling to Albany. O’Malley is a strong running back who can bench 425 pounds while running a 4.70 40-yard dash.

Will Steil, Quarterback - Rocori Rocori quarterback Will Steil, standing 6’2’’ and 195 pounds, led the Spartans to a 10-3 2023 football season and reached the Class AAAA Prep Bowl Championship game. Steil had 1,344 passing yards in 13 games for Rocori, including passing for two Publishers Bryan Zollman (320-333-3279) Mike Sonntag (651-260-5032) Managing Editor Bryan Zollman

Let’s Play Football 13 7th St S Sauk Centre, MN 56378 Phone: 320-333-3279 Email: editor@letsplayfootballmn.com Email articles and photos to Bryan Zollman editor@letsplayfootballmn.com Founded in 2019 by Mike Sonntag and Bryan Zollman Pioneer9192 Media

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touchdowns in the state tournament. He had five offers from colleges, but ultimately chose to play at North Dakota State University and is slated to play at Safety.

Maxwell Woods, Running Back/defensive back - Chanhassen Maxwell Woods ran for 1,851 yards, good enough for top five in the state, and pounded in 20 touchdowns on the ground, good enough for the top 10 in the state. The 5’10’’ 180-pound running back was one of the most electrifying players in Minnesota this season, especially in the state tournament. Woods ran for over 200 yards in the State Semifinal and the Prep Bowl Championship game, where he helped the Storm win a thriller overtime game against St. Thomas Academy to claim a state title. Woods has committed to play football for North Dakota State University where he will be a running back for the Bison in 2024.

Mr. Football Award Criteria: • The nominee must be a graduating senior.

• Nominee’s Head Coach must be a current mem ber of the MFCA. • Nominee must not have any MSHSL violations.

• Each player must be nominated by their Sub-Dis trict/MFCA representative, after being selected by the coaches in each Sub-district.

Previous winners of the Mr. Football Award: 2022 - Cade Ostermann, Elk River 2021 - Emmett Johnson, Academy of Holy Angels 2020 - Jake Ratzlaff, Rosemount 2019 - Jalen Suggs, SMB Wolfpack 2018 - Jason Williamson, Owatonna 2017 - Antonio Montero, Eden Prairie 2016 - Wade Sullivan, Lakeville North 2015 - J.D. Spielman, Eden Prairie 2014 - Robbie Grimsley, Hutchinson 2013 - Jeffrey Jones, Minneapolis Washburn 2012 - Bridgeport Tusler, Osseo 2011 - Philip Nelson, Mankato West 2010 - Peter Westerhaus, Holy Family Catholic 2009 - Zach Vraa, Rosemount 2008 - Varmah Sonie, Apple Valley 2007 - Michael Floyd, Cretin-Derham Hall 2006 - Blake Sorensen, Eden Prairie 2005 - Matt Carufel, Cretin-Derham Hall 2004 - Nick Mertens, East Grand Forks

Tanner Zolnosky, Quarterback - East Ridge East Ridge quarterback Tanner Zolnosky stands six-foot 190 pounds, and has used his size to his advantage, throwing for 2,344 yards, which finished seventh in the state, and 19 touchdowns. On the ground he ran for more than 300 yards and scored three touchdowns, showing the ability to tuck the ball and run for yards, but he excels when he can get the ball down field. Zolnosky and East Ridge had a season record of 4-7 but Zolnosky helped carry his team to a Class 6A Quarterfinal appearance, upsetting two higher-seeded teams in the first and second rounds.

Let’s Play Football is a newspaper devoted to covering all levels of football in the state of Minnesota. It is published nine times in the fall from August through November. All submitted stories and photos must be sent to editor@letsplayfootballmn.com. LPF reserves the right to edit submitted stories and letters to the editor for length, grammar, punctuation and clarity.

Back copies of Let’s Play Football may be purchased for $5 per copy.

Subscriptions: 1 year = $32 • 2 years = $59 Send subscription inquiries to editor@letsplayfootballmn.com or call 320-333-3279 or send to Let’s Play Football 13 7th St S, Sauk Centre, MN 56378 Venmo: @letsplayfootball-mn

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No articles or features or photos may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers of Let’s Play Football.

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Prep Bowl Bound Let’s Play Football

December 2, 2023

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by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

Before a team can compete to win a state championship, they have to get there.

The state semifinal match ups at U.S. Bank Stadium didn’t disappoint as 14 teams battled it out to see who would advance to Thanksgiving weekend’s Prep Bowl.

The following pages are capsules and images from those games, as seven teams achieved what every team sets out to achieve back in Mind-August, a chance to play for it all at The Bank.

Class AAAAAA Edina 28, Eden Prairie 7 A relentless defensive effort by Edina led the Hornets to their first prep Bowl appearance in school history with a 28-7 win over top-ranked and undefeated Eden Prairie.

The Hornets had been buzzing since Week 4 after a 1-3 start with their Nov. 14 win being their seventh straight and pitting them in the title game against Centennial.

The Hornets offense was methodical and their defense was tenacious in shutting down Eden Prairie’s potent offense.

Junior running back John Warpinski led the Hornets on the ground with 194 yards and a touchdown, and sophomore quarterback Mason West threw for 170 yards and three scores. Sonny Villegas, Meyer Swinney and Trillion Sorrell all had TD catches for the Hornets.

Th e Eagles could never get much going on offense as the Hornets defense defended well against the run, allowing 163 yards on 35 carries, They also picked off two passes.

The Eagles finished with a 12-1 record.

Class AAAAA Chanhassen 54, Andover 46 OT In the highest scoring game of the semifinal weekend, Chanhassen punched their ticket to the 5A title game with a thrilling 54-46 win over Andover in overtime. Sam Macy caught a 9-yard pass from Brayden Windschitl and Daxton Bush caught a pass from Windschitl on the twopoint conversion. The Storm defense then made a stop against Andover to advance to the first state title game in the program’s history.

Andover had tied the game at 4646 with 1:42 left on a 33-yard field goal by Carter Eklund. The Storm led 46-35 after Maxwell Woods scored on an 8-yard run with 9:39 left in the game, but Andover clawed back with a 6-yard touchdown run by Chase Pemberton. Pemberton converted on the two-point try as well and then Eklund booted the game-tying field goal before the Storm won it in overtime.

Pemberton had a part in five touchdowns for the Huskies, two rushing and three passing. Cameron Begalle, D’Mario Davenport and Luke Dehnicke each had TD receptions.

Davenport also ran for 122 yards and a touchdown.

Woods, a Mr. Football finalist, rushed for 228 yards on 27 carries and scored twice. Windschitl ran for 69 yards and two touchdowns. He was also 14-for-24 passing with 224 yards and three touchdowns. Daxton Bush led receivers with seven catches for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Macy had the other touchdown in overtime.

St. Thomas Academy 42, Alexandria 30 Alexandria looked like they were on their way to an easy victory over

St. Thomas Academy senior offensive lineman Max Anderson was all smiles in teh waning minutes of STA’s comeback from a 23-0 deficit to defeat Alexandria 42-30 in the Class AAAAA semifinals to advance to the Prep Bowl. PHOTOS BY BRYAN ZOLLMAN

St. Thomas Academy leading 23-0 as the end of the second quarter neared.

But a issued field goal gave the Cadets some momentum and they scored two touchdowns in a two-minute span in the final three minutes to head to the locker room down 23-15.

The Cadets came out of the tunnel storming in the second half, scoring four straight touchdowns to build an insurmountable 42-23. A late TD by the Cardinals made it a 42-30 final.

STA senior running back Savion Hart was the star. The Mr. Football finalist found another gear in the second half and ran for 227 yards in the game and three touchdowns. Cadet QB Max Sims also had a stellar game with 12for-15 passing for 245 yards and three touchdowns. Luke Dobbs caught two of those TD passes and finished with 114 yards on six catches. Avery Buckner had one catch for 69 yards and a TD. Alexandria QB Chase Thompson was 28-for-47 for 330 yards and two touchdowns. Mason Gorghuber had nine catches for 65 yards and a TD and Mason Witt and Evan Kludt also had touchdown catches. Kadyn Weber had eight catches for 88 yards and Andrew Flaten four catches for 89 yards.

Macklen Heydt also added a rushing touchdown to help lead the Cardinal offense.

Class AAAA Hutchinson 56, North Branch 28 Hutchinson was seeking their third straight Prep Bowl appearance and got it with a 56-28 win over North Branch.

The Tigers built a strong halftime lead with two touchdowns in each of the first two quarters and converted on all four two-point conversions for a 32-8 halftime lead.

They kept their foot on the gas pedal in the second half on their way to the win and their third consecutive state semifinal victory.

The Tigers used their ground game to run over North Branch with

Edina’s John Warpinski was a bulldog on the ground for the Hornets in their convincing 28-7 win over top-ranked Eden Prairie in the Class AAAAAA semifinals.

326 yards on 46 carries from seven different ball carriers. Nathan Thode led the way with 171 yards on 24 carries and four touchdowns. Carter Verhasselt rushed for 120 yards and a TD and Charles Renner also scored. Quarterback Logan Butler passed just once all game , but it was a good one as he connected with Renner on a 64-yard score.

Jacob Robillard had 112 yards on 15 carries for North Branch, he also was 4-for-5 passing for 93 yards and two touchdowns, both to Tyler Minke.

Class AAA Stewartville 28, Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton 7 Stewartville scored three second-half touchdowns to overcome a 7-6 halftime deficit in a 28-7 win over Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton. The big play came early in the second half when Mikhail Heydt intercepted a pass and returned it to the end zone for a pick six and a 14-7 lead after a successful conversion. Stewartville added another TD when Mr. Football finalist Ayden Helder connected with Parker Wangen on a 9-yard TD pass. Helder and Wangen connected again early in

the fourth quarter on a 50-yard score.

Wangen kicked extra points after both of his touchdowns.

Helder finished with 169 yards passing on 13 completions. Wangen finished with 90 yards receiving and Carter Miller led the ground game with 63 yards rushing and a touchdown.

D-G-F QB Caleb Johnson was 9-for-12 passing for 126 yards. He also had the lone touchdown and rushed for eight yards.

9-Player Nevis 35, Otter Tail Central 0 Nevis QB Eli Lewis threw a touchdown pass to four different receivers as the Tigers defeated Otter Tail Central 35-0 in the 9-man state semifinal.

Lewis completed just five passes in the game, but four of them were end zone worthy.

Joe Houchin, Austin Ahrendt, A.J. Bessler and John Paul Benson all had receiving touchdowns. Houchin led with three receptions.

Ayomide Ogundeji led the running attack with 112 yards on 27 rushes.

The Nevis defense held Otter Tail Central to just 153 yards of total offense.

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9-PLAYER SEMIFINAL: KINGSLAND 36, FERTILE-BELTRAMI 28

Kingsland runs past Fertile-Beltrami to earn Prep Bowl berth Knights rush for 400-plus yards to stave off pesky Falcons

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

The Kingsland Knights remained undefeated in 9-player football by holding off a pestering Fertile-Beltrami squad in a 36-28 win in the state semifinals held at US Bank Stadium.

The Knights rushed for 417 yards on the day and staved off a late rally by Fertile-Beltrami thanks to an interception

by Ayden Howard with just under two minutes to play.

The Knights were able to convert on a 4th and 2 play with under a minute to go and then kneeled to run out the remainder of the clock for the win.

Most of the game was a ground battle between Kingsland’s Beau Wiersma and Fertile-Beltrami’s Isaiah Wright.

Wiersma scored the lone touchdown of the first quarter on a 64-yard jaunt to the end zone. He added another score to cap off a drive to start the second quarter for a 14-0 Kingsland lead.

Beau Wiersma was tough to contain as he gained 297 yards in the game to help lead Kingsland to a 36-28 win.

But Fertile-Beltrami battled back with Wright scoring his first of four scores at the midway point of the second quarter. A failed two-point try made it a 14-6 game.

Wiersma then answered with his third TD of the game on a 12-yard score and a two-point conversion for a 22-6 halftime lead.

But the Falcons battled back again with Wright capping off their opening drive in the second half with a 55-yard TD run followed by a successful twopoint conversion for a 22-14 deficit.

Isaiah Wright rushed for 184 yards and four touchdowns for the Falcons.

But the Knights countered with Wiersma scoring on a 47-yard run and a 30-14 lead midway through the third quarter.

At that point it seemed like the game might be slipping away from the Fal-

Beau Wiersma was tough to contain as he gained 297 yards in the game to help lead Kingsland to a 36-28 win. PHOTOS BY BRYAN ZOLLMAN

cons, but once again they charged down the field and Wright capped off another drive with a 13-yard run and another conversion was good to make it a onescore game at 30-22.

In the fourth quarter the Knights decided to go through the air for their fifth and final score when quarterback Kaaleem Reiland hit Parker Johnson on a 10-yard pass. Johnson fumbled the ball at the goal line, and it was recovered by Fertile-Beltrami. But officials said Johnson did cross the plane of the goal, giving the Kings another two-possession lead at 36-22.

Parker Johnson lost the ball near the goal line, but officials ruled a touchdown for the Knights to help extend their lead to 36-22.

But Wright scored again on their next drive to make it 36-28 with plenty of time on the clock.

The Falcons just needed a stop and they got it when Caiden Swenby recovered a fumble on their own 29-yard line

Parker Johnson lost the ball near the goal line, but officials ruled a touchdown for the Knights to help extend their lead to 36-22.

with just under three minutes to play.

But the Knights came up with a big defensive play of their own when Howard picked off a Swenby pass to seal the win and punch the Knights’ ticket to next weekend’s 9-player Prep Bowl.

Wiersma finished the game with 297 yards on 29 carries. Reiland added 115 yards on 20 carries. He was also 4-for-9 passing for 50 yards and a touchdown.

Wright finished Kingsland’s Kaaleem Reiland gets past a Falcons defender. with 184 yards on 21 carries for the Falcons.

Swenby was 7-for-18 for 188 yards and Fertile-Beltrami finished their seatwo interceptions. Bryer Strem had three son 12-1. receptions for 146 yards.

Isaiah Wright rushed for 184 yards and four touchdowns for the Falcons.

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December 2, 2023

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CLASS AA SEMIFINAL: BARNESVILLE 38, JACKSON COUNTY CENTRAL 23

Barnesville wins turnover battle, game to advance to Prep Bowl Momentum shift in second half gives Trojans 38-23 win

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

Momentum is a fickle thing in football. It’s also elusive.

And turnovers are costly.

After a great first half in which they built a 15-6 lead, Jackson County Central received the ball to start the second half.

But on the first play from scrimmage sophomore quarterback Roman Voss was injured and minutes later carted off the field. Senior Brenan Runge, who played the first four games of the season while Voss recovered from an injury, came in to lead the offense.

But after a fumble, Barnseville took over possession on the Jackson County Central 37. On fourth down Zach Bredman hit Gannon Bolgrean on a 13-yard score. Barnesville quarterback Zachary Bredman celebrates a touchdown in Barnesville’s semifinal win over Jackson County Central.

A two-point conversion made it 15-14. More importantly, it created a momentum shift that Barnesville never relinquished.

After another JCC fumble, the Trojans responded with another 4th down conversion on a statue of liberty play with Bredman handing off to Cameron Halverson who scampered into the corner of the end zone for a 22-15 lead.

“I thought we played a heck of a first half,” said Jackson County Central Head Coach Tom Schuller. “We had a lot of adversity in the second half and we just couldn’t overcome it. You just can’t win football games with that many turnovers.”

Schuller said the statue of liberty play was “probably the play of the game.”

Barnesville carried the momentum the rest of the way adding two more touchdowns before Jackson County Central added a late score for a 38-23 final.

Barnesville’s Peyton Amundson caused two of the fumbles that led to Trojan touchdowns.

“I was just thinking we need the ball back,” he said. “I was just playing my game and I hit them and they dropped the ball twice.”

Bredman said the defense came up big, giving the Trojan offense great field position on consecutive possessions.

“Having a defense that can create turnovers is huge,” he said. “We rely on them. Once our offense is rolling we are tough to stop.”

Losing Voss was tough not just from a game standpoint, but an emotional one as well. He was carted off the field with what appeared could be a very serious injury. The players and coaches later learned that he was cleared of any neck injury, which was the concern as he was being carted off.

“It’s tough,” said senior running back Seth Stai on seeing his teamPHOTOS BY BRYAN ZOLLMAN mate go down. “He’s a big part of our offense and defense. He’s a wonSophomore QB Roman Voss gets gang tackled in the first half of Friday’s Class AA semifinal. Voss would derful athlete and wonderful kid. I’m just glad he’s okay. Sometimes life later suffer a serious injury early in the second half and was carted off the field. Head Coach Tom Schuller is bigger than football.” said after the game that Voss was cleared of a neck injury.

Left, Jackson County Central’s Seth Stai looks for a hole in Barnesville’s defense.

Right, Barnesville’s Cameron Halverson scored two touchdowns to lead the Trojans to a 38-23 win over Jackson County Central.

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CLASS AA SEMIFINAL: EDEN VALLEY-WATKINS 42, CANNON FALLS 24

Unfinished Business

Eden Valley-Watkins avenges last year’s semifinal loss with big win over Cannon Falls

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

PHOTOS BY BRYAN ZOLLMAN Senior QB Nolan Geislinger led Eden Valley-Watkins to a 42-24 win over Cannon Falls with 179 yards passing and 120 yards rushing.

Cannon Falls junior Jack Meyers tries to get to the edge on a punt return during the Bears loss to Eden Valley-Watkins.

A year removed from losing in the state semifinals to Chatfield, Eden Valley-Watkins has had their sights set on the state semifinal since the beginning of the season.

“This has been the goal,” said senior QB Nolan Geislinger.

Wyatt Moehrle scored four touchdowns and Geislinger threw three TD passes and ran for two more as Eden Valley-Watkins advanced to the 2A Prep Bowl with a 42-24 win over Cannon Falls in the semifinal game at U.S. Bank Stadium.

In the end the Bears couldn’t contain the outside speed of both Geislinger and Moehrle, and their Power T offense, while efficient, with a whopping 449 yards, wasn’t enough to overcome the big plays by the Eagles’ skilled seniors.

Moehrle had touchdowns from 28, 66, 22 and 51 yards out and Geislinger added a 66-yard run. Speed was the deciding factor.

“We knew we had the advantage on the outside and our players made blocks and it all opened up for us,” said Moehrle.

Trailing 8-6, the Eagles scored four straight touchdowns to lead 36-8.

“We have a lot of good football players we were able to get the ball to,” said Eagles Head Coach Adam Tri. “Those big plays were huge.”

Tri said Cannon Falls’ Power T offense is difficult to defend, but said it’s gotten easier over the years.

“It’s not as challenging as it was five or six years ago,” he said. “But they run it well and are tough to stop.”

While Moehrle had a big game offensively, he also had a big play on defense, blocking a punt deep in Cannon Falls territory that led to a touchdown.

“Coach saw the lane and told me to get the lane,” Moehrle said. “I just went up there and jumped.”

“That was one of the big plays to get momentum,” said Coach Tri. While the Bears were hoping to advance to the Prep Bowl, getting to the state tournament was an exciting experience.

“I’ve been watching these guys since they were little and they’ve been winners since day one,” said head coach Dan Meyers. “It’s just an amazing group of leaders. You just wish you could play another game with them.

We are just very proud.”

Dylan Banks led the Bears with 152 yards rushing on 22 carries and a touchdown. Derrik Bechtoldt has 127 yards on 16 carries and a score, and Sam Shepersky ran for 81 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown.

Moehrle finished with four catches for 170 yards and three TDs. He also ran in one touchdown. Geislinger had just five completions, but threw for 179 yards. He also ran for 120 yards on 12 carries and two touchdowns.

Both Geislinger and Moehrle said the goal since the beginning of the season was to be where they are at right now, on the cusp of winning a state championship. Now they get to face Barnesville for the state title.

“That was our goal going into it,” said Moehrle. “We knew we would be back and were gonna get it done this time.”

Said Geislinger: “We have some unfinished business.”

Eagles junior wide reciever Wyatt Moehrle (12) celebrates a touchdown with teammate carter Scheeler in Eden Valley-Watkins semifinal win over Cannon Falls. Moehrle had several big plays on the day including a blocked punt.

Cannon Falls RB Sam Shepersky tries to break free form an Eden Valley-Watkins defender.

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December 2, 2023

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CLASS AAA SEMIFINAL: ANNANDALE 24, DASSEL-COKATO 14

Annandale rushes their way into the State Championship game

by JACKSON BOLINE

Let’s Play Football Contributor

The Section 5AAA champion Annandale Cardinals (11-0) took on Section 3AAA champion Dassel Cokato (10-1) in the Class AAA State Semifinals at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Both teams were eliminated in their section playoffs in 2022, but this year, only one game stood in their way for a chance at the state title.

The Cardinals changed the momentum early, after a great drive by Dassel-Cokato, marching their way down to the Annandale 13-yard line before the Cardinals poked the ball loose and recovered it.

On the very next play, Nick Walter threw a dart to Thomas Westman, who ran it in for an 80-yard touchdown, giving Annandale an early 7-0 lead.

The Cardinals scored again in the second quarter, taking a 14-0 lead, but Dassel-Cokato marched down the field late in the first half, ending with Kobee Thielen flying around the edge to find the end zone and getting the Chargers back within one Both teams battled hard in the trenches, but in the end Annandale prevailed to advance to the Class AAA Prep Bowl. score.

The second half started with another long scoring drive by Annandale, something that they do well, as their head coach Matt Walters said in the quarterfinal game, “We could be aggressive and force throws more, but why? We play to win the game and if running the ball and taking time off the clock works we’re going to do it .”

Dassell-Cokato needed an answer and that is exactly what they got, as Monte Gillman, who had 116 yards rushing heading into the fourth quarter, found his way down to the 1-yard line, giving DC an easy shove into the end zone. The score was 21-14 and the Chargers got back within seven.

Although they let the Chargers creep their way back, Annandale did what they do best and took a good chunk out of the clock, marching down to the 1-yard line before having to settle for a field goal.

The Cardinals dwindled the clock to double zeroes and advanced to the state title game after a 24-14 win over their in-county rival Chargers.

“We have trust in our guys not to turn the ball over when we run, so when we want to chew some time off the clock, we can do it,” said Matt Walters.

The Cardinals’ defense had gone a stretch of four games where they have held teams to 15 points or less, Dassel-Cokato’s Kobee Thielen and this game was no different. rushed for one score in the “I don’t think our defense gets talked about loss. enough,” said Walter.

Annandale’s Joe Healy looks for open room in the Cardinals win over Dassel-Cokato.

PHOTOS BY JACKSON BOLINE Nick Walters looks downfield before throwing an 80-yard touchdown.

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CLASS AAAA SEMIFINAL: ROCORI 7, BYRON 0

Defense on Display Rocori’s lone score enough to defeat Byron

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

In about as evenly as a football game could be played, about midway through the third quarter between Section 1AAAA winner Byron (10-1) and Section 8AAAA winner Rocori (9-2), it was clear that whoever could score as much as a safety just might win the game.

Both defenses hounded each other’s offenses as both squads had a difficult time driving the ball down field.

Finally, late in the third quarter, Rocori got the ball on their 40-yard line and 13 plays and six minutes later senior quarterback Will Steil scored on a 2-yard run. It was all the Spartans would need as they won yet another close battle in their playoff journey that began with a 30-28 win in the section semifinals over Detroit Lakes. They followed that up with an upset victory over top-ranked

PHOTOS BY BRYAN ZOLLMAN Mr. Football finalist Will Steil helped lead Rocori back to the Prep Bowl just four years after his older brother, Jack, helped lead Rocori to a 4A title in 2019.

and undefeated Becker, 30-21.

Then in the state quarterfinals they outlasted Orono 28-27.

This time they defeated a Byron squad that was making their first state tournament appearance since 2003. The Bears played equally hard on both sides of the ball and like Rocori had trouble pushing the ball down field. Both teams performed especially well on special teams with punts that pinned their opponent deep in their own territory.

Trailing 7-0 Byron put together a marathon drive of their own that lasted 12 plays and five minutes but ended with an incomplete pass on fourth down from Rocori’s 33-yard line.

With 1:41 to play, Rocori was able to get a first down on 2nd and 8 and run out the clock to advance to their first Prep Bowl final since 2019 when they defeated current NBA star Jalen Suggs and SMB 22-21 in overtime.

Will Steil’s older brother, Jack, was the quarterback on that championship team.

Steil finished the game with 67 yards rushing. Teammate Anthony Rodriguez led the team with 82 yards including a huge 8-yard gain on 3rd and 4 on the winning drive. Another big play

on the game-winning drive was when Steil connected with Andy Pedroza on 3rd and 8 for a 10-yard reception and a first down. Steil was 11-for-13 passing for 75 yards.

Byron’s offense had similar numbers except for in the points column.

Kale Robinson was 13-for-20 for 73 yards passing and the team finished with 73 net yards rushing thanks to 2.5 sacks

by Rocori’s Dwight Kiffmeyer that helped stall Byron drives.

Byron finished their memorable season 10-2.

Rocori’s defense won the battle, shutting out a potent Byron offense in the 7-0 win.

Byron senior QB Kale Robinson unleashes a pass as a Rocori defender jumps up for a block.

Rocori lineman Jack Faber looks to create space for the Rocori offense in their 7-0 state semifinal win over Byron.

Senior wide receiver Austin Griffith tries to get out of the grasp of a Byron defender.

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December 2, 2023

11

CLASS AAAAAA SEMIFINAL: ANNANDALE 24, DASSEL-COKATO 14

Dream comes true for Centennial squad Cougars reach Prep Bowl for first time since 1984

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

Daylen Cummings completed just five passes Thursday night, but made the biggest completion of his life in the fourth quarter to a streaking Josh Lee that led to the game-winning touchdown in a 20-13 win over Lakeville South.

The win put the Cougars into the Prep Bowl final of the first time since 1984.

“It feels amazing,” said Cummings.

“This is a dream come true.”

The Cougars were coming off a 24-0 win over Rosemount in the quarterfinals, one year removed from the Irish beating them 27-0 last season to advance to the semifinals.

Centennial entered Thursday’s game against Lakeville South with a 10-1 record, their only loss coming to Maple Grove 4128 on Sept. 14. Maple Grove, meanwhile, was ousted by Edina, who will be Centennial’s opponent in the 6A P rep Bowl at US Bank Stadium.

Lakeville South, meanwhile, was coming off a 35-34 nail-biting win over East Ridge. Their only loss on the year coming in to this contest was against Rosemount, 22-21, on Oct. 6.

Due to the parity in 6A football this season, every game was anybody’s game.

Eden Prairie, who would lose on Friday night to Edina (who started the season 1-3) was the only unbeaten team in 6A coming into the playoffs.

Lakeville opened the scoring Thursday in the first quarter on a 45-yard TD run by Connor Cade on their second drive after a solid 16-yard punt return by Bo Bokman into Centennial territory.

After that first score, the defenses from both teams took over with just one first down allowed the rest of the quarter.

Finally, Centennial took over with seven minutes to go in the half. Cummings hit Lee on a 15-yard play on 3rd and 6 for their first first down of the game. Using a three-back set, Ty Burgoon, Brock Burgraff, Maverick Harper and Cummings ran six consecutive run plays capped off with an 8-yard TD run by Cummings. But their two-point conversion failed and they trailed 7-6.

The Cougars had another shot at the end zone late in the half, but Lakeville South’s Josh Bergan sacked Cummings on second and goal for a huge loss as time expired.

But the Cougar defense would also come up big early in the third quarter when Will Quick intercepted a Gaven Dean pass at the Centennial 28-yard line and returned the ball to the 41. That led to a 13-play drive, 12 of them runs, capped off again

by Cummings scoring from two yards out. The big play of the drive came when Centennial faced 4th and 7 on Lakeville South’s 44. Lakeville South was whistled for offsides giving Centennial 4th and 2 and the better option of running the ball, which Cummings did for a 6-yard gain and a first down.

But once again the two-point conversion failed and the third quarter ended with Centennial leading 12-7.

But Lakeville South battled back when Jonah Shrine busted through the right side of the Centennial defense on their 12th play of the drive and into the end zone on a 35-yard touchdown score.

A missed conversion gave Lakeville South a 13-12 lead with just under 11 minutes to play.

Centennial got the ball back on their own 25, but three plays later found themselves faced with 4th and 6 from their own 29-yard line. But they opted to go for it and Cummings made a Cousins-like throw down the middle of the field, just out of the reach of two Lakeville South defenders, hitting Lee in stride who sprinted into the end zone. The 71-yard score was capped off with a successful two-point conversion for a 20-13 lead.

“I have to give credit to our O-line,”

PHOTOS BY BRYAN ZOLLMAN The sideline erupted after officials measured a first down, ending the game and giving Centennial their first Prep Bowl appearance since 1984. said Cummings. “They gave me time to set my feet and deliver a good ball to Josh who ran a great route.”

But there was still 7:54 on the clock, plenty of time for Lakeville South to mount a comeback. They just needed one drive resulting in one score. But the Centennial defense stood tall, forcing a punt with 5:01 to play.

After not getting a first down in the first quarter, now was the time for the Centennial offense to strategically move the ball, which they did, converting on two fourth-down plays and more importantly eating up the remaining time in the game.

Lakeville South never got another chance to score. On 4th and 1 from their own 40 Centennial senior fullback Marcus Whiting barreled himself forward for a first down. Then on 4th and 9 from the Lakeville 37, Lakeville South was called for encroachment, making it 4th and 4.

Cummings then had his second biggest pass of the season when he hit Henrik Hiltner who was tackled near the first down marker.

An official measurement was ordered as the ball was placed near the Centennial sideline where coaches and players waited in anticipation. A first down and they were heading to the Prep Bowl. If they were short, Lakeville South still had time for a desperation drive.

The measurement marked a first down

as the Centennial sideline and fans erupted in cheer as the Cougars were headed to the Prep Bowl for the first time since the days of the old Metrodome.

Centennial racked up 354 total yards with 191 on the ground led

by Harper who had 63 yards on 18 carries. Burgoon had 50 yards on 10 carries and Burggraff 24 yards on four carries.

Lakeville South earned 152 yards on 35 carries led by Cade with 69 yards on Centennial QB Daylen Cummings marches into the end zone un12 rushes. Shrine touched. rushed for 43 yards and QB Dean had 32 yards on five carries. Gabriel Jacobson receivers with three catches for 121 yards. also had 23 yards on seven carries.

Burggraff also had a big catch for 38 yards.

Centennial’s Cummings rushed for Despite the slow start, Centennial 43 yards and scored twice and threw for finished with 16 first downs to Lakeville 163 yards on 5-for-10 throwing. Lee led South’s nine. They also almost doubled up on time of possession at 28:29 to Lakeville’s 15:02. They finished 4-for-5 on fourth down conversions.

Cummings gave credit to the team’s defensive effort in holding a talented Lakeville South squad to just 13 points.

“We started the game out rough on offense,” he said. “But after we got our feet underneath us we got rolling like we usually do. I have to give props to the defense for holding Lakeville while we figured it out on offense.”

Now they will have to figure out how to defeat an Edina team that nobody has been able to figure out for the past eight weeks. Either way, it’s an exciting time for Centennial football fans and players who are back in the Prep Bowl after almost four decades.

“The whole team and I have been working our butts off to get to this game,” said Cummings. “We are all very excited to be in it.”

Jonah Shrine races in for a touchdown for Lakeville South.

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December 2, 2023

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2023 Minnesota High School Football All Star Team

★ NORTH

NORTH ALL-STARS ROSTER HEAD COACH Jack Negen Robbinsdale Armstrong

ASSISTANT COACHES Darrell Salmi Stillwater

Chad Gustafson New LondonSpicer

Greg Spahn

Grand Rapids

Ryan Bartlet

White Bear Lake

Brian Remick Red Lake Falls

NORTH ROSTER # 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

First Logan Brayden Nolan Tanner Wyatt Zach Ryan Mason Tykeilan Dmario Kyle Luke Zashon Langden

Last Bunker Staples Geislinger Schmidt Osterbauer Bengtson Kangas Delzer Hyshaw-Moore Davenport Mages Dehnicke Rich College

Position LB OLB QB WR TE K WR RB DB RB DB WR DB OLB

Height 6'1 6'1 6' 5'11 6'4 5'8 6'4 6'1 6'2 5'8 6'3 6'4 6'2 6'4

Weight 200 195 175 175 225 160 180 200 198 157 195 205 190 225

High School Elk River Alexandria Eden Valley-Watkins Stillwater Buffalo Becker Win-E-Mac New London-Spicer Fridley Andover Osakis Andover Minneapolis North Robbinsdale Armstrong

14 15 16 17 18 20 21 24 30

Rory Marcus Mark Daylen Peyton Harrison Bryce Will Andy

DB DE LB QB WR OLB DB DB RB

5'10 6' 6'3 6' 6' 6'2 5'11 6'1 5'10

170 215 225 185 175 205 165 193 210

Minneapolis Patrick Henry Centennial Forest Lake Centennial Hermantown Rockford Foley Rocori Kimball Area

KhiJohnn

Wyatt Whiting Rendl Cummings Menzel Brun Gapinski Steil Becker CummingsColeman

31

WR

6'

185

Coon Rapids

33

Hunter

Kallstrom

TE (INJ)

6'4

225

Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg

33 40 41 42 46 52 55 56 57 58 59 65 67 69 70 71 72 73 77 78 89 97

Bryce Matthew Wyatt Brody Mason Evan Cadman Mitchell Azrie Joe Wyatt Elijah Grady Riley Sawyer Emerson Manny Owen Josh Isaac Tait (TJ) Zach

Rosewicz Heinen Gilmore O’Keefe Carrier Hatton Foley Wind Yeager Duerr Bell Claussen Minnerath Peters Rumohr Mandell Wilson Swedberg Dudgeon Cariveau Christensen Bentler

DE LB DE (INJ) FB LB OLB OL OL C C DL DL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL DL (INJ) DE DE

6'1 6'1 6'4 6'1 6'3 6'1 6'2 6'7 6'1 6'2 6'4 6' 6' 6'2 6'3 6'5 6'2 6'4 6'4 6'2 6'3 6'4

230 210 250 220 225 210 215 265 280 315 290 265 252 270 240 300 265 300 280 283 200 245

Stillwater Champlin Park Rogers Dilworth Glyndon Felton Detroit Lakes Mounds View St. Agnes Brainerd Minneapolis North St. Michael-Albertville Rogers Staples-Motley Rocori Pequot Lakes Alexandria Irondale Wayzata Totino-Grace Dilworth Glyndon-Felton Detroit Lakes Litchfield Two Harbors

North Team Coaches: Head Coach Jack Negen (Robbinsdale Armstrong), Darrell Salmi (Stillwater), Chad Gustafson (New London-Spicer),

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50th Annual

MINNESOTA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ALL-STAR GAME

Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 • Kickoff 1:00 p.m.

U.S. Bank Stadium 2023 Minnesota Highhigh School Football All Star Team Featuring the best school athletes from across the state!

★ SOUTH

SOUTH ALL-STARS ROSTER HEAD COACH Nick David Mound Westonka

ASSISTANT COACHES JJ Helget

Mankato West

Brad Johnson Fairmont

Dirk Wells

Lakeville South

Chris Mensink Fillmore Central

Joel Swanson Kasson Mantorville

SOUTH ROSTER # 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 33 35 50 52 54 55 57 59 62 63 75 76 77 78 79 94 97 98 99

First Quentin Sawyer Jayce Owen Ayden Landon Pierce Levi Teddy Antonio Bart Carter Maxwell Jalen Will Henry Will A.J. Ashton Joe Ryan Francis Mitch Savion Dylan Easton Sawyer Jacob Will Caleb Shane Will Jordan Anton Jared Kyan Jack Alex Michael Luke Mo Max Jide Keegan

Last Cobb-Butler Wilkie Kiehne Kemper Helder Danner Dols Pooley Knapp Menard McAninch Holcomb Woods Smith Peroutka Novak Washington Donovan Toll Hager Vosper O'Malley Seykora Hart Banks Suess DeSmet Schimek Roth Jannsen Engel-Mueller Sather Tornstrom Kadlec Fischer Rauk Hansen Dreher Oftedahl Speedling Saine Mogelson Abasiri Ryan

Position WR FB DB DB QB LB OLB DB TE DE QB WR RB WR DB TE DB K LB OLB LB RB OLB RB OLB DE TE OL DL LB DE C C OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DE DL DE DB

Height 5'9 5'11 6'3 6'1 6'2 6'2 6'4 5'10 6'3 6'3 6'1 5'9 5'10 6'1 5'11 6'4 6'1 6'1 6'2 6'4 6'3 6' 6' 5'11 6' 6'5 6'5 6'2 6' 6'4 5'10 6'1 6'2 6'3 6' 6'7 6'4 6'1 6'2 6'4 6'5 6'3 6'5 6'5

Weight 155 190 180 180 205 220 230 185 215 230 210 170 180 190 175 210 192 185 225 205 210 235 200 196 195 225 205 215 235 230 195 275 240 315 220 275 245 270 280 250 265 260 265 205

High School Woodbury Lakeville North Fillmore Central Edina Stewartville Rosemount Minneapolis Washburn Fairmont St. Thomas Academy Lakeville North Mankato West Rochester Mayo Chanhassen Mankato West Rosemount New Prague Apple Valley La Crescent-Hokah Springfield Lakeville South Shakopee Montevideo Owatonna St. Thomas Academy Cannon Falls Kasson Mantorville Minneota St. Clair/Loyola Rochester Lourdes Stewartville Waseca Eden Prairie Caledonia Hutchinson Edgerton Northfield Eagan St. Paul Central Mound Westonka Minnetonka Eden Prairie Two Rivers Prior Lake Lake City

South Team Coaches: Head Coach Nick David (Mound Westonka), JJ Helget (Mankato West), Brad Johnson (Fairmont),

13

14

December 2, 2023

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9-PLAYER CHAMPIONSHIP: NEVIS 14, KINGSLAND 12

Nevis has a new title – STATE CHAMPION Tigers win school’s first state title

by MALIK MITCHELL

Let’s Play Football Contributor

“State Champion.”

When the kids strap on their shoulder pads in mid-August and coaches grab their clipboard and press play for another late night of watching film, the term “state champion” lingers somewhere in their minds, much like the term millionaire lingers when someone buys a lottery ticket.

It might happen…it could happen, but it likely won’t happen.

To have that label plastered onto your resume for the rest of your life, so many things have to come together.

When one thinks of all those things it almost seems easier for six random numbers to be drawn matching your ticket.

For the Nevis Tigers, no student-athlete in the school’s history has been able to call themselves a state champion.

Until now.

A group of 32 players are now state champions after the Tigers defeated Kingsland 14-12 in the 9-player Prep Bowl.

Despite just 97 yards of total offense, the Tigers were able to hold off a Kingsland offense that gained 348 yards of total offense. A missed two-point conversion, a fumble and a fourth-down stop were the Achilles heel for King-

sland who dominated the game in most facets except for the final score.

Nevis got the ball first but quarterback Eli Lewis was sacked twice in a three and out as the Tigers were forced to punt. Kingsland opened the scoring on their first drive of the game when Kaaleem Reiland hit Ayden Howard on a 52-yard touchdown pass and after a missed two-point conversion, a 6-0 lead.

With the quick score it looked as though it could be a shootout, and maybe even a blowout.

But Nevis responded with a solid drive on their next possession thanks to a solid return of 42 yards by Ayomide Ogundeji to the Nevis 49 yard-line.

Lewis then hit Joe Houchin on a 48-yard pass for first and goal. Lewis then ran in for a touchdown and the extra point

by Josha Sammons gave the Tigers a 7-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter was filled with three and outs by both squads, and again it was a solid punt return that led to a scoring drive for Nevis. Houchin returned a 33-yard punt 12 yards to the Kingsland 38. Ogenduji followed with a run of six yards and a run of 32 yards for a touchdown. Another kick made it a 14-6 lead at the half.

Kingsland controlled play in the third quarter with 9:12 of possession and six first downs. Rieland capped off a 10play 67-yard drive with a 5-yard touch-

It was an emotional win for the Nevis players and coaches, who brought the community their first state championship in school history.

PHOTOS BY JACKSON BOLINE Ayomide Ogundeji rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown to lead Nevis to their first state championship in school history.

down run. But another failed conversion kept the score 14-12.

In the fourth quarter Kingsland had the ball on the Nevis 18 when they fumbled. On their next drive with just over two minutes to go they were faced with a fourth and goal when the Nevis defense stepped up and made the stop, giving them the ball back with 2:04 to play. They needed one first down to secure the win and got it when Ogundeji scampered ahead for 11 yards. Lewis then took a knee twice to run out the clock and give the Tigers the new title of state champions.

“Defense wins championships,” said Nevis Head Coach Shawn Klimek.

“This defense made me change how I coach football.”

Lewis said he appreciated the community support. One thing that makes small town football great is that whenever there is a game the entire town usu-

ally shows up. At this game, there were even more Nevis supporters.

“Our community is great,” said Lewis. “Our town has 400 people, but there was a lot more than 400 in the stands today.”

While the win gives the Nevis players and coaches a new title. It also gives the town a new slogan.

“Welcome to Nevis, Minnesota, Home of the 2023 9-Player State Champions.”

Kingsland 6 0 6 0 – 12 Nevis 7 7 0 0 – 14 Rushing: Kingsland – Beau Wiersma 28162, Kaaleem Reiland 21-68. Nevis – Ayomide Ogejundi 17-74-TD, Eli Lewis 6-(-)8, TD. Passing: Kingsland – Reiland 9-16-1-117TD, Lewis 2-8-0-47.

Receiving: Ayden Howard 5-95-TD, Samuel Howard 2-12, Wiersma 2-4. Nevis – Houchin 1-48.

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December 2, 2023

15

CLASS A CHAMPIONSHIP: MINNEOTA 43, SPRINGFIELD 22

Ready and steady

Minneota claims second straight Class A title and fourth in seven years

by MALIK MITCHELL

Let’s Play Football Contributor

“We ready, we ready, we ready for y’all!”

That was the Minneota Vikings chant as they took the field against the Springfield Tigers Friday morning in the Class A Prep Bowl. It was a rematch of the 2022 Prep Bowl when Minneota won 38-21. It was Minneota’s third consecutive Class A title game and their second back-to-back title run (they also won titles in 2016 and 2017), giving them four titles in the past seven years.

This year the result was similar as the Vikings ran past the Tigers, taking advantage of several turnovers and getting five touchdowns from junior running back Ryan Meagher to win 43-22.

They didn’t waste time in setting the tone, taking a big shot on the first play of the game on a trick play with a wideopen man downfield. Although the ball was overthrown it was a sneak peek at what the Vikings had in store.

Junior running back Ryan Meagher did the groundwork leading Minneota downfield on the opening drive. But Springfield stayed poised and forced a fumble on the 3-yard line. But on the next drive, Meagher struck back with a 25-yard gain to land them in the red zone and finished the drive with a touchdown and a 7-0 lead with 5:37 left in the 1st quarter.

Not to be outdone, Springfield responded with their passing game, creating some momentum. With a huge 15-yard penalty that put them on the 18yard line, Samuel Rummel tried rumbling his way into the end zone but fumbled and was recovered by Minneota’s Alex Depastel on the 5-yard line, halting an impressive response to Minneota’s first score.

In the second quarter, Springfields’ defensive line tried to keep up with Minnesota’s sound offensive line. Minneota’s offensive front created running room for Meagher and Junior Destin Fier to thrive in the backfield. An offside penalty led to a 4th & 1, which led to Fier speeding to the outside and scoring the Vikings second touchdown on the day with eight minutes left in the 2nd quarter. The Vikings defense then began showing their dominance giving their offense another chance to put points up on the board. After stopping the Tigers, they picked up a huge gain after Ryan Dalager completed a short pass to Sawyer DeSmet for 23 yards, landing them on the 26-yard line. On first down, the

Minneota players held up one finger for the second time in as many years as they repeated as state champions in Class A with a 38-21 win over Springfield.

Vikings offensive line created a big hole for Meagher to stride 21 yards for a 21-0 lead. After another defensive stop, Springfield was forced to punt, but Carter Olsen dropped the snap that was recovered by Alex DePestel with 2:39 left to play in the quarter. Minneota set up on Springfields’ 37-yard line and with incredible blocking, Meagher found his way in the end zone for a 7-yard touchdown and a 29-0 lead. Hanging in there, Springfields’ passing game marched them downfield on a 7-play 67-yard drive ending with Senior Jakob Nachreiner throwing a short touchdown pass to Brayden Sturm to make it 29-6 at the half.

In the 3rd quarter, Minneota’s defense continued to be a force as Kaden Neyens recovered a fumble at the Springfield 1-yard line. It was Springfields’ fourth fumble of the day. Meagher finished what the defense started diving in for his fourth touchdown on the day as the Vikings led 36-6.

In the fourth quarter, Minneota’s defensive line struck again. DePestel tracked down Nachreiner to back them up for a 4th & 14th, later holding Springfields’ offense to a turnover yet again.

Still trying to exercise the passing game, Springfield’s Nachreiner hit senior Car-

Minneota’s Sawyer DeSmet takes down Springfield quarterback Jakob Nachreiner.

ter Olson after a nice in-route making it 36-14 after a successful 2-point conversion. The Vikings responded on the first play of the next drive with Meagher scoring a 48-yard touchdown to extend their lead 43-14 with six minutes left to play. Meagher became the third player in Prep Bowl history to score five touchdowns in a game. Refusing to give up, Springfield continued to fight with urgency, scoring in nine plays for 64 yards in two minutes to cut Minneota’s lead to 43-22.

But time was not on their side as

Minneota claimed the Class A title with a 43-22 win.

Nachreiner completed 17 passes for 239 yards and three touchdowns for the Tigers. Sturm caught two touchdown passes and Carter Olson finished with nine catches for 163 yards and a touchdown.

Meagher finished with 199 yards on 29 carries and five scores. Fier finished with 77 yards and a touchdown as the Vikings finished with 362 yards of total offense to Springfield’s 277.

PHOTOS BY JACKSON BOLINE Minneota’s Ryan Meagher was tough to catch as he ran for five touchdowns to lead the Vikings to their second straight Class A title in a 44-23 win over Springfield.

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December 2, 2023

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CLASS AA CHAMPIONSHIP: EDEN VALLEY-WATKINS 24, BARNESVILLE 6

Eden Valley-Watkins puts it all together Eagles take down defending champion Barnesville for AA title

by TOM FENTON

Let’s Play Football Contributor

Other than celebrating with his players, Eden Valley-Watkins football coach Adam Tri had another thing on his mind minutes after his team won the Minnesota State High School League Class AA football championship – shopping for sunscreen.

“This kid’s dad promised the whole coaching staff a trip to Florida if we won a state championship,” Tri said as he pointed at senior quarterback Nolan Geislinger. “I’m going to call him. I’m getting that trip.”

Tri’s Eagles did just about everything right in their Prep Bowl championship game Nov. 24 at U.S. Bank Stadium, forcing five turnovers on their way to a 24-6 victory over defending cham-

pion and top-ranked Barnesville.

The win carried extra meaning for Tri, a standout receiver for EV-W until graduating in 2004. His father, Ray, coached the Eagles to the 2005 Class AA state title after the program was runner-up in 2004.

“It makes you appreciate how hard it is to do this,” Tri said. “It’s not easy.

You’ve got so much respect for these teams and you appreciate the moments.”

Barnesville defeated Chatfield for the 2022 title and was making its seventh straight appearance in the state tournament. EV-W, which averaged 45 points per game, lost to Chatfield in the 2002 state semifinals.

The Eagles did it with an offense that took advantage of their opportunities and a defense that did not allow a touchdown until the third quarter against a Barnesville team that averaged 46

PHOTOS BY JACKSON BOLINE Wyatt Moehrle breaks free in Eden Valley-Watkins championship win over Barnesville.

points a game and outscored its opponents 386-6 from Week 4 of the regular season through the Section 8AA semifinals.

The tone of the game was set early when the EV-W defense forced Barnesville to punt twice before it gained a first down. That just doesn’t happen against the Trojans.

“We just had to be relentless and attack their traps,” said Noah Stommes, a two-way force on both lines. “If you can stop the traps, we knew we were quick enough to get to the outside on them.”

The EV-W offense started quickly when Geislinger found 6-foot-4 receiver Wyatt Moehrle for a 7-yard touchdown on the game’s opening drive. They also connected on touchdown passes of 55 yards in the third quarter and again on a 22-yarder with 4 minutes, 56 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to seal it.

Moehrle finished with five receptions for 92 yards against a stingy Barnesville defense.

“We had our best defensive back on him,” Barnesville coach Bryan Strand said. “But he’s just bigger and he was able to out-jump us.”

Geislinger also rushed for 90 yards on 17 carries, the most important in the form of a 36-yard touchdown run that proved to be the game-winner.

“I knew (Moehrle) is so good and they couldn’t stop him,” said Geislinger,

who completed 7 of 13 passes for 113 yards. “We struggled a bit for a while but when we started to connect, I just had to get him the ball. It’s a magical feeling.

This is what you dream of. It’s definitely the biggest moment of our lives. There’s nothing like this. It’s just great.”

Barnesville’s lone score came from junior running back Gannon Bolgrean on an 8-yard run on the opening drive of the second half. Bolgrean finished with 150 yards on 20 carries.

The EV-W defense, however, did not allow Barnesville many other chances. A big reason why was senior defensive back Nolan Haag, whose three interceptions tied a Prep Bowl record held by other six others. That feat had not been accomplished since 2014.

“We haven’t had a game like that with so many turnovers all season, and we picked the wrong game to do it in,” Strand said. “We just didn’t make the plays when we absolutely had to. These kids are not used to losing. It stings a lot.”

Landon Neiman also had an interception for the Eagles, who finished 130. The Trojans finished 13-1.

“It was a great game against a wellcoached Barnesville team,” Tri said “Obviously, Barnesville is a tough team to stop. But I’m super-proud of the way our guys competed. Our guys executed on a high level.”

Nolan Geislinger tries to evade a slew of Barnesville linemen as he looks for an open receiver.

Max Geislinger tries to get the angle on Barnesville’s Gannon Bolgrean in the Eagles 24-6 win to claim the Class AA title.

Nolan Haag tied a Prep Bowl record with three interceptions as Eden Valley-Watkins defeated Barnesville for the Class AA title.

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CLASS AAA CHAMPIONSHIP: STEWARTVILLE 43, ANNANDALE 13

Stewartville wins first title in program history Tigers had dominating season on both sides of the ball

by MALIK MITCHELL

Let’s Play Football Contributor

To get an idea of how dominant Stewartville was in Class AAA football this season, one needs to look at just one stat: The Tigers had more wins than touchdowns allowed.

After dropping down to Class 3A from 4A, it didn’t take long for Stewarville to win their first state title in program history after defeating Annandale 43-13 Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Their last appearance in a state championship game was 1986.

The Tigers broke the game open in the fourth quarter after scoring two touchdowns just 21 seconds apart.

Both teams battled back and forth early on.

Stewartville senior quarterback Ayden Helder created a good offensive tempo during their first drive.

Helder connected with junior Parker Wangen for 22 yards to get them to Annandale’s 28. A couple of plays later, he threw a screen pass to senior Carter Miller, his blockers creating a wide-open path for a 17-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

Annandale looked to the run game early as Nick Olsen showed his strength breaking three tackles and going 21 yards on the second play of their first offensive drive. After several first downs, they found themselves at the goal line and Connor Lampi easily trotted into the endzone to tie the contest 7-7 with two minutes left in the 1st quarter.

Shortly after transitioning to the second quarter, it was an unsuccessful drive for Annandale without a push on the offensive line. While Stewartville disrupted their offensive run strategy, Miller remained a potent offensive weapon in the backfield, effectively accelerating through holes. He took an end around, cutting inside, and ran a defender over into the end zone after landing them on the 4-yard line. After the drive, he had a total of 100 yards, 14 carries, and two touchdowns with still four minutes left in the quarter. The Tigers went into the half 14-7 with 238 total offensive yards while holding the Cardinals to 84.

“Stewartville got their momentum and never gave it up, and they are best when they get early momentum in games,” said Annandale lineman Vince Rasset.

Coming out of the break, Annandale’s offense con-

Stewartville brought home their first state title a year after dropping down from Class AAAA to Class AAA.

tinued to struggle, mainly with the pass. On a 3rd and 10, Nick Walter tried throwing a screen pass but was tipped by Stewartville’s defensive linemen. Walter caught the ball in mid-air and launched it downfield, only for it to be intercepted by junior Jayce Klug.

The Tiger’s offense continued to thrive both on the ground and in the air.

The offensive line created space and time for Helder and for receivers to get open. Two short passes and a couple of good runs landed them in Cardinal territory. Miller scored his third touchdown of the game PHOTOS BY JACKSON BOLINE after blasting up the mid- Senior QB Ayden Helder celebrates Stewartville’s first state football championship. dle untouched. Stewartville went up 21-7 with under five minutes left in the 3rd quarter, still plenty of time, opponents on the season 583-76. however, for Annandale to mount a comeback.

Stewartville head coach Garrett Mueller said it truGoing into the 4th quarter, Stewartville’s fast dely was a team effort from day one. fense persisted to give Annandale’s offense trouble.

“We have great depth on offense, defense, and speWalter threw a quick pass to Lampi as he was swarmed cial teams,” he said. “We are able to play many different and hit hard, coughing up the football that was recovtypes of schemes because we have trust in everyone on ered by senior Tegan Malone at Annandale’s 29. Once the roster.” more, the Tigers utilized the passing game. Helder, unIn the end, the Tigers were just too much to handle pressured, found Blake Turner for a 12-yard pass to get for the Cardinals who put together a great season and them to the 2-yard line. Helder finished the drive with finished 12-1. a QB sneak for Stewartville to go up 29-7 after a two“They’re big, they’re physical,” said Annandale point conversion.

Head Coach Matt Walter. “We had a couple bad drives, They kept the ball rolling on defense with Klug and as coaches we know we didn’t do a good job stickgetting his second interception. Refusing to slow down, ing to the game plan.” they aired it out on the first play of the next drive with Miller had 144 yards on 24 carries and two touchHelder throwing a bomb to Malone for a 44-yard touchdowns to lead the Tigers to their first title. Helder had down extending their lead 36-7. eight rushes for 31 yards and a touchdown and also Stewartville threw for 206 yards and two scores. Helder is one of 10 scored again with finalists for the Mr. Football Award. senior Tarin Conlin, “It’s still surreal to me to be a state champ and a who had four carries Mr. Football finalist,” said Helder when asked about it for 48 yards on the postgame. “It’s very special and I will always be proud drive, following the of those moments, but I have my team to thank all year. use of three different At the end of the day we’re a family.” running backs. With While it is Stewartville’s first state title as a football six seconds remaining program, it was Mueller’s second having won as a playin the game, the Carer in Wisconsin. dinals scored in their “It feels amazing,” he said. “I won a state title as final attempt. player but to do it as a coach is maybe more special. The In the end, the thing I’m most proud of of this group is the impact they Stewartville Tigers have on the community.” defeated the AnnanStewartville 7 7 7 22 – 43 dale Cardinals 43-13 Annandale 7 0 0 6 – 13 in dominant fashion, Rushing: Stewartville – Carter Miller 24-144-2TD, Ayden something they have Helder 8-31-TD, Tarin Conlin 4-48-TD. Annandale: Connor done to opponents all Lampi 7-20-TD, Nick Walter 10-29, Nick Olson 2-24. season.

Passing: Stewartville – Helder 15-23-0-206-2TD. Annandale – Mike Kovall 4-6-0-72-TD, Nick Walter 7-15-2-42-0.

The win was their Receiving: Stewartville – Tegan Malone 1-44-TD, Parker 14th and in those 14 Wangen 3-39, Henry Tschetter 5-74, Carter Miller 2-13-TD. games they allowed Annandale – Joe Healy 1-10, Isaak Eenhuis 1-39, Brandon just 11 touchdowns Valdez 1-4, Thomas Westman 1-9, Jack Danzeisen 1-4, to be scored against Gabe Westman 2-29-TD, Brandon cooper 2-11, Connor Annandale’s Bryan Martinez readies himself as Stewartville’s Parker Wangen gets ready to kick them. They outscored Lampi 2-8. off.

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CLASS AAAA CHAMPIONSHIP: HUTCHINSON 14, ROCORI 6

Hutchinson win adds to family prestige

by TOM FENTON

Let’s Play Football Contributor

Andy Rostberg contemplated a question from a media member after his Hutchinson football team won yet another state football championship.

His team’s 14-6 win over Rocori in the Class AAAA Prep Bowl was Rostberg’s fourth in his 25 seasons as head coach of one of Minnesota’s premier programs. It also gave Andy bragging rights over his 84-year-old father, Grady, who established the Tigers as a perennial power and won three state titles during his historic tenure.

Two of Hutchinson’s titles came in 1983 and ’84 while Andy was a standout quarterback before large Metrodome crowds in the Prep Bowl’s formative

years.

“There’s probably no one happier than my dad,” said Andy Rostberg.

“Wait. I take that back. My mom (Sharon) is probably happier.”

Family bragging rights aside, the Tigers win came in a game where yards were at a premium and points were even more precious.

“We’d have a three-yard run and people would cheer,” Rostberg said. “It was tough sledding in there.”

That’s the type of game it was, yet no one was surprised. Rocori handed one of Hutchinson’s two regular-season losses, defeating the Tigers 11-0 on the road Sept. 22. The Tigers’ other loss was a 21-20 decision to Becker, which was ranked No. 1 in Class AAAA for most of the season.

Hutchinson was without quarter-

PHOTOS BY JACKSON BOLINE Rocori’s Grant Tylutki returns a punt for Rocori who battled for field position all night against a tough Hutchinson defense.

Hutchinson fans were full of cheers as they won their second title in three years.

back Logan Butler for the majority of that regular-season loss, but he returned with a stellar and workmanlike performance in the Prep Bowl, completing 6 of 10 passes for 75 yards. For Hutchinson, that’s a lot of passing.

“We like to throw,” Rostberg said.

“The difference in this was Rocori made us throw when they knew we had to throw.”

On the flip-side, Rocori lost junior defensive back Grant Tylutki to a concussion in the first quarter of title game that was an impressive display of speed and intensity on both sides of the ball.

His loss was noticeable, though no one made excuses, which is the mantra of two coaches who have earned mutual respect in a district that seemingly always puts two teams in the state semifinals.

“This is the best feeling in the world,” said Hutchinson senior running back-linebacker Carter Verhasselt, who rushed for 75 hard-fought yards on 16 carries. “Getting all the way here after losing last year is pretty special.”

Charlie Renner’s 3-yard run with 3 minutes, 28 seconds left in the first half gave Hutchinson a precarious 6-0 halftime lead.

The Spartans thew a curveball into the game plan on their first drive of the second half, airing it out and quickly tying the game on a 67-yard connection from senior quarterback Will Steil to sophomore receiver Caleb Maddox.

Hutchinson’s eventual game-winning drive was effective, methodical and exciting when it needed to be. The Tigers 15-play, 66-yard drive included two fourth-down conversions, the latter of which came on fourth-and-3 from the Rocori 14-yard line when the Tigers forced a Rocori off-side penalty.

Renner’s 2-yard run on the next play sealed another notch in Hutchinson’s impressive state tournament championship belt.

“To be honest, I really don’t care about the loss,” said Rocori coach James Herberg, who led his Rocori team to a dramatic win over SMB for the 2019 title. “They poured everything into this program, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.

“Our defense played well enough to win this game, but Hutchinson is an awfully good football team. I’m a grown adult and I don’t get inspired by kids a lot, but there isn’t a group of guys who have inspired me as much as these guys did.”

The Tigers were coming off a loss to Simley in last year’s Prep Bowl.

Nathan Thode was a massive workhorse for the Tigers as he was all season, finishing with 92 yards on 18 carries.

The Tiger know their fans are both loyal and greedy. They want and expect state tournament runs, which is part of the deal when players put on the black and gold uniforms. Rostberg told them to enjoy their moment of being state champions for 2023.

For standouts like Lipke, this feeling will not soon dissipate.

“We work all off-season for this,” said senior linebacker-tight end Andrew Lipke, who played with a broken thumb.

“We were motivated for this. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing basketball or hockey, you’re still lifting and playing for football in Hutchinson. It’s a sigh of relief. The guys among us, we knew we were good. We knew we could do this.

But to finally go out and do it is pretty awesome.”

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CLASS AAAAA CHAMPIONSHIP: CHANHASSEN 34, ST. THOMAS ACADEMY 31 OT

Storm thunders to first state title

Chanhassen wins 5A title on final play

by MALIK MITCHELL

Let’s Play Football Contributor

Daxton Bush is one of 34 seniors who will go down in history as the first football team at Chanhassen High School to become state champions.

And years from now he will have someone to reminisce about the legendary 34-31 overtime win over St. Thomas Academy. That’s because his little brother, Kade, was the one who scored the game winning touchdown.

“There’s not a better feeling than seeing my little brother go out and score the state championship winning TD,” said Daxton.

After St. Thomas Academy broke a 28-28 tie with a 26-yard field goal, Chanhassen was faced with fourth and goal from the 2-yard line and instead of kicking a field goal to force a second OT, opted to go for the win. Senior QB Brayden Windschitl, out of the shotgun, hit Kade Bush in the end zone, giving the Storm the win and their first state title in their first state tournament appearance in program history.

The game mirrored the previous night’s Class 6A match up where two evenly matched teams few thought would be the last two teams standing played until the final buzzer with a last-minute play deciding the game. Then it was Edina going for the win down one, but coming up short. Chanhassen was more fortunate and capped off their undefeated season while St. Thomas Academy finished 103.

“Both are great teams,” said STA star running back and Mr. Football finalist Savion Hart. “We fought to the end, we feel good that we fought as hard as you can. Nobody expected us to be here.”

Hart’s Mr. Football counterpart was Chanhassen’s Maxwell Woods, also up for the award for the state’s top senior player.

Woods got the Storm brewing, taking a pitch and making two guys miss, he broke to the outside and went all the way for 76 yards. The Storm offense moved with urgency after going 80 yards in two plays.

The Storm touchdown came after an opening drive for the Cadets that took 9:37 off the clock and consisted of 16 plays and 71 yards. On 4th and Goal, however, STA was whistled for delay of game and then missed a field goal attempt.

The quarter ended with Chanhassen leading 7-0.

The Cadets tied it early in the second quarter on an 11-play, 86-yard drive where Hart carried most of the workload, accumulating more than 50 yards on the drive. The big play came when senior QB Max Sims found senior Luke Dobbs on a 22-yard deep throw down the middle to give the Cadets a critical first down when facing 4th and 18. Hart capped off the drive by shifting his way into the end zone for a 12-yard rushing touchdown with under four minutes left to play. The Cadets had 242 total yards in the first half courtesy of Hart’s 18 carries, 132 rushing yards, and one touchdown.

The Storm kept their composure as Woods took a handoff on 3rd and 10 and accelerated for 58 yards to put Chanhassen on St. Thomas’ 12-yard line. Windschitl finished off the drive with a 1-yard score and a Hayden McDaniel kick gave the Storm a 14-7 cushion to end the half.

The Woods vs. Hart battle was raging as Woods garnered 156 rushing yards in the first half to Hart’s 132. However, the Cadets had 15 first downs to Chanhassen’s 9-yard line, yet trailed 14-7.

St. Thomas came out of the locker room trying to get some momentum with an onside kick that was recovered by Chanhassen on their 49. It shortened the field for Woods, who went back to work on the ground getting a crucial 17yard run. Shortly after, on the 10-yard line, Woods finished what he started, escaping a defender and going head up with another at the goal line to score a touchdown and give the Storm a 21-7 lead.

To break through their offensive rut, the Cadets turned to the passing game. After making two passes to Dobbs for 11 and 18 yards, Sims sent a floating pass to junior Chase Young for 34 yards, landing on Chanhassen’s 2-yard line.

With five minutes remaining in the third quarter, he found Dobbs again in the right corner of the end zone, cutting Chanhassen’s lead to 21-14.

The teams traded possessions as the defenses stood their ground. Things picked back up offensively for the Cadets with around nine minutes to play. The tireless Hart ran hard again, carrying the ball 10 times on a 12-play drive.

On 4th and 1 from the Chanhassen 7-yard line, Hart collided hard with a defender, but fought hard for the first down to keep the drive alive. On the next play Hart scored his second touchdown of the day, but after a failed two-point conversion, the Cadets trailed the Storm 21-20.

The Storm had a hard time offensively on the next drive as the Cadet’s defense played stout. They managed

Chanhassen won their first state title in their first state tournament appearance as a football program. to put the Storm in a 3rd and 13 situation but senior Daxton Bush took a reverse and jetted out to the right hash shedding a defender before trotting into the end zone 62 yards later. Chanhassen extended their lead to 28-20 with two minutes left to go in the game.

It only took 1:11 for the Cadets to drive down the field. Sims hit Dobbs, Chase Young, and Nichael Stavseth with multiple passes to get them to the Chanhassen 15yard line. Sims then threw his second touchdown pass of the day to Young, making the score at 28-26.

A two-point conversion by Hart resulted in the first-ever overtime match in the history of the 5A Prep Bowl as the teams were deadlocked at 28-28.

The Cadets kicked the field goal on the first possession of overtime, which led to the game-winning score that almost didn’t hapPHOTOS BY JACKSON BOLINE pen. That’s because the sure-handed Mr. Football finalist Savion Hart led the Cadets with 226 yards rushing and two touchand fleet-footed Woods fumbled not downs. once, but twice in the final drive. His first fumble was recovered by Kade Bush, giving the younger Bush not one, but two huge plays in the overtime. Moments later he caught his only pass on the night as the Storm faithful erupted with thunderous cheers with the thrilling victory.

The game was an instant classic as two teams and two premiere running backs went toe-to-toe beyond 60 minutes to decide who would raise the 5A trophy in the end.

Woods and Hart both applauded the other team’s effort after the hard-fought battle.

“They forced us to play our best game,” said Woods. “Credit to them for being a great team.”

“This is the most physical game that I can say I’ve had this year,” Hart said. “In games like this, you have to do everything 100 percent.”

Woods finished with 215 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns.

Hart finished with 37 carries for 231 yards and also scored twice.

STA quarterback Max Sims also turned in a solid performance Chanhassen’s Maxwell Woods led the charge for the Storm with 215 yards rushing with 19 completions for 239 yards and two touchdowns. and two touchdowns. Dobbs led all teams fought until the very end, a credit to the players and receivers with 11 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown. coaching staffs on remarkable seasons, a season that literYoung had two catches for 42 yards and a score. ally came down to one final play.

Chanhassen QB Windschitl was efficient with a 7-for“Our kids have done a good job in preparing and ad12 night for 57 yards and a lone touchdown on the final justing,” said Chanhassen Head Coach Cullen Nelson. “Evplay of the evening. In a game where Woods and Daxton eryone works really hard and does the right thing. We talk Bush (3 carries for 77 yards and a touchdown) carried the about playing until they turn the lights off.” offense on its backs with close to 300 yards rushing, it was The lights have since been turned off, but the spotWindschitl and Kade Bush who made the biggest play at light will continue to shine on the Chanhassen Storm, 2023 the biggest time.

Class 5A State Champions.

If the two teams played 10 times, they may go 5-5.

But tonight it was Chanhassen’s turn to make history. Both

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December 2, 2023

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CLASS AAAAAA CHAMPIONSHIP: CENTENNIAL 28, EDINA 27

A game of inches, a game to remember

Centennial wins 6A title after Edina falls short on final play

by MALIK MITCHELL

Let’s Play Football Contributor

The Minnesota Prep Bowl never disappoints.

Two Class 6A teams who nobody would have expected to be playing on Thanksgiving weekend suddenly found themselves holding their collective breath as officials reviewed a two-point conversion at the end of the game.

After scoring a touchdown with 16 seconds left to make the game 28-27, Edina decided to go for the win and attempt a two-point conversion, only to find out that football truly is a game of inches as they fell a couple inches short of the goal line.

That meant Centennial, a team that defied its own odds in getting to the title game, was the 2023 Class 6A Champion.

The Cougars came into the game with just one loss, but their regular season schedule included just two teams who finished the season in the top 10, No. 10 Anoka and No. 7 Maple Grove, who beat the Cougars 41-28. Their regular season opponents were a collective 32-43 on the season.

In the playoffs the Cougars needed overtime to defeat a 5-4 Prior Lake team.

Then after a win over Rosemount, they were faced with their toughest opponent yet, No. 3-ranked Lakeville South, who they beat 20-13 to reach the Prep Bowl against an even unlikelier opponent: the Hornets.

Edina started the season 1-3 before slowly transitioning into the hottest team in 6A football down the stretch, taking out the likes of Stillwater and top-ranked Eden Prairie in the state semifinals with a convincing 28-7 win.

Both the Hornets and Cougars colliding in the Prep Bowl meant two things: the parity in 6A football was as prevalent as it has been in recent memory, and two, there was no clear favorite heading into the final match up.

This was great for high school football fans, and boy did the two teams live up to the billing of what the Prep Bowl is all about.

Centennial, with a talented quarterback and strong running game, looked to flex their muscles early. Edina, with a sophomore quarterback who plays more like a senior, a tough-as-nails running back and a relentless defense, also looked to set the tone early.

Both teams showed their defensive strength in the first quarter as they stopped each other on crucial 4th and short situations. On the Cougars’ second drive, senior Ty Burgoon exploded out of the

PHOTOS BY JACKSON BOLINE Centennial quarterback Daylen Cummings reaches the end zone in what turned out to be a game of inches in the Class AAAAAA Prep Bowl

backfield for a 15-yard gain that sparked a dump pass to senior Marcus Whiting to put them in the red zone. Whiting’s name would be called again, this time from the backfield as he powered his way through for 12 yards for a 1st and goal situation, which he finished off on the 13th play of the drive for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

The Cougar’s defense continued to be stingy after senior Josh Lee intercepted a Mason West pass on the next drive. Centennial’s offense continued to move chains with Whiting leading the way after another 12-yard pass to the outside to put them in Edina’s territory. Senior quarterback Daylen Cummings finished the drive with a 15-yard TD run up the middle to go up 14-0 with seven minutes left in the quarter.

Edina, needing the next score to avoid a three-score difference, replied with a huge pass play to senior Sonny Villegas for 44 yards, later sparking another huge pass from West to junior Meyer Swinney that landed them on the half-yard line. Senior running back John Warpinski finished the drive taking it up the middle to cut the Hornets lead 14-7 with five minutes left to play. Their momentum shifted to the defense as senior Owen Kemper intercepted a pass at the 18-yard line but they couldn’t convert it into points.

As time drifted off the clock, the Cougars hurried their way down field keyed by a Cummings connection with Burgoon in double coverage on the right sideline to put them on the 8-yard line. Cummings hurried up the offense and then fired a touchdown pass to Lee to extend their lead 21-7 with five seconds left in the first half.

“We’re going to run the ball, that’s what we’re best at, but we can also throw the ball when the defense shows us,” said Centennial Head Coach Mike Diggins.

Going into the third quarter Edina again was again faced with a pressing situation.

Going down three scores against a proven defense like the Cougars would be a hard task to overcome.

They answered with Warpinski finding himself in the end zone yet again to cut Centennial’s lead to 21-14 at the Centennial QB Daylen Cummings rushed for 119 yards and a touchend of the third down and threw for another 70 yards to lead the Cougars tot he 6A quarter. championship.

Early in the fourth and final frame, Centennial’s defense came up big with a stop on 4th and 2. Taking over, Cummings exploded down the right sideline on a 38yard gain, which led to Whiting once again finding pay dirt on a 17-yard run for a 28-14 lead.

The Cougar’s defense then Mason West threw for 244 yards for the Hornets, leading a comeback seemed to crush with under four minutes to play.

Edina’s hopes of a comeback when Senior Will Quick interoff their improbable season with a state cepted a pass at their 36. But the Hornets championship. refused to go down easy.

“It’s mixed emotions,” said Edina On their next drive, the Hornets conHead Coach Jason Potts on the final play. verted on three third downs, the last com“It was a play we’ve never shown but ing on 3rd and 10 on the Centennial 26. practiced all year. To think it was in then West dumped a pass to Alex White who showed that it wasn’t was just pure sadscampered 20 yards for the first down to ness”. the Cougars six. West then dropped back For the Cougars, it was pure elation. again, but couldn’t find an open receiver “It’s a great feeling,” said Cummings. and instead kept it himself and receiving In the end, both teams put on a fanstrong blocking, scored to cut the deficit to tastic show for high school football fans. seven points with 3:47 left to play.

More importantly, their season stories But they still trailed by a touchdown were ones of resiliency. Despite never beand the Cougars had the ball. But the deing considered a favorite, they came out fense that helped get the Hornets to the fion top again and again, proving that fonals, stepped up and made a huge stop on cus+dedication+ execution=success. third down forcing a punt.

The game will go down in the books They received the ball with 44 secas one of the better ones. For Edina, it’s a onds left at their own 32-yard line. With big step forward as a football program. For 68 yards in front of them and only 44 secthe Cougars, it’s a well-deserved title for a onds, things looked bleak for the Hornets. program that rallied an entire community Running a no-huddle offense West comto get behind them. The Cougar fan base pleted a 15-yard pass to Sonny Villegas was only matched by Edina’s, so for those and a 10-yarder to Meyer Swinney to get two teams to get to the pinnacle of the seathe ball into Cougars territory. From the son was rewarding for more than just the Cougars 43 West ran for 7 yards and was players and coaches. For students, parents tackled out of bounds resulting in a perand community members, they were part sonal foul against Centennial and an adof a season that will be remembered, and a ditional 15 yards, bringing the ball to the game that will be talked about for a long, Cougars 21. From there West launched a long time. pass to the left area of the end zone, hitting Centennial 0 21 0 7 – 28 a leaping Villegas for a touchdown with Edina 0 7 7 13 – 27 just 16 seconds left.

Rushing: Centennial – Cummings 13Suddenly the Hornets coaching staff 119-TD, Whiting 16-55-2TD, Harper 22was faced with a decision. Kick the field 74. Edina – Warpinski 25-81-2TD, Sorrell goal and force overtime, or go for the win.

1-24, West 3–5, TD. They opted to go for the win and ran a Passing: Centennial – Cummings 6-12-1counter play with the Edina player lung70-1. Edina – West 13-26-2-244-1. ing near the goal line. Edina players raised Receiving: Centennial – Burgoon 3-41, their arms in victory and Centennial playWhiting 2-21, Lee 1-8. Edina – Villegas 7-142-TD, Swinney 3-21, Sorrell 1-30, ers waved theirs as if they stopped him White 1-20, Warpinski 1-3. short. After review, the player was indeed inches short of the goal line and Centennial secured the hard-fought win, capping

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Vikings partner with UnitedHealthcare for Thanksgiving Meal distribution

by ELLIS WILLIAMS vikings.com

Angela Jones, the mother of Vikings defensive lineman Pat Jones II, walked off the TCO Stadium field and onto the driveway at TCO Performance Center, rocking a full smile and a puffy North Face jacket.

As the mild November sun hit her, she looked up and reached for her coat’s zipper.

“Not going to be needing this. I want to see the jersey, anyway,” she said with a smile, in reference to her purple No. 91 Vikings jersey with “MOM” on the nameplate.

Angela and Pat joined Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell, Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores and assistant defensive line coach Pat Hill, as well as Chief Operating Officer Andrew Miller for an afternoon of handing out turkeys.

“When I was younger, I used to do stuff like this with my mom. She’s here today. She always gets involved in the community. That is something she emphasized a lot,” Pat Jones said. “So being able to come out here with her today and do that means a lot.”

For a sixth year, the Vikings partnered with UnitedHealthcare for a drive-through-style Thanksgiving meal distribution. Vikings Legends and volunteers from the Vikings and UnitedHealthcare helped distribute more than 1,000 complete Thanksgiving meals

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VIKINGS.COM Minnesota Vikings players and coaches distributed over 1,000 complete Thanksgiving meals at TCO Performance Center.

to Minnesota families and community groups.

The Jones family, O’Connell, Flores, Hill, and Miller joined Brett Edelson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, to dish out Thanksgiving kits that included mashed potatoes, vegetables, cranberries, stuffing and a desert.

New this year, Edelson said, is an arts and crafts kit for kids to explore while families prepare their Thanksgiving meals.

“This says a lot about the Vikings.

The fact that they’re sending Coach O’Connell and their players and their Legends and their cheerleaders, that says a lot about their caring for the community,” Edelson said. “The reason why we love working with the Vikings is that they help plan this, they help execute and they send their best to make it happen.”

Viktor the Viking, Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders and the SKOL Line added to the atmosphere as the volunteer

group loaded vehicles.

Jones was all smiles spending the day with his mother, helping the community just as she had always raised him to do.

“Thanksgiving is all about being with your loved ones and getting a good meal,” he said. “And more importantly, just cherishing the moments you have with your family, loved ones and friends. That’s what family is all about.”

Danielle Hunter nominated by Vikings for 2023 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award

by CRAIG PETERS vikings.com

EAGAN, Minn. – Danielle Hunter is an absolute driving force – and quite the sportsman – for the Vikings.

Through 11 weeks of the 2023 NFL season, Hunter is leading the NFL with 16 tackles for loss and ranks second with 12 sacks.

He’s also among the league’s leaders when it comes to sportsmanship.

The NFL and the Vikings announced Hunter as the team’s nominee for the 2023 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.

Alongside tremendous impact every week, Hunter consistently plays the game cleanly, setting an example for younger teammates as a first-time captain.

In his first 113 regular-season games, Hunter has only had eight penalties accepted against him, and two of those were as a rookie, including one while on special teams. Since 2016, there hasn’t been more than a 5-yard penalty accepted against Hunter.

2015: Facemask on Jay Cutler vs. Bears, 15 yards 2015: Illegal block above the waist vs. Chiefs on punt return team, 10 yards 2016: Illegal use of hands vs. Colts, 5 yards 2017: Neutral zone infraction vs. Bears, 2 yards 2018: Defensive holding at Packers, 5 yards 2019: Defensive holding vs. Lions, 5 yards 2022: Offsides vs. Cardinals, 5 yards 2023: Illegal use of hands vs. Saints, 5 yards Note: Hunter missed all of 2020 because of a neck injury. He played seven games without drawing a penalty in 2021 before suffering a torn pec.

This list includes a 2023 rep during which Hunter’s helmet was ripped off against the Saints. He didn’t get

PHOTO COURTESY OF VIKINGS.COM OLB Danielle Hunter is the team’s nominee for the 2023 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.

irate or berate an official. Hunter instead sacked Jameis Winston on the very next play.

Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores: “He moves onto the next play. That’s what good players do. You make a good play and move on to the next one. You celebrate it, have fun, but you move on to the next play. Bad play, same thing. You don’t focus on it and waste energy on something that you don’t really have control over. You move on to the next play, and that’s what he does, play after play after play. He shows up for us every week.”

Vikings Assistant Head Coach Mike Pettine: “He’s a guy you can tell loves football. He’s passionate about it. That’s important, and sometimes that’s

a distinction that you don’t always know for sure, ‘Does this guy love football or does he love what football can do for him?’ He’s a guy you can tell, he loves football and loves being part of the group. He’s such a nice guy.

At times, I’m almost like, ‘Hey, you’re too nice.’ There are times when we want to set him up with a rush and he’ll be like, ‘No, let him take it.’ We’re like, ‘No, you take it,’ so if you’re going to criticize him at all, it’s just like, ‘Hey, you’re too nice,’ in a game where you need to play with an edge. But when he needs to play with an edge, it does show up.”

Despite his selflessness, Hunter has totaled 82 career sacks and 99 tackles for loss during his career yet plays the game with an impressive humility and teamfirst approach.

Vikings Linebacker Anthony Barr: “He just goes out and does things the right way, and he does it his way. He does it quietly. But he has a lot of fun doing it, too. I think it’s just kind of the way he is. He doesn’t say much; he just goes out and does it and always does it at a high level.

“I think it’s maybe how he was raised, just his personality. I think that all plays into it. I think the most important thing is that he’s comfortable being himself, and he’s comfortable not following the crowd. He’s comfortable carving his own path, and he’s been successful with that.”

Vikings Safety Harrison Smith on Hunter playing clean football: “I would say it starts with his mental approach.

He’s obviously very successful without getting those penalties. That’s not by accident. That’s a conscious effort. It’s hard to do when it’s live, so he has great self-discipline – even when things are heightened. I’m sure that’s something that he works on, whether he knows it or not.”

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December 2, 2023

Let’s Play Football

Danielle Hunter’s drive showing up time and again for Vikings

by CRAIG PETERS vikings.com

If Danielle Hunter was a car, the BAC Mono R wouldn’t be that far of a stretch.

Great in a straightaway, yet agile through the turns.

Immensely powerful but still somehow sleek.

Rarely, if any, wasted motion in getting to quarterbacks – or destinations – fast.

If it sounds close to a perfect fit, it pretty much is.

It just so happens that Hunter owns a BAC (Briggs Automotive Company) Mono R, one of 50 such cars in the world.

Hunter had made a connection when visiting the United Kingdom on a goodwill trip in summer 2022 before the Vikings played the Saints in London last season. In addition to watching matches at Wimbledon, Hunter and K.J. Osborn attended the Festival of Speed, which features some of the most unique sports cars in the world.

An automotive enthusiast, Hunter reveled in the sights and sounds as Osborn adjusted to being along for the ride. As part of the trip, Hunter received an offer to purchase a BAC Mono R, the seat of which was custom designed to his exact dimensions.

“I was blessed enough to have the opportunity to get one of those vehicles,” Hunter said. “They flew me out there to the U.K. and everything, set me down, showed me the facility and then I had to sit in a seat that’s molded to me and my body.”

He cruised in the street legal F3 level car to U.S. Bank Stadium before Minnesota toppled San Francisco 22-17 on Monday Night Football in Week 7, fitting in a drive before the weather turned too cold.

“I pulled up and everybody was taking videos,” Hunter recalled. “It just put a smile on people’s faces because they had never seen something like that before. It was a good experience, bringing it to the Monday Night Football game.”

One image from the parking lot showed Hunter walking in with the racecar style steering wheel in hand. It wasn’t a show of force like he demonstrated time and again during the game. It was a matter of practicality. The steering wheel is designed to be removed – actually it must be detached for Hunter to exit the vehicle.

Hunter continued a dazzling October against the 49ers in a performance that helped him garner NFC Defensive Player of the Month honors.

Vikings Assistant Head Coach Mike Pettine is working with Hunter and Minnesota’s outside linebackers while pass rush specialist Mike Smith is on personal leave.

He’s coached some all-time greats over the years. When asked about Hunter’s “wow factor as an elite edge rusher” Pettine said a “rare blend of power and athleticism.”

He pointed out a quarterback sneak play by San Francisco on which “Danielle lifted up their offensive lineman and threw him into the pile and hit Jordan [Hicks], which ricocheted [Hicks] into [Niners QB Brock] Purdy.

“Just the raw power that he has and then his quickness, his ability to change direction and put his foot in the ground and be sudden with it, I think all those things combined,” Pettine said. “He’s just a natural pass rusher. Some guys have it.

Some guys don’t.

“He just has a good feel for, ‘This offensive tackle, did he overset me? Can I beat him inside? When does he shoot his hands? When can I use my hands to get him off me?’ Just that natural feel,” Pettine added. “His hips are always pointed

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toward the quarterback, which is a trait you always look for in a natural pass rusher. He was a guy I remember when he was coming out of LSU that I thought he was going to be special.”

Auto detailing Hunter has come a long way since he first developed his interest in motor sports by playing “Gran Turismo” on a PlayStation 1 that his uncle gifted him. Although it was a video game, it revealed Hunter’s inner drive. He kept pushing to earn more credits to unlock more cars.

That pursuit continued in the weight room as he developed his physique in high school then continued to refine his game in college at LSU and every day since Minnesota drafted him in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

He stacked impressive seasons as a defensive end in a 4-3 and then was hitting his stride in a 3-4 base by the end of last season. The Vikings shifted gears this offseason by hiring Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores.

Flores mentioned this summer that he liked the look of Hunter going forward more often than in reverse. He has leaned on Hunter to implement a combination of max pressures with sending extra rushers or max coverage by capitalizing on Hunter’s skill set.

Hunter has posted an NFL-best 10 sacks through the first nine weeks of the season, just one-half sack shy of his 2022 season total and only 4.5 short of the 14.5 he recorded in 2018 and 2019.

“Just his ability to win 1-on-1 matches, which he’s done for his entire career here,” Flores said. “As you guys have seen, there’s a good amount of pressure, but there’s also a good amount of max coverage, so he’s done a good job in some 3-man rushes where he’s having to battle it out with maybe two guys, the quarterback’s got to hold it, and he finds a way to finish.

“I feel like we talk about him every week, and that’s a good thing because he’s playing well,” Flores continued. “And really as a total defense, we’ve got a lot of guys who are understanding their roles, and with that they understand Danielle’s role in it and some guys have to take two so he has a 1-on-1. We all want that because we feel good about that matchup.”

Flores said coaches and players understand the point of Hunter being “somebody we always want to try to highlight.”

He also noted Hunter’s understanding of areas where he can continue to refine his game, even in his ninth season and with 80 sacks to his name, despite missing all of 2020 and 10 games in 2021.

“It’s not all perfect,” Flores said. “It never is, and he understands that, but he’s the guy who is always working to make those adjustments and fix whatever small thing is holding him back from one more play.”

Against Atlanta on Nov. 5th, shutting down their top 10 rushing attack was more important than stacking sacks of Taylor Heinicke.

Hunter proved ready for the task, totaling nine tackles, including one for loss.

The biggest sequence occurred after the Falcons gained possession at the Vikings 1-yard line. After Khyiris Tonga stuffed a screen pass to Jonnu Smith with an athletic diving tackle, Hunter disengaged a block to make a tackle on a run play.

On third down, he drove Smith back into the path of running back Tyler Allgeier, who was then swarmed by Jordan Hicks and Josh Metellus for a loss of 4.

“I think individually Danielle made two monstrous plays,” Flores said. “In my opinion, this was the best game he’s played.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VIKINGS.COM Danielle Hunter has become one of the top pass rushers in all of football.

“There wasn’t the sack production but there were some things he did in this game that were just eye-popping and really showed off his abilities in the run game, his strength, his tenacity, his impact on the game in some areas that aren’t the sack department,” Flores added. “I was very, very impressed and thought it was the best game he’s played this season.”

Handling in extreme conditions Pettine’s previous career stops include seasons with NFC North rivals Green Bay and Chicago. Each time the Vikings were on the schedule, he heard the offensive staff say “what a problem” Hunter presents.

“He was somebody I knew right away that you have to game plan for him,” Pettine said. “There’s certain rushers where you have to know where they are and figure out, ‘How can we slow this guy down? How can we get four hands on him?’ instead of just saying, ‘We’re going to let him go 1-on-1,’ because that usually doesn’t end up very good for offensive linemen.

“When I first got here, it was, ‘Wow, like a Greek god, like sculpted out of stone,’ with just the way he’s invested in his body. A lot of it is natural, but he’s very smart about his workouts and what he puts into his body that he’s very durable,” Pettine added. “He’s playing close to 90 percent of our snaps, which has been impressive, but yeah, just his physical presence, his athleticism combined with his long arms, like how long levered he is, but he’s still narrow enough that he can kind of get through some tight spaces, turn the corner.

All those things combined make him a real problem for offenses.”

Now that he’s worked with Hunter directly, Pettine did offer one observation that isn’t always the case with such dominant and productive players.

“He’s a guy you can tell, he loves football and loves being part of the group.

He’s such a nice guy. At times, I’m almost like, ‘Hey, you’re too nice,’” Pettine said.

“There are times when we want to set him up with a rush and he’ll be like, ‘No, let him take it.’ “We’re like, ‘No, you take it.’ so if you’re going to criticize him at all, it’s just like, ‘Hey, you’re too nice,’ in a game where you need to play with an edge. But when he needs to play with an edge, it does show up.”

Hunter pointed toward the team aspect of football.

“Coming in this league, rushing is all about rushing together. I know guys are always about, ‘This individual or that individual,’ “ and if you do what you’re supposed to do, at the end of the day, everybody is going to feast,” Hunter said.

“If you apply your skill set, things will definitely change with the outcomes of the stats, but I’m all in for everybody rushing together.”

That goes for when it’s a 3-man rush that is multiplied by his ability to have success against two offensive players or a symphonic, exotic pressure drawn up by the coaching staff to create a 1-on-1 for Hunter or a missed assignment by the offense.

“It’s always good to have a lot of

confusion against the offense, especially when you’re going against a young quarterback,” Hunter said. “Flores does a good job of camouflaging a lot of the things we do. You never know who is coming or who is going or who is dropping, so I think it’s really helpful for all of us because anybody can do anything.”

The versatility of the defense often is talked about with regard to the defensive backs, but one of the most versatile players, Josh Metellus, pointed toward Hunter and outside linebackers D.J. Wonnum and Pat Jones II, who have lined up at multiple positions.

“I think the versatility definitely helps on every level,” Metellus said. “We don’t even talk about the versatility we have in our outside linebackers room, which is if not just as versatile as what we’ve got in the DB room, so there’s a lot of versatility everywhere.

“Danielle is a presence. You get guys like D.J. Wonnum and Pat Jones to complement him, those guys are very multiple,” Metellus added. “They can play different positions inside and out. There’s just a lot going on, and when you’ve got great players and you put players in position where they have that advantage, you get a lot of wins.”

Pettine said being able to pressure a quarterback with a 3-man rush is “like having an extra player” “When … you can speed the quarterback up that he feels, ‘Hey, this guy is rushing on this edge, and he’s going to be a factor sooner than later in this play.

I don’t have time to sit and pat the ball a little bit and wait for these deeper routes to develop,’” Pettine said. “That’s a big part of what we do. We go from one extreme to the other. We’re max pressure and we’re max coverage, and the ability that we can force the ball out quicker in the three-man rush stuff has been a key to our success.”

Hunter’s versatility was in a showroom when the Vikings upset the Saints in the playoffs that followed the 2019 season.

He and Everson Griffen kicked inside to take advantage of matchups with interior linemen who could receive less help from teammates the way that tackles receive help from tight ends or running backs who chip edge defenders.

“The NFL is a matchup league. It is, ‘How can we get our best against your worst and win? Schematically, you can do some things but for the most part, it comes down to players, and that’s where we can get creative in finding ways to isolate him against, whether it’s a center or one of the guards and force it where they can’t slide it that way and help him,” Pettine said.

That’s something that he’s responded to because when you’re out on the edge all the time, there’s chipping with the tight ends, there’s chipping with the backs.

“It’s a lot easier to minimize the damage an edge guy can do than a premier inside rusher can do, and he’s not your typical inside guy, but it’s a good change-up, and there are ways we’ve had success this year just generating those instances where he had a 1-on-1 on a guy where we knew he had an athletic mismatch over, and he was able to win quick,” Pettine added.

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December 2, 2023

Let’s Play Football

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