2024 State Bound Edition

November 2024

Volume 6 • Number 9 • Issue 32

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STATE BOUND 56 teams will vie for coveted Prep Bowl

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November 6, 2024

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Let’s Play Football

9-Player will have new champ

Last year’s winner knocked out

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

There will be a new state champion in 9-Player football this season.

Last year’s state title winner, Nevis, bowed out of the tournament this year in a 20-14 loss to Cromwell-Wright in the section final. Two years ago it was Mountain Iron-Buhl who finished with an undefeated season to win the 9-Player title. The Rangers are back again and once again unbeaten and could be counted as the favorite heading into state tournament play. Leroy-Ostrander/Lyle-Pacelli is also considered a front runner having come through their tough section by defeating last year’s runner-up Kingsland. The Cardinals may have the tournament’s top athlete in QB Camden Hungerholt, who leads the entire state in rushing with 2,391 yards.

Fertile-Beltrami has been on the cusp the past three seasons as well, reaching the state semifinals the past two and the finals three years ago. Their dual running attack might be the best in 9-Player class.

As always the 9-player tournament should be an exciting one to watch, especially with a new team to be crowned the state champion on the U.S. Bank turf in three weeks.

Here is a team-by-team breakdown: Leroy-Ostrander/Lyle-Pacelli (11-0) The Cardinals have had an outstanding fall and have benefited from the addition of 14 players form nearby Lyle-Pacelli.

While most of the players are underclassmen, the Cardinals have brought in two starters on this year’s squad to join an already strong roster.

The roster is led by MSU-Mankato recruit Cam Hungerholt who leads the state in rushing with 2,391 yards. He has also thrown for 2,015 yards and has combined for 59 touchdowns.

But the Cardinals aren’t just one player strong as they bring a deep roster to the table. Tyson Stevens has 467 rushing yards and 259 receiving yards and has scored 10 touchdowns, Carter Sweeney has caught 37 passes for 710 yards and 12 TD. Reid Hungerholt has 18 catches for 470 yards and four touchdowns; Kandon Meyer 18/249/5 and Talan Lewison 14/217/3.

Other key players on both sides of the ball include Ryder Stern, Dylan Christianson, Spencer Goodale, Logan Diemer and Carson Roe. They are the top seed in the south and will face #4 seed Renville County West Friday at 7 p.m. at Kasson-Mantorville High School.

Renville County West (8-3) The Jaguars come into the state tournament with three losses, but had a strong section in Section 2, defeating New Ulm Cathedral 12-0 in the title game. With a run-heavy offense, the Jaguars rely on the legs of Jacob Savig, a 6-foot 200-pound power runner who rushed for 225 yards in the season opener in a win over Red Rock Central. Savig is just a junior, so with another year of growth and maturity, he could be one of the top runners in 9-Player football next year as a senior.

Savig and company will have a tough opponent in Leroy-Ostrander/Lyle-Pacelli. Senior QB Austin Rice is an adept thrower and runner, giving the Jaguars a dual threat at quarterback. His top target has been senior wideout Griffin Howard.

Rice is also a leader on defense, leading the team in total tackles from the linebacker position. Other top defenders for the Jaguars include Cole Gunderson, Wayne Fuentes and Savig.

The Jaguars have made a spectacular turnaround after finishing 2-8 just a year ago.

Hills-Beaver Creek (10-0) Hills-Beaver Creek is coming off a strong 2023 season in which they went 10-0 before losing to Kingsland in the state quarterfinals. Here they are again in 2024 with the same record and this time facing Section 4 winner Border West.

PHOTO Credit Leroy-Ostrander/Lyle-Pacelli quarterback Cameron Hungerholt leads the state in rushing with 2,391 yards this season. He and the Cardinals are considered front-runners to win the 9-Player championship.

9-Player State Tournament Bracket Mountain Iron-Buhl (11-0) Nov. 7 7 p.m.

Grand Rapids High School

Stephen-Argyle (10-1)

Fertile-Beltrami (10-0)

LeRoy-Ostrander/ Lyle-Pacelli (11-0)

Prep Bowl Nov. 23 10 a.m.

U.S. Bank Stadium

Nov. 14 1 p.m.

U.S. Bank Stadium

VS.

Nov. 8 7 p.m.

Kasson-Mantorville High School Nov. 14 4 p.m.

U.S. Bank Stadium

Renville County West (8-3)

Hills-Beaver Creek (10-0

Nov. 7 7 p.m.

Moorhead High School

Nov. 7 7 p.m.

Buffalo High School

Cromwell-Wright (10-1)

Border West (8-2)

Follow along at www.letsplayfootballmn.com The Patriots have been strong on both sides of the ball, scoring more than 40 points in seven of their 10 contests and allowing more than one touchdown just once. They are making their fourth trip to state in the past five years.

Jamin Metzger threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in the Patriots 37-8 victory over Mountain Lake in the Section 3 final. Sawyer Bosch also ran for a touchdown and returned an interception for a touchdown to lead the Pats. Beau Bakken, Micah Bush and Jackson Gacke also scored.

Metzger, a junior, has thrown for 1,658 yards and 19 touchdowns. Bakken has been the team’s leading rusher with 889 yards and 17 TD. Bush is the top target with 52 receptions, 1,143 yards and 15 scores. At 6’4” and 215 pounds, Bakken is also a force on defense along with nose tackle Jack Moser (6’5”-240) and Bush at safety.

“We are a balanced offense with running and throwing the football,” said Patriots Head Coach Rex Metzger.

The Patriots will take on Section 4 champion Border West (9-2) Thursday at 7 p.m. at Buffalo High School.

9-Player Football Section Final Results Hills-Beaver Creek 37, Mountain Lake Area 6 Mountain Iron-Buhl 34, Cherry 28 Leroy-Ostrander/Lyle-Pacelli 38, Kingsland 27 Renville County West 12, New Ulm Cathedral 0 Border West 22, Hancock 20 Border West (9-2) Border West squeaked past Hancock 22-20, avenging a loss earlier in the season to claim the Section 4 title. The Buccaneers lost their first two games of the season, but have since won nine straight and will now face Hills-Beaver Creek in the state quarterfinals Thursday in Buffalo.

The Bucs are powered by senior running back Brody Nachbor. Nachbor has

rushed for more than 1,500 yards and 28 touchdowns, including three games where he eclipsed more than 200 yard and one game where he scored six touchdowns.

Senior QB Holden Rinke keeps the run defense honest with a 67 percent completion rate. He has also gained more than 500 yards on the ground.

The Buccaneers advanced to last year’s section final as well, only to lose to Otter Tail Central. Their only other loss this season came in the season opener against fellow state tourney entrant Fertile-Beltrami.

Cromwell-Wright (10-1) Cromwell-Wright avenged an earlier loss to Nevis in Week 5, 48-8. It was the Cardinals only loss of the season as they head into state with a 10-1 mark.

The Cardinals are led 4-year starting QB Dylan Nyberg, who has rushed and passed for more than 900 yards. Running back Brady Dahl has led the charge from the backfield with more than 1,000 yards

9-PLAYER

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November 6, 2024

Let’s Play Football

Minneota eyeing three-peat

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Different looks make Vikings a favorite Class 1A Football Section Final Results Springfield 20, Murray County Central 10 Mahnomen/Waubun 36, Red Lake County 8 Upsala/Swanville Area 19, Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa 12 Minneota 34, BOLD 24 Deer River 8, Mille Lacs 6 Lester Prairie 14, United South Central 6 Goodhue 52, Fillmore Central 7 Parkers Prairie 42, W. Central Area 12

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

The Minneota Vikings enter this year’s state tournament as a two-time defending champion and as the odds-on favorite to win again, giving themselves three consecutive titles.

They bring back several key players who have been on the past two championship teams, including all-state running back Ryan Maegher.

But don’t think opponents have these guys figured out just yet.

“We are not a KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) program,” said head coach Chad Johnston. “We challenge our kids to know a lot of different schemes.”

That’s why the Vikings have been so hard to stop. So far this season they have scored under 40 points just once and are averaging more than 300 yards rushing per game. Senior Ryan Meagher (5’10”-210) leads the way with 1,418 yards on 145 carries and an average of 9.8 yards per carry.

Keep in mind that many of Minneota’s games get out of hand early so Meagher doesn’t need to be a workhouse carrying the ball 35 times a game. When he does, he produces. In their section final win over BOLD, Meagher rushed 39 times for 213 yards and four touchdowns. He has 30 touchdowns on the season.

“He has a very good combination of speed and strength,” said Johnston. “I believe he has great vision and an unusual ability at our level to jump cut in the hole and make defenders miss him. He is a wonderful student-athlete to work with, is very dedicated to the sport and works very hard.”

Meagher leads a list of three-year starters with two state titles already under their belt. Others include fellow seniors Parker Bradley (MLB/OG), Eli Gruenes (TE/DB/MLB), Destin Fier (KR/OLD/ DB/RB) and Lucas Rybinski (OLB/RB).

So not only are the Vikings loaded with talent, they are loaded with players with big game experience.

“We graduated some very talented seniors, but we do have a lot of experience back” said Johnston. “We are experienced up front and we all know that is key in football.”

Having two titles in two years to their credit, however, puts a pretty big target on their back as teams will be gunning to dethrone them form atop the Class A mountaintop. Lester Prairie will get the first crack at them Friday at 5:30 p.m. at Jordan High School.

“We feel we will always get people’s best effort because they want to be the team to knock us off,” said Johnston. “We talk a lot about the pressure to maintain the level of play that has made us successful over the years. That success didn’t come easy and the players before them worked hard to get us to that level. They have to work hard to keep us at that level.

That is tradition. If they feel pressure to

LPF FILE PHOTO Ryan Meagher helped lead the Vikings to their second straight title with five touchdowns in last year’s Prep Bowl. He hopes to help lead them to their third straight title in 2024.

Class A State Tournament Bracket Upsala/Swanville (10-0) Nov. 7 6 p.m.

Rock Ridge High School

Parkers Prairie (7-3)

Minneota (10-0)

Prep Bowl Nov. 22 10 a.m.

US Bank Stadium

Nov. 16 9 a.m.

US Bank Stadium

VS.

Nov. 8 5:30 p.m.

Jordan High School

Nov. 16 11:30 a.m.

US Bank Stadium

Lester Prairie (7-3)

Goodhue (11-0)

Mahnomen/Waubun (10-0) Nov. 8 7 p.m.

Becker High School

Nov. 7 7 p.m.

Roch. Mayo High School

Springfield (10-0)

Deer River (9-1)

Follow along at www.letsplayfootballmn.com win, that is a good thing. That means we are doing things right.”

Lester Prairie (7-3) Bulldog football fans will see how much bite it will take to overcome the juggernaut that is Minneota when they face the two-time defending champions Friday in Jordan. Lester Prairie’s record seems blemished with three losses, but two of those came against AA teams and the other was a 22-20 loss in week 8 to a solid Cleveland squad.

They squeezed by United Central in the Section 2A final, 14-6, and have relied on a stingy defense and solid offense to win seven contests.

They may need some late-game heroics to defeat Minneota, but that would be nothing new for the Bulldogs who scored a touchdown in the waning seconds of their 14-6 section final win. Quarterback Caiden Herrmann found Ladamien Gatlin-Coeller in the end zone with 12 seconds left to break a 6-6 tie, capping off a 15-play drive. It was Gatlin-Coeller’s second score of the game. He also ran in for the two-point conversion, ensuring the 14-6 win and pitting them against the top-ranked Class A team in the state this Friday.

Goodhue (11-0) One of the more underrated teams in Class A is Goodhue. The Wildcats have mad relatively easy work of their opponents, especially after a comeback win in Week 4 against Blooming Prairie. Trailing 28-21 at halftime, the Wildcats rallied to score 18 unanswered points for a 39-28 win.

“We turned our season around in that second half,” said Goodhue Head Coach Tony Poncelet.

1A

Continued on Page 16

are or he

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November 6, 2024

www.letsplayfootballmn.com

Let’s Play Football

2A to crown new champ

Field loaded with recent champs, but last year’s is out

by MIKE SONNTAG

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

Class 2AA will also have crown a new state champion in 2024 as Eden Valley-Watkins was ousted by Holdingford in the section 5AA semi-finals. Recent champions Chatfield and Barnesville are back to reclaim the prize, but no team should be discounted in a loaded 2AA state tournament field.

Here is a team-by-team breakdown:

Kimball Area Cubs (10-0)

Kimball exercised some demons by beating rival and defending Class 2AA champion Eden Valley-Watkins for the first time in 25 years with a 28-20 in Week 7. A statement win that likely propelled them to accomplish a last-minute victory over rival Holdingford 26-20 when quarterback Brandon Henkemeyer found his big target, 6’4” Bryant Knaus for a touchdown to punch their ticket to state.

Coach Clay Anderson touts his team’s compete level having played through a very tough schedule. The Cubs have a very balanced attack with 1,823 rushing yards and 1,717 passing yards.

Key Players: Hank Meyer 2-way lineman and has set Kimball’s tackling record.

Henkemeyer (QB) has completed 60% of his passes and thrown 23 TDs. Owen Mortenson (WR/PR/CB) can, according to Anderson, “make five guys miss in a phonebooth.” Bryant Knaus (WR) averages 25 yards per catch.

“We play hard and have responded every game to the competition. Our team is like a family and our players pull for each other and really care about one another. Very fun year to coach,” said Anderson Kimball opens against Moose Lake/ Willow River (9-2)

Chatfield Gophers (10-0)

It can be argued the path to the state championship in Class 2AA runs through section 1AA with the decade of success by Caledonia and now more recently Chatfield. The undefeated Gophers return to state after losing last year’s section final to Dover-Eyota with a 24-14 win over Caledonia.

Chatfield coach Jeff Johnson feels his Gophers are contenders with four signature and statement wins on the season, beating Caledonia twice (20-13 and 2414), beating a ranked Cannon Falls team (40-8), and defeating Section 2 champion Triton in week 5 (33-6).

Key players: Carson Rowland (QB), Ben Carrier (RB), Kaisen Johnson (WR), and Tobin McMahon (WR) “Honestly, what makes our team so special, is the abundance of key players.”

Johnson said. “Our offensive line comprised of Ethan Cole, Jackson Bernard, Westin Nolte, Mitchel Hinkley, and Jake Stevens has played incredible, opening some massive holes for these guys.”

Chatfield opens with a week 5 rematch with the Triton Cobras (8-2)

Barnesville Trojans (11-0)

Barnesville has now reached the state tournament nine consecutive years seeking a third straight trip to the Prep Bowl coming in as 2023 state-runner up after winning the title in 2022. The Trojans lost to Eden Valley-Watkins 24-6 last year after beating Chatfield in 2022. The Trojans earned their trip to the state tournament with a 46-22 win over Hawley in the section 8AA final.

“Our kids seem motivated to get back to U.S. Bank Stadium each year to compete,” said Barnesville Trojans coach Bryan Strand.

LPF PHOTO BY CRAIG JOHNSON Chatfield defeated rival Caledonia in the Section 1AA final to earn a berth to the Class AA State Tournament.

Class AA State Tournament Bracket Kimball (10-0) Nov. 8 7 p.m.

Brainerd High School

Moose Lake/ Willow River (9-2) Barnesville (11-0)

Chatfield (10-0)

Prep Bowl Nov. 22 4 p.m.

U.S. Bank Stadium

Nov. 15 9 a.m.

U.S. Bank Stadium

VS.

Nov. 7 7 p.m.

St. Cloud Tech High School

Nov. 7 7 p.m.

Hastings High School

Nov. 15 4:30 p.m.

U.S. Bank Stadium

Triton (8-2)

Jackson County Central (10-0) Nov. 8 7 p.m.

Orono High School

Central Public Schools (11-0)

Staples-Motley (10-0)

Follow along at www.letsplayfootballmn.com The Trojans beat Class 3AAA perennial state tournament participant and 2023 runner-up Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton 2414 in week one of the season.

“Playing them is always a great judgement of where we are at.”

The Trojans have a powerful ground game averaging 9 yards a carry on the season having gained 4,366 yards of offense while holding opponents to 2,200 in eleven games.

Key players - Gannon Bolgrean Sr. QB/FS, Nick Robideau Sr G/LB, Major Ness JR RB/SS, Cameron Halverson JR RB/LB, Collin Morey Sr G/LB Keys to the Trojans success has been their toughness and how well they prepare each week. They have also played with a heavy heart after their JV coach Nathan Strand passed away in the spring at the age of 39 to liver cancer.

“That has been our motivator all season long.” Coach Bryan Strand said. “We have a great coaching staff and been together for a long time. Our kids are as coachable as any kids in the state.”

Barnesville opens with Staples-Motley (10-0)

Class 2A Football Section Final Results Staples-Motley 36, Osakis 30 Barnesville 46, Hawley 22Jackson County Central 48, Pipestone 7Chatfield 24, Caledonia 14Triton 45, Waterville-Elysian-Morristown 20Norwood Young America 21, Cannon Falls 14Kimball 26, Holdingford 20Moose Lake-Willow River 24, Mesabi East 14

Jackson County Central Huskies (10-0)

The Huskies rolled through their opponents this season like a freight train.

Their average margin of victory is 44 points through 10 games and qualified for a return trip to the state tournament with

a 48-7 victory over Pipestone Area in the section 3AA final.

In last year’s Class 2AA state semi-final Jackson County Central led Barnesville 15-6 at halftime and received the ball to start the second half. On the first play in the second half, then sophomore QB Roman Voss went down with an injury and the Huskies lost momentum and the game.

“The biggest turning point of this (2024) season started when we lost Roman to injury last year.” Said coach Tom Schuller. “Our team has worked tirelessly to achieve a state championship this year.”

The Huskies have been on a tear.

Their offense averages 50.7 points a game and allowed 6.3 points by their opponents.

Key Players: Voss (QB) who is the number 1 recruited junior in the state of Minnesota. Voss has 77 rushing attempts and 1,081 yards and 16 TDs. Passing he is 41/83 for 800 yards and 11 TDs. Weston Rowe (OT), Ben Dahlin (WR/

2A

Continued on Page 17

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Let’s Play Football

November 6, 2024

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Minnesota Prep Bowl History 2023 AAAAAA Centennial, Edina 28-27 AAAAA Chanhassen, St. Thomas Academy 34-31 AAAA Hutchinson, Rocori 14-6 AAA Stewartville, Annandale 43-13 AA Eden Valley-Watkins, Barnesville 24-6 A Minneota, Springfield, 43-22 9-Player Nevis, Kingsland, 14-12 2022 AAAAAA Maple Grove, Rosemount, 27-10 AAAAA Elk River, Mankato West, 29-26 AAAA Simley, Hutchinson, 34-24 AAA New London-Spicer, Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton, 27-26 AA Barnesville, Chatfield 35-20 A Minneota, Springfield, 38-21 9-Man Mountain Iron-Buhl, Spring Grove, 28-25 2021 AAAAAA Lakeville South, Maple Grove, 13-7 AAAAA Mankato West, Mahtomedi, 24-10 AAAA Hutchinson, Kasson-Mantorville, 42-14 AAA Dassel-Cokato, Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 28-21 AA Chatfield, West Central-Ashby, 14-13 A Mayer Lutheran, Minneota, 20-14 9-Man Leroy-Ostrander, Fertile-Beltrami, 58-8 2020* Due to COVID-19, only Section Winners were awarded.

No Prep Bowl was played.

2019 AAAAAA Wayzata, Champlin Park 35-20 AAAAA Chaska, St. Thomas Academy 0-7 AAAA Rocori, SMB 22-21 AAA Pierz, Dassel-Cokato 28-27 AA Caledonia, MPLS North 26-0 A Blooming Prairie, BOLD 41-15 9-Man Mountain Lake, Hancock 22-14 2018 AAAAAA Lakeville North, Eden Prairie 28-21 AAAAA Owatonna, St. Thomas Academy 14-3 AAAA SMB, Willmar 44-18 AAA Rochester Lourdes, Fairmont 24-7 AA Caledonia, Barnesville 21-0 A BOLD, Mahnomen/Waubun 22-21 9-Man Spring Grove, Mountain Lake Area 40-18 2017 AAAAAA Eden Prairie, Minnetonka 38-17 AAAAA Owatonna, Elk River 63-26 AAAA Academy of Holy Angels, Cloquet 14-0 AAA Pierz, St. Croix Lutheran 34-21 AA Caledonia, Pipestone Area 57-6 A Minneota, Wabasso 28-13 9-Man Spring Grove, Nevis 32-0 2016 AAAAAA Totino Grace, Eden Prairie 28-20 AAAAA Elk River, Spring Lake Park 42-14 AAAA Benilde-St. Margaret, Winona 31-28 AAA Rochester Lourdes, St. Croix Lutheran 42-35 AA Caledonia, Pipestone Area 40-0 A Minneota, MPLS North 35-18 9-Man Grand Meadow, Cleveland/Immanuel 41-21 2015 AAAAAA Osseo, East Ridge 14-13 AAAAA St. Michael-Albertville, St. Thomas Academy 17-14 AAAA Becker, So. St. Paul 35-14 AAA Pierz, Jackson Co. Central 36-8 AA Caledonia, Eden Valley Watkins 40-0 A MPLS North, Rushford-Peterson 35-18 9-Man Grand Meadow, Underwood 34-20 2014 AAAAAA Eden Prairie, Totino Grace 28-27 AAAAA Mankato West, Simley 42-19 AAAA Becker, DeLaSalle 24-6 AAA Rochester Lourdes, New London Spicer 35-14 AA Holdingford, BOLD 20-18 (2OT) A Minneota, Dawson-Boyd 28 -14 9-Man Grand Meadow, Edgerton-Ellsworth 48-0 2013 AAAAAA Eden Prairie, Rosemount 28-7 AAAAA Owatonna, Brainerd 24-0 AAAA Hutchinson, Academy of Holy Angels, 49-7 AAA St. Croix Lutheran, New London-Spicer 48-44 AA Chatfield, *Minneota/Lincoln HI 17-7 A Mahnomen, Dawson-Boyd 46-13 9-Man Grand Meadow, Underwood 28-6 2012 AAAAAA Eden Prairie, Lakevile North 28-7 AAAAA Totino-Grace, Owatonna 49-21 AAAA Hutchinson Holy Family Catholic 67-7 AAA Blue Earth, Rochester Lourdes 30-7 AA Caledonia, *Moose Lake/Willow River 25-22 A Mahnomen, Bethlehem Academy 20-14 9-Man Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley,

Grand Meadow 40-22 2011 AAAAA Eden Prairie, Wayzata 13-3 AAAA Rocori/Cold Spring, Bemidji 17-10 AAA St. Croix Lutheran, Fairmont 34-32 AA Caledonia, *Moose Lake/Willow River 27-0 A Dawson-Boyd, Mahnomen 35-20 9-Man *Edgerton/Ellsworth, *Wheaton/Herman-Norcross 36-28 2010 AAAAA Wayzata, Rosemount 31-14 AAAA Totino-Grace, Fridley Rogers 34-14 AAA Rochester Lourdes Holy Family Catholic, Victoria 41-13 AA Caledonia Triton, Dodge Center 28-7 A New Ulm Cathedral, Barnesville 19-13 9-Man Cromwell, Lanesboro 49-42 2009 AAAAA Cretin-Derham Hall, Eden Prairie 16-5 AAAA Totino-Grace, Sartell-Saint Stephen 45-7 AAA New London-Spicer, Glencoe-Silver Lake 28-21 AA Moose Lake/Willow River, Waterville-Elysian-Morristown 33-22 A Minneota, Adrian 42-21 9-Man Stephen-Argyle, Nicollet 37-22 2008 AAAAA Wayzata, Blaine 27-7 AAAA Mankato West, Northfield 33-14 AAA Glencoe-Silver Lake, DeLaSalle 42-21 AA Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg, Royalton 33-22 A Caledonia, Luverne 47-7 9-Man Houston, Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley 22-16 2007 AAAAA Eden Prairie, St.Paul Cretin 50-21 AAAA Totino Grace, Mahtomedi 14-8 AAA Glencoe-Silver Lake, DeLaSalle 56-20 AA Caledonia, Luverne 14-7 A Goodhue, Adrian 28-7 9-Man Stephen-Argyle, Waubun 43-21 2006 AAAAA Eden Prairie, Lakeville South 21-14 AAAA Totino Grace, St. Thomas Academy 40-25 AAA Glencoe-Silver Lake, Becker 42-20 AA Triton, Luverne 70-21 A Rushford-Peterson, New Ulm Cathedral 209-Man Stephen-Argyle, Wheaton 42-15 2005 AAAAA Wayzata, Cretin-Derham Hall 28-24 AAAA Mahtomedi, Holy Angels 27-26 OT AAA Becker, Albany 28-0 AA Eden Valley-Watkins, Caledonia 21-16 A Springfield, Goodhue 21-16 9-Man Stephen-Argyle, Cromwell 45-15 2004 AAAAA Minnetonka, Wayzata 23-14 AAAA Totino-Grace, Sartell-St. Stephen 27-6 AAA East Grand Forks, Becker 31-14 AA Pierz, Eden Valley-Watkins 39-14 A Rushford-Peterson, Otter Tail Central 20-6 9-Man Stephen-Argyle, Bertha-Hewitt 25-6 2003 AAAAA Lakeville, Hastings 34-9 AAAA Totino-Grace, Hutchinson 57-13 AAA Glencoe-Silver, Delano 21-0 AA Breck, Kingsland 51-14 A Goodhue, Medford/El Shaddai 20-8 9-Man Stephen-Argyle, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 7 2002 AAAAA Eden Prairie, Champlin Park 21-0 AAAA Mankato West, Mahtomedi 17-7 AAA Plainview/Elgin-Millville, Glencoe-Silver Lake 24-21 AA Kingsland, Spring Valley Norwood-Young America 35-7 A Rushford-Peterson, Mountain Lake/Butterfield-Odin 14-7 9-Man Verndale, Nicollet 21-14 2001 AAAAA Hastings, Blaine 28-9 AAAA Detroit Lakes, Mankato East 36-34 AAA Jackson County, Central Becker 42-7 AA Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, Windom Area 27-20 A McLeod West, Brownton Pillager 30-22 9-Man Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, Ada-Borup 37-7 2000 AAAAA Eden Prairie, Cretin-Derham Hall, St. Paul 24-14 AAAA Cambridge-Isanti, Saint Thomas Academy 24-14 AAA Glencoe-Silver Lake, Albany 21-0 AA Triton, Dodge Center *Otter Tail Central 31-12 A Sleepy Eye Public, Warren-Alvarado-Oslo 13-12 9-Man Westbrook-Walnut Grove, Cromwell 42-20 1999 AAAAA Cretin-Derham Hall, St. Paul Hastings 42-21 AAAA Mankato West, Cambridge-Isanti 35-28 AAA De LaSalle, Minneapolis Saint Michael-Albertville 28-7 AA Waterville-Elysian-Morristown West Central Area, Barrett 34-0 A Cook County, Grand Marais LeCenter 14-6 9-Man Stephen-Argyle, Nicollet 18-8

Source:

1998 AAAAA Woodbury, Champlin Park 28-7 AAAA Hutchinson, Owatonna 21-20 AAA Foley, Jackson County Central 21-7 AA Mahnomen B O L D, Olivia 27-26 A Cook County, Grand Marais Adrian 15-8 9-Man Cromwell, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, 40-22 1997 AAAAA Eden Prairie, Blaine 32-28 AAAA Northfield, Detroit Lakes 28-0 AAA Albany, Jackson County Central 55-7 AA Pelican Rapids, Waterville-Elysian-Morristown 34-32 A Cook County, Grand Marais Adrian 13-12 9-Man Verndale, Cromwell 18-12 1996 AA Eden Prairie, Blaine 23-22 A Mora, Northfield 7-3 B Breck School, Golden Valley Windom Area 24-7 C Chatfield, Hawley 12-7 9-Man Cromwell, Verndale 46-44 1995 AA Stillwater Area, Rochester Mayo 31-7 A Detroit Lakes, Saint Peter 30-15 B Kingsland, Spring Valley Breckenridge 22-3 C Chatfield, Hawley 12-6 9-Man Cromwell, LeRoy-Ostrander 26-18 1994 AA Anoka, Alexandria 34-7 A Sartell, Northfield 24-21 B Triton, Dodge Center Becker 40-21 C Chatfield, Red Lake Falls 34-14 9-Man Kittson Central, Hallock Verndale 36-16 1993 AA Apple Valley, Rochester John Marshall 29-7 A Detroit Lakes, Northfield 21-14 B Saint Cloud Cathedral, Zumbrota-Mazeppa 28-6 C Mahnomen, Minneota 43-23 9-Man Chokio-Alberta, LeRoy-Ostrander 35-0

B Jackson, Mahnomen 26-20 C Glyndon-Felton, Zumbrota 38-14 9-Man Westbrook, Norman County West 45-18 1984 AA Stillwater, Burnsville 36-33 A Hutchinson Centennial, Circle Pines 32-7 B Granite Falls, Breckenridge 13-7 C Harmony, Glyndon-Felton 20-14 9-Man Norman County West, Silver Lake 37-20 1983 AA Coon Rapids, Bloomington Jefferson 34-31 A Hutchinson, Park Rapids 36-14 B Jordan, Breckenridge 27-0 C Southland, Adams Bird Island-Lake Lillian 28-0 9-Man Silver Lake, Norman County West/Climax 27-12 1982 AA Stillwater, Owatonna 34-27 A Brooklyn Center, East Grand Forks 30-8 B LeCenter, Mahnomen 12-6 C Truman, Belgrade 16-14 9-Man Westbrook, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, 34-12 1981 AA Rosemount, Moorhead 40-14 A Saint Peter, Hermantown 18-14 B Holdingford, Pine Island 39-0 C Medford, Clarkfield 33-28 9-Man Argyle, Starbuck 31-19 1980 AA Burnsville, Cambridge 23-6 A Crookston, Pipestone 32-6 B Mahnomen, Austin Pacelli 34-0 C Bird Island-Lake Lillian, Mountain Lake 20-7 9-Man Hoffman-Kensington, Toivola-Meadowlands 18-14 1979 AA Columbia Heights, Richfield 8-3 A Rochester Lourdes, Apple Valley 22-6 B Gaylord, Mahnomen 15-6 C Bird Island-Lake Lillian, Harmony 34-6 9-Man Russell, Toivola-Meadowlands 17-14

1992 AA Lakeville, Cretin-Derham Hall 19-7 A Detroit Lakes, Farmington 21-0 B Saint Cloud Cathedral, B O L D, Olivia 7-6 C Mahnomen, Mankato Loyola 20-13 (2 OT) 9-Man Stephen, Cromwell 36-20

1978 AA Edina, West Fridley 21-0 A Fridley, Grace Apple Valley 17-14 B New Richland-Hartland, Barnesville 48-8 C Alden-Conger ,Battle Lake 15-14 9-Man Hoffman Albrook, Saginaw 44-28

1991 AA Burnsville, Lakeville 10-7 A Spring Lake Park, Rocori/Cold Spring 20-0 B B O L D, Olivia, Deer River 14-0 C Mahnomen, Mankato Loyola 42-0 9-Man Chokio-Alberta, Grygla/Goodridge 7-6

1977 AA Minneapolis Washburn, Stillwater 13-0 A Fridley Grace, Rocori/Cold Spring 36-12 B Granite Falls, Stewartville 44-6 C Battle Lake, Henderson 22-20 (OT) 9-Man Deer Creek, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, 20-0

1990 AA Anok,a Elk River 19-14 A Fridley, Sartell 34-12 B B O L D, Olivia, DeLaSalle, Minneapolis 15-14 C Mahnomen, Becker 27-7 9-Man Hills-Beaver Creek, Argyle 28-21

1976 AA White Bear Lake, Cloquet 14-13 (OT) A Saint Peter, Mora 56-12 B Caledonia, Sartell 38-7 C New Richland-Hartland, Bird Island 21-19 9-Man Deer Creek, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, 57-14

1989 AA Burnsville, Stillwater 21-7 A Albany, Totino-Grace, Fridley 41-32 B Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop, Perham 27-15 C Waterville-Elysian, Mahnomen 14-7 9-Man St. Clair, Albrook 47-12 1988 AA Blaine, Cretin-Derham Hall 25-24 A Lakeville, Staples-Motley 35-28 B Breckenridge, Morris 21-7 C Minneota, Rushford 42-28 9-Man Hallock ,Stewart 35-24 1987 AA Moorhead, Winona 13-7 A Cambridge, Lakeville 28-14 B Granite Falls, Ely 43-20 C Minneota, Grand Meadow 27-7 9-Man Silver Lake, Verndale 30-14 1986 AA Apple Valley, Osseo 35-6 A Cambridge, Stewartville 24-0 B Watertown-Mayer, Granite Falls 29-6 C Minneota, Sherburn-Dunnell 52-19 9-Man Argyle, Silver Lake 32-7 1985 AA Burnsville, Apple Valley 27-21 A New Prague, Mora 16-12

1975 AA Stillwater, Richfield 20-17 A Saint Thomas Academy, Saint Peter 21-14 B Gaylord, Onamia 14-13 C Esko, Karlstad 62-0 9-Man Ruthton, Audubon 42-20 1974 AA Rochester John Marshall, Bloomington Jefferson 41-19 A Alexandria ,Chaska 26-7 B New Prague, Caledonia 41-12 C Battle Lake, Bird Island 34-26 (2 OT) 9-Man Lake Benton, Fisher 36-6 1973 AA Rochester John Marshall, Saint Paul Harding 25-0 A Eveleth, Willmar 28-18 B New Prague, Appleton 13-7 C Gaylord, Holdingford 29-6 9-Man Lake Benton, Brandon 50-12 1972 AA Minneapolis Washburn, Moorhead 26-6 A Burnsville, Sauk Centre 46-19 B Mountain Iron, Dassel-Cokato 54-6 C Gaylord, Preston 26-6 9-Man Rothsay, Cotton 64-12

8

November 6, 2024

www.letsplayfootballmn.com

Let’s Play Football

The need for speed

Stewartville sprints to another state tournament

Parker Wangen will never forget how it felt as he stood on the turf at U.S. Bank Stadium after he and his Stewartville teammates defeated Annandale 43-13 in last season’s Class 3A state championship game.

“It was one of the all-time highs of my entire life,” recalls the now-senior wide receiver/defensive back, who has already committed to play football at Division II power Minnesota State-Mankato.

“To be able to do something like that with this group of guys was amazing.

That was our first state championship, and it meant a lot to our community as well.

It felt like the whole town was there. It showed how much support we have from so many people. That was a great feeling.”

And one he’s hoping to experience again.

The Tigers – who went 14-0 en route to the state title in 2023 – have picked up right where they left off this fall. After cruising through sections, Stewartville is poised to make another run at the Prep Bowl.

In fact, Wangen and company boast a 35-1 record over the past three seasons – the lone loss coming against Hutchinson in the Class 4A state quarterfinals in 2022.

“Other teams are gunning for us now, but we try to use being a target as motivation,” said Wangen, whose team has outscored its opposition a staggering 526-25 this season and has recorded seven shutouts.

“We still try to think of ourselves as underdogs, even if we aren’t. We know we’re going to get every team’s best shot, and we embrace that. It gets us even more fired up.”

Indeed, Stewartville does boast a great deal of firepower. Wangen is one of three Tigers to have already committed to play college football next season. Defensive ends Graysen Schneider (FCS Montana State) and Caleb Bancroft (Division II Minnesota-Duluth) are the others.

And head coach Garrett Mueller, who is in his seventh season in the top job after starting as an assistant in the program in 2011, said two-or-three other players could still join that group as well.

He credits a lot of that success to the sprint-based approach he and his coaching staff have implemented in recent years – emphasizing speed (players sprint two days a week all year long) and health (the Tigers do not practice in full pads).

The results have been dramatic. Stewartville had just around 12 players run the 40-yard dash in under five seconds in 2019 compared to 37 this season.

“It doesn’t mean we don’t value size and strength,” said Mueller, a Wisconsin-La Crosse graduate. “We do. But on the list of what we prioritize the most, speed and avoiding injuries is at the top.”

Mueller’s players say that increased quickness has paid dividends on Friday nights.

“It lets decision-making happen a lot faster too,” junior quarterback Vince Wellik said. “When you know guys are going to get to their spots as quickly as they do, it makes my job a lot easier.”

But the Tigers know a second-straight state title won’t come easily.

“Our mindset is every week is a new test,” Wangen said. “We’re 0-0 and we’re trying to get to 1-0. We’re taking it one week at a time. But at the end of it all, our ultimate goal is winning another title.”

The Tigers will take on Holy Family Saturday at noon at Totino-Grace High School.

Holy Family (8-2) Prior to reaching the section finals last season in which they lost to Minneapolis North 51-0, the Holy Family Catholic Fire were coming off two straight winless seasons and a four-season streak that saw them go 2-32.

This year they found themselves back in the section finals against the familiar

LPF PHOTO BY SABRINA LAWRENCE Parker Wangen sprints past a defender during action this season. The Tigers coaching staff has focused on speed to help give them an edge on opponents.

Class AAA State Tournament Bracket Fergus Falls (10-0) Nov. 8 6 p.m.

Alexandria High School

Albany (10-0)

Pequot Lakes (10-0)

Stewartville (11-0)

Prep Bowl Nov. 23 1 p.m.

U.S. Bank Stadium

Nov. 16 2 p.m.

U.S. Bank Stadium

VS.

Nov. 9 7 p.m.

Rocori High School

Nov. 9 Noon Totino-Grace High School Nov. 16 4:30 p.m.

U.S. Bank Stadium

Holy Family (8-2)

Dassel-Cokato (9-1) Nov. 9 3 p.m.

Minneapolis Washburn High School

Fairmont (8-2)

Annandale (10-1)

Follow along at www.letsplayfootballmn.com foe of Minneapolis North. This time they prevailed with a 34-28 win, advancing to the state tournament just two seasons form an 0-9 campaign.

The team relies on a strong offensive line that has led to a successful running game led by Griffin Murray, Noah Galvin, Tanner Davis and Levi Trout. Ethan Ryan has completed more than 55 percent of his passes and 1,400 yards.

Levi Skinner and Eli Foudray stabilize the defense as the team’s top tacklers.

Both of the Fire’s losses this season have come against Class 4A teams, meaning they have yet to lose to a 3A counterpart.

But they will have to get by defending state champions Stewartville (11-0) Saturday at Totino-Grace High School to reach US Bank Stadium next week.

Albany (10-0) The Huskies, a perennial power, has run the gamut on their schedule, wreaking havoc on opponents throughout the first 10 weeks of the season.

Their perfect record is the product of the “Kaizen “ approach. What is the Kaizen approach?

Class 3A Football Section Final Results Pequot Lakes 36, Two Harbors 15 Albany 29, Minnewaska 21 Holy Family 34, Minneapolis North 28 Annandale 44, St. Cloud Cathedral 0 Stewartville 48, Pine Island 0 Dassel-Cokato 33, Litchfield 18 Fairmont 17, Waseca 12 Fergus Falls 23, Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton 17 “It’s putting ourselves in a constant state of improvement,” said head coach Mike Ellingson. “A mindset to guide us each day and drive home the culture of working for everything we earn, yet while knowing there is always room for improvement. We focus as a program to find those inner details within our team to

make the overall product better.”

The Huskies play a tough 3A schedule and had big wins this season against rival Pierz and Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted. In both of those games the team was missing two of their captains, Jack Eveslage and Ethan Meyer.

Key players for this year’s Huskies team includes Boone Romeling (QB), Ethan Meyer (RB/WR), Zach Birr (RB), Drew Lehner (RB), Cooper Brinkman (LB), Zach Stradtmann (DE), Jake Buttweiler (DE), and Elliott Burnett (WR/DB).

Brinkman leads the team with 126 tackles. The defense has allowed more than one score just three times this season.

Offensively Roemeling has ran for 1,370 yards while passing for 19 touchdowns.

Lehner has 790 yards on the ground, Birr 584, and Meyer 444. Meyer also has 242 receiving yards. Burnett is the team’s leading receiver with 436 receiving yards. He also has five interceptions on defense.

The Huskies will face Fergus Falls

3A

Continued on Page 17

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November 6, 2024

Let’s Play Football

Another tough run through the field

9

Even with two unbeaten teams, Class 4A wide open

by MIKE SONNTAG

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

There will be a new champion crowned in Class 4A this year as defending champion Hutchinson was defeated in the Section 2 final by Marshall 35-13.

This will be the first time since 2019 the Hutchinson Tigers are not playing in the state title game. The tournament features two undefeated teams in Becker and Totino-Grace, and a slew of contenders looking to finish on top of 4AAAA in the Prep Bowl.

Here is a look at the Field: Becker Bulldogs (10-0) The Bulldogs earned their 20th state tournament berth with a 28-7 win over Princeton in the Section 8 final. Coach Dwight Lundeen, who earned his 400th career win at the beginning of the season, brings a veteran team to the tournament with 25 seniors, many of which have played in 30 varsity games since their sophomore years.

Players to watch are Sawyer Brown (QB/DB), Isaac Daluge (DB/RB), Mitchell Soltau (WR), Carter Reckleberg (FS/ WR), Landen Kujawa (LB/RB), Kaden Nicolas (DB/RB). Joe Boecker (DL), Jackson Duncan (OT).

Becker has a very quick and skilled defense that has surrendered just 21 points through 10 games in the first 3 quarters.

Offensively, the Bulldogs average 38 points per game with their QBs completing 70 percent of passes and only thrown two interceptions.

“This team practices well, loves to play football, and has a will to win.” Lundeen said.

Becker opens the tournament against the Academy of Holy Angels Stars in a rematch of Week 3 where the visiting Bulldogs won 14-0.

Totino-Grace Eagles (10-0) Totino-Grace is battle tested as they have shown they can win the close game and have shown the ability to put teams away. Notable wins came against defending state champion Hutchinson 21-20 in Week 3 and state tournament participants Academy of Holy Angels 28-12 in Week 5 and Orono 11-8 in Week 7.

The Eagles earned a trip to state beating St. Antony Village 47-6 in the section 4 final.

The Eagles are led on offense by QB Jake Person who has thrown for 9 TDs against 6 Interceptions. Marquel Keten carries the load on the ground with 1,368 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Totino Grace is coached by Jay Anderson and has a rich tradition of football success, they will be a tough out for every team in the field. The Eagles open against the Hill-Murray Pioneers (9-1).

Hermantown Hawks (9-1) The Hawks avenged their only loss of the season, a 48-44 loss to North Branch in Week 3, by defeating the Vikings 35-28 in the Section 7 final.

“We knew we might face them again down the road, and hoped we could take what we learned from that game and apply it” said Hermantown head coach Mike Zagelmeyer.

The Hawks average margin of victory in their nine wins was 31 points.

Senior QB Alex Schott is the “heart and soul of team” completing 62 percent of his passes. Sophomore running back Martin Sleen has rushed for 1,424 yards and 22 touchdowns. The receiving core of Landon Burg, Kale Smith and tight end Grant Johnson have accounted for 1,200 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns.

Defensively for the Hawks, Johnson leads with 69 tackles, Jimmy Bartsch 59 tackles and 5 fumble recoveries, and Tanner Homstad, Mason Humphries, and Aidan Adamski are also heavy contributors to Hermantown’s stout defense.

LPF PHOTO BY JEFF ANDERSON

Senior Marqel Keten tries to dodge a Benilde-St. Margaret’s player in action this fall.

Class AAAA State Tournament Bracket Becker (10-0) Nov. 7 7 p.m.

Brainerd High School

Academy of Holy Angels (7-3) Hermantown (9-1)

Totino-Grace (10-0)

Prep Bowl Nov. 22 1 p.m.

U.S. Bank Stadium

Nov. 14 10:30 a.m.

U.S. Bank Stadium

VS.

Nov. 7 6 p.m.

Alexandria High School

Nov. 7 5:30 p.m.

Blaine High School

Nov. 15 11:30 a.m.

U.S. Bank Stadium

Hill-Murray (9-1)

Byron (9-1) Nov. 7 6 p.m.

East Ridge High School

Marshall (9-1)

Orono (8-2)

Follow along at www.letsplayfootballmn.com ‘We have received a ton of community support this year; it has been very cool to see how the community has rallied around this team.” Zagelmeyer said. The Hawks open against Section 6 champion Orono Spartans (8-2).

Byron Bears (9-1 Section 1 Champions) The Bears opened the season with a 14-3 loss against Providence Academy and have reeled off 9 straight wins to return to state. “ We came out against Benilde-St. Margarets (a 35-0 win) and played very well in Week 2, and that set the tone for the rest of the season”. Byron coach Ben Halder said.

Byron punched their ticket to the state tournament with a 42-7 win over Kasson-Mantorville in the section 1 final. The Bears are scoring 37.7 points per game while allowing just 7.4 points per game on defense including an impressive five shutouts.

Key Players: Colin Hansen (OL/DL), Carson Heimer (RB/DB) 1,430 yards 22 TDs, Jacob Von Arx (TE/LB), Eli Rodemeyer (QB) 80/116 1,028 yards and 9 TD passes, Trey Gostomczik (TE/LB), Charlie Jones (OL), Max Dearborn (WR/

Class 4A Football Section Final Results Hill-Murray 49 Simley 42 OT North Branch 28 Hermantown 35 Orono 32 Providence Academy 18 Becker 28 Princeton 7 Holy Angels 34 Benilde St Margaret’s 14 Marshall 35 Hutchinson 13 Totino-Grace 47 St Anthony 6 Byron 42 Kasson-Mantorville 7 DB), Brevin Brakke (DL), Mason Helland (WR) 3 TDs. “We love our kids, their mentality, the way they love each other and love our community,” Halder said. “The community of Byron is second to none in the state of Minnesota and the support we receive from them is nothing short of amazing.

This extends to our schools as well - the

students, school staff and administration across the entire district are the best.”

The Bears open against the Marshall Tigers (9-1).

Orono Spartans (8-2) Orono shook off back-to-back losses to Totino Grace and Rocori in the last two games of the regular season by a combined total of five points by beating Providence Academy 32-18 in the Section 6 final.

The Spartans have had to overcome some midseason injuries and feel they are ready to make a run.

“We are finally at full strength and healthy and hope to continue to play great football.” Orono head coach Joe McPhearson said.

The offense is led by Blake Van Patten (OL); Charlie Cordes (QB) 93/132 1,495 passings yards and 12 TD; Rory Kvern (RB) 873 yards on 163 carries and 12 TDs; Parker Buckhardt 28 catches 595 yards and 7 TDs. The Defense has given up an average of 12.6 points per game led by Carsen Burckhardt with 46 tackles. The Spartans’

4A

Continued on Page 18

10

November 6, 2024

Let’s Play Football

The Chase is on

www.letsplayfootballmn.com

Alexandria’s 6’8” QB looks to lead team to “The Bank”

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

Alexandria quarterback Chase Thompson backed into his own end zone and fluttered a pass over the linebackers and into the hands of Mason Gorghuber in the fourth quarter last week for a 99-yard game-winning touchdown, giving the Cardinals a stunning 48-44 victory over rival Moorhead.

It was Thompson’s third touchdown pass of the game and he would go on to throw for 409 yards to earn them their second straight trip to state. Last season they lost at U.S. Bank Stadium in the quarterfinals to St. Thomas Academy.

Thompson, at 6’8” tall, looks like he could play on any college football roster tomorrow. Unfortunately for football recruiters, he recently signed on to play basketball at Clemson.

He has put together an outstanding senior campaign throwing for 2,629 yards and 28 touchdowns. He has competed 72 percent of his passes and will look to lead the Cardinals back to “The Bank” with hopes of reaching the Prep Bowl in a tough field of 5A teams.

Thompson has a variety of receivers he can toss to, including Evan Kludt (38 rec/606 yards), Mason Witt (22/275/3), Thomas Hinrichs (33/481/2) and Gorghuber (37/783/15).

But the Cardinals aren’t just a passing team.

Macklyn Heydt had rushed for 638 yards and nine touchdowns and Brody Berg has 361 yards and 10 scores.

Thompson isn’t Alexandria’s only Division I athlete. Kicker Daniel Jackson, who booted a 54-yarder earlier this season, is headed to the University of Minnesota. While kickers don’t play a huge role in the regular season, having someone of Jackson’s caliber in a state tournament format could be a difference maker for the Cardinals.

If there is a chink in the Cardinals armor it is their defense, allowing 192 points on the season and almost 2,000 yards rushing (6.2 yards per carry).

They will battle Robbinsdale Armstrong (10-0) and one of the top runners in the state in Kevon Johnson on Saturday at 4 p.m. at Monticello High School.

Robbinsdale Armstrong (10-0) The Robbinsdale Armstrong Falcons are on a 10-0 run for the first time since 2019 with their confidence still soaring since their Week 8 shootout victory over the Andover Huskies, 57-56.

“It was a great high school game, and it was wild,” said head coach Jack Negen (who was named High School coach of the week by the Minnesota Vikings in week 5). “I haven’t been in many like that and it was just kind of a shootout with two really good teams.”

Armstrong senior running back Kevon Johnson scored five touchdowns and ran for 309 yards on 34 carries. Last season, they lost to the Andover 37-20 in the Class 5A Quarterfinals where Johnson only managed 46 yards on 18 carries without scoring any touchdowns.

“I had adrenaline and revenge because they took away our season last year,” Johnson said. “It was a lot of anticipation coming into this game and trying to prove to myself that I can play against big teams like this.”

The win was a huge boost for the Falcons as and carried them into the playoffs where they made easy work of St. Louis Park before winning the section final 2820 over crosstown rival Robbinsdale Cooper.

Johnson has been a standout running back for the Falcons who rank No. 1 in rushing touchdowns and No. 3 in rushing

LPF PHOTO BY BRYAN ZOLLMAN Chase Thompson is Alexandria’s 6’8” quarterback who recently signed a tender to play basketball at Clemson. First he will try and lead the Cardinals to the Prep Bowl.

9

Class AAAAA State Tournament Bracket

Elk River (9-1) Nov. 9 4 p.m.

Forest Lake High School

Monticello (8-2)

Robbinsdale Armstrong (10-0)

Owatonna (10-0)

Prep Bowl Nov. 23 4 p.m.

U.S. Bank Stadium

Nov. 15 2 p.m.

U.S. Bank Stadium

VS.

Nov. 9 11 a.m.

Monticello High School

Nov. 9 1 p.m.

Eastview High School

Nov. 16 7 p.m.

U.S. Bank Stadium

Cretin-Derham Hall (6-4)

Chanhassen (7-3) Nov. 9 12 p.m.

Osseo High School

Alexandria (8-2)

St. Thomas Academy (7-3)

Follow along at www.letsplayfootballmn.com yards in the state. His 9.7 yards per carry and 207 average yards per game have helped the team to a No. 4 ranking in Class 5A. He eclipsed 2,000 yards rushing last week and has ran for 35 touchdowns.

Dawson Franke is under center and has passed for 1,179 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has also ran for 747 yards.

Farelle Deline, Lucas Wodtke and Eli Kuempel have been his main targets at receiver.

The Falcons will look for another big game when they battle Alexandria Saturday at 11 a.m. at Monticello High School.

Kevon Johnson, for one, isn’t ready for their season to come to an end.

“Like Kobe Bryant said, the job is not finished. There is a lot of more games to go,” Johnson said. “We’re just trying to get through each one of them and finally make it to the bank and celebrate at the end.”

Elk River (9-1) A river always runs from one source to another.

The Elk River football team is no different. Whoever gets the ball in the backfield, like a river, they run forward, sideways, and every other way to get to their final destination – the end zone.

The Elks are the state’s top rushing team, and in fact, could be the top prep team in the nation when it comes to carrying the football. They have ran the ball 482 times this season for a robust 4,607 yards.

That’s about 2.62 miles, which if it were a skinny body of rushing water, would be along enough to qualify as a river.

But it’s not just one player who is carrying the load for the Elks. They are using a plethora of backs to get the job done be-

5A

Continued on Page 18

Class 5A Football Section Final Results Armstrong 28 Cooper 20 Monticello 19 Spring Lake Park 0 Elk River 59 Andover 28 Chanhassan 21 Mankato East 14 Cretin-Derham Hall 28 Tartan 14 Moorhead 44 Alexandria 48 St Thomas Academy 29 Apple Valley 14 Owatonna 38 Rochester Marshall 15

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Strong field competing for “Big School” championship

November 6, 2024

Let’s Play Football

11

Within reach

by MIKE SONNTAG

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

The Big School tournament will have a hard topping the outcome from 2023 when Edina’s go-for-the-win 2-point attempt fell short as the Centennial Cougars won a forever classic 28-27. The Cougars did not return to state to defend their title, but the Edina Hornets are back along with a stacked field of contenders.

Here is a team-by-team breakdown: Maple Grove Crimson (10-0) The Maple Grove Crimson, two years removed from their first state title, might be the field’s most complete team coming in to the state tournament undefeated under first-year head coach Adam Spurrell after soundly beating perennial powerhouse Eden Prairie 34-0 to make the quarterfinals.

As impressive as the Crimson have been all season long, their victory over Minnetonka has been a spring board of confidence for the team.

“It was the first time that we truly battled through some adversity being down two scores in the game.” Spurrell said. “We were able to get the game tied right before halftime and then proceeded to win 31-21 over a top team in the state with (former Maple Grove head coach) Coach Lombardi running Minnetonka’s defense.”

Coach Spurrell points to the leadership and depth of the team as a key component to the Crimson success this year.

The team’s phrase is LEAVE NO DOUBT and have practiced and played like it all year long. The Crimson will also be an Academic All-State team with a team GPA of 3.42.

Key players: Kaden Harney (QB) has thrown for 1,290 yards and 14 passing TDs along with rushing for 215 yards and 5 scores. Charles Langama (RB) has 760 rushing yards and 13 TDs, Dylan Vokal (WR/FS) 559 receiving yards 7 TDs, Jacob Wrbanek (ILB).

Defensively, the Crimson have only given up eight touchdowns with our starters and scored eight defensive touchdowns and have created 23 turnovers.

Maple Grove opens against the 2023 state runner-up Edina Hornets (8-2).

Edina Hornets (8-2) The Hornets entered the season as the top-ranked Class 6A team in the state.

Now they enter the state tournament with two losses and a chip on their shoulder having reached the brink of a state title a year ago only to come up two yards short.

The Hornets lost last year’s state championship a failed 2-point conversion on the last pay of the game against Centennial. The good news is they bring back a strong group of players with talent and more importantly the experience of playing in the biggest game on the biggest stage.

The team is led by junior quarterback Mason West. West has completed 76 percent of his passes and thrown for 2,385 yards and 36 touchdowns against just two interceptions. West’s top target has been Meyer Swinney who has caught 67 passes for 1,078 yards and 16 touchdowns. Running back Chase Bjorgaard has helped open up the passing game with a strong running attack, leading the team with 1,099 yards and nine touchdowns.

Of course none is possible without a strong offensive line.

Defensively the Hornets have allowed 20 points per game, perhaps a bit high for their liking. The defense is led by top three tacklers Liam Holmberg, Nolan Anderson and Evan Gilder.

LPF PHOTO BY JEFF ANDERSON Maple Grove junior fullback Jeffrey Nordvold tries to reach towards the goal line during a game versus Burnsville earlier this season.

The Crimson enter the state tournament as the top-ranked team in Class 6A.

Class AAAAAA State Tournament Bracket Lakeville North (9-1) Nov. 8 7 p.m.

Farmington High School

Anoka (7-3)

Minnetonka (8-2)

Mounds View (8-2)

Prep Bowl Nov. 22 7 p.m.

U.S. Bank Stadium

Nov. 14 7 p.m.

U.S. Bank Stadium

VS.

Nov. 7 6 p.m.

Osseo High School

Nov. 8 7 p.m.

Spring Lake Park High School Nov. 15 7:30 p.m.

U.S. Bank Stadium

Shakopee (9-1)

Maple Grove (10-0) Nov. 7 7 p.m.

Park Center High School

Edina (8-2)

Blaine (7-3)

Follow along at www.letsplayfootballmn.com The Hornets get a tough draw in the quarterfinals having to take on top-ranked Maple Grove. The teams did not meet during the regular season. The Crimson will be tested by the West-Swinney connection and the Hornets will be tasked to stop the Crimson’s superior running attack. Both teams have players who have played in the state title game, and this game could very well determine who the 2024 6A winner will be.

Lakeville North Panthers (9-1) Lakeville North is a battle tested veteran team who have overcome a ton of injuries and adversity to reach the final eight teams. The Panthers, who last won a state title in 2018, beat Champlin Park 17-13 to reach the state quarter-finals.

“We have dealt with a lot of injuries all season. At one point we were down 14 guys and practicing with 40 total.” Lakeville North head coach Brian Vossen said.

One game the Panthers played with one starting wide receiver, another they were down 4 Offensive linemen and had linebackers switching jerseys to play offensive guard.

“It has been an interesting season to say the least,” said Vossen.

Key players: Riley Grossman (4 year starting QB), Sam Ripplinger (3-year RB), Blake Krause (3-year starter at TE; also starts at ILB), Reece Hunt (3-year starter on D (Edge); also plays HB), Seb Fries

Class 6A Football Section Final Results Maple Grove 34 Eden Prairie 0 Lakeville No. 17 Champlin Park 13 Edina 42 Eagan 21 Anoka 35 Lakeville South 34 Mounds View 28 Prior Lake 27 Shakopee 42 STMA 6 Blaine 53 Forest Lake 21 Minnetonka 49 Rochester Mayo 7

(3 year starter at WR/H), Ayden Forsgren (3 year starter on both sides of the ball corner and WR), Caleb Pedersen (3- year starter on Defense - missed 7 weeks with a broken collar bone, also plays WR), Braden Owens (3-year starter on defensive line), Carter Crawford (3-year starter at guard), Gavin Casey (sophomore safety, Tony Johnson (junior DB - leads team in interceptions).

“Our community has been a huge supporter of The Panther Football program and all the sports programs. The culture we have tried to build starts at a young age and kids take exceptional pride in being a

Panther. That is why Lakeville North is printed on the back of our jerseys.” Vossen said.

Lakeville North opens against Anoka (7-3).

Anoka Tornadoes (7-3) Anoka impressively shook off a lopsided loss to Maple Grove mid-season and has gone on a tear with big wins against defending state champion Centennial and a thrilling 35-34 win over a quality Lakeville South team to reach the state tournament.

Can they carry that momentum, all the way to the Prep Bowl?

The Tornadoes enter the tourney with three losses, but seem to be playing just as good as anyone. After a thrilling 35-34 win over perennial power Lakeville South, they will bring in a strong group led by senior quarterback Peyton Podany. Podany has completed 66 percent of his passes and thrown for just under 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns. He has a string receiving core with Trey Borchers, Afy Ibekwe and Charlie Hendrickson. Borchers has 48 catches for 637 yards and six scores.

Ibekwe has caught 43 passes for 596 yards and seven touchdowns and Hendrickson

6A

Continued on Page 19

12

November 6, 2024

Let’s Play Football

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Vikings first round pick JJ McCarthy will miss the entire 2024 season after having surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee.

Awaiting McCarthy’s return

Vikings QB will miss season with knee injury, here’s a look at what happened

by ERIC KOHN DPT, OCS, CSCS

The Vikings were ecstatic at the 2024 NFL draft back in April when their next attempt at drafting a franchise quarterback happened. With the 10th overall pick they chose JJ McCarthy. The quarterback came from Michigan and was fresh off a national championship win. He has size, arm strength, can make all the throws and has moxie. He is a confident player that has won at all levels.

JJ looked good in mini-camps and played well in his first preseason game.

Everything changed after that game when it was revealed that McCarthy had injured his knee during the game.

The diagnosis was a torn meniscus in the knee. The decision was to promote long term health in the knee and to repair versus remove the meniscus. The surgery was performed by Vikings team physician, Dr. Chris Larson of Twin Cities Orthopedics.

Fast forward almost 3 months later and we haven’t heard much about McCarthy. The free agent signing of Sam Darnold and his early season performance along with the success of team on the field has made the loss of McCarthy not as painful.

In this article you will learn about the meniscus, surgeries and rehabilitation.

The meniscus is two semilunar cartilage discs that sit atop the tibia. It has a nerve supply and a blood supply to the periphery of the meniscus. The function of the meniscus is to help stabilize the knee, absorb weight bearing shock, lubricate the joint and improve the congruency between the tibia and femur.

The most common mechanism of injury for the meniscus is compression and rotation such as cutting and pivoting.

The signs and symptoms of a meniscus tear are swelling, joint line tenderness and pain in the knee. The meniscus can have tears that can occur throughout the

disc.

The decision to remove the torn piece or repair is determined by size and location of the tear.

If the tear is along the outside or periphery, there is a good blood supply and a repair can be more successful.

If a repair is performed, the meniscus is sewn together by sutures. The severity of the tear will determine the number of sutures needed.

The rehabilitation following meniscus repair starts immediately with controlling postop effusion with the utilization of cold therapy. In addition, muscle function is returned with quadricep exercises andelectrical stimulation to improve contraction quality of the muscle.

The patient will have to wear a locked brace during walking and use crutches until their muscle function is back.

At about the 6th week, the brace is allowed to bend and more functional weightbearing exercises such as squatting, lunges, balance and endurance exercises are started.

The patient will continue to be progressed with more volume and intensity of rehabilitations as the knee tolerates without regression.

The patient will be weaned out of the brace as per surgeon and begin with more sport specific movements at 14-18 weeks.

Depending on the sport, most athletes are returned back at 8-10 months based on the severity and complexity of repair.

These general guidelines are fluid based on the surgery performed, surgeon protocol and patient’s response to rehabilitation.

Now back to McCarthy, at this time he is working hard rehabbing to regain strength, motion and endurance with the training staff. He is also back in the quarterback room learning what it takes to bean NFL quarterback. He is taking mental reps each day and learning from a veteran QB. There are somethat would tell you the disappearance of McCarthy from the field is the best way to develop a rookie NFL

PHOTO Credit This article describes the anatomy of the meniscus, the surgery to repair it, and the rehabilitation to get back on the field. quarterback. The ability for the rookie to learn mentally and develop physically without pressure or taking hits will improve his performance next year.

So where is McCarthy?

He is hopefully turning into the franchise quarterback the Vikings have been searching for.

Eric is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

He practices at St Cloud Orthopedics in Central Minnesota and is an adjunctprofessor at The College of St. Benedict/St John’s University. He can be reached at ekohn@stcloudorthopedics.com

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Let’s Play Football

November 6, 2024

13

Ham honors mother with charity event

Vikings fullback hosts “Pamper Her Purple” event for cancer survivors

EAGAN, Minn. — Tracy Jones Anderson has seen firsthand the way cancer can impact a family.

She also has seen the strides in early detection and cancer treatment over the years through organizations like the American Cancer Society and initiatives like the NFL’s Crucial Catch program.

Anderson was one of 16 women hosted Oct. 21 by Vikings fullback C.J. Ham and his wife Stephanie, who teamed up with the Vikings, the American Cancer Society and Sleep Number for the fourth annual Pamper Her Purple event.

Held at the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, Pamper Her Purple provided those 16 women – many of whom are cancer survivors, and a few who are currently battling – with a full day of spa services and relaxation. The unique event is held by the Hams in honor of C.J.’s late mother Tina, who passed away in 2021 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Anderson is a thyroid cancer survivor, having undergone surgery and treatment to become cancer-free in 2022. She also has lost both of her parents – her mother to lung cancer in the late ‘90s and her father to prostate cancer several years later.

Having been 30 years old when her mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, Anderson deeply resonates with the grief Ham experienced throughout Tina’s diagnosis and 14-month battle. She also understands how healing it can be as caregivers and loved ones to honor that individual’s memory through giving back to the cancer community.

“It’s a very sad time when you lose that person,” said Anderson, who regularly volunteers with ACS. “And when you have time to catch your breath [from that grief], you realize that, ‘You know what? This is exactly what she would want me to do.’ [My mother] was very active in the community, and she would have always been the first one to do events like this.”

Anderson and the other 15 women, along with their guests, were warmly welcomed to the event’s cocktail and dinner portion by C.J. and Steph, Vikings Chief Operating Officer Andrew Miller and Vikings Legend Anthony Bass, who now serves as Vice President, Major Mkt/Reg. Development at ACS. “It’s a blessing to be here in a room full of such strong people. People who chose to fight, who choose to fight every single day.

It’s truly a blessing. You guys may be fans of the Vikings, but I am truly fans of you – and everything you all have done,” Ham said.

“Many of you know my story with cancer.

I lost my mom to pancreatic cancer about four-and-a-half years ago. She had a long fight – a longer fight than a lot of people an-

Vikings fullback C.J. Ham hosted the “Pamper Her Purple” charity event for cancer survivors to honor his late mother. ticipated. They gave her probably about two to three months, and she ended up living for 14 months. We were able to experience tremendous things as a family, moments that we will never, ever forget.

“As a family member of someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, you get to see that fight right in front of you,” Ham continued. “You see how hard it is; it was a hard fight for my mom. She wasn’t healed physically on this earth, but she was healed spiritually and she’s now with our Father in Heaven – that’s what I believe.”

Miller, whose father battled prostate cancer and eventually passed away from lymphoma, shares the Ham family’s passion for cancer awareness and research.

“We’re so excited to have hosted you throughout the day – all of you incredible, inspiring, brave women who have joined us,” Miller said. “[The] game against the Lions was our Crucial Catch game … and it’s one of the proudest moments we have as an organization.

“Many of you were able to attend the game,” he added, “and we really appreciate you taking the time out of your weekend to come join us and to build the message of hope with us.”

Miller specifically noted Vikings Manager of Business Strategy Jen Tomashek, who is currently fighting breast cancer, was among the 16 Pamper Her Purple honorees and had sounded the Gjallarhorn to kick off the Vikings Crucial Catch game.

Miller expressed a heartfelt message of support for Tomashek and gifted her with the NFL Crucial Catch coin used for the coin toss.

Bass shared a message reflecting admiration similar to Ham and Miller, as well as encouraging everyone to continue supporting ACS’ efforts.

“We do believe this mission is working,

as you can see from the lovely people we have with us today. Thank you for not giving up,” Bass said. “Cancer is something that impacts everybody, and we’re now starting to get a better handle on it – because of our research and also advocacy, patient support.

We’re doing great work in a way that’s comprehensive.”

In addition to their spa day and dinner, attendees also received cozy blankets donated by Sleep Number, custom slippers and Crucial Catch gear.

Sleep Number’s Lindsey Schumer emphasized how meaningful the day is each year.

“Pamper Her Purple has been such an incredible opportunity for Sleep Number as an official Crucial Catch sponsor with the NFL and then being a partner with the Vikings – coming together with ACS, the Vikings and C.J. to honor these women and given them a day of pampering they so very much deserve,” she said. “It’s so impactful.

A lot of times you see the players out there on the field and might not think you have anything in common with them.

“But I know in talking to some of the women who heard C.J.’s story, heard how much he believes in them, it makes such a big difference,” Schumer added. “Spending this time with him and hearing his story and how authentic he is and how much he cares about cancer prevention and finding a cure is just so powerful.”

The entirety of the Pamper Her Purple event was emotional for Anderson, who described how cancer has so heavily impacted her and her sister’s lives for multiple decades.

Anderson explained how cancer resources and treatment plans were much more limited at the time of her mother’s late-stage diagnosis, and so she lived a very short time after the initial discovery.

PHOTO Credit

“And then we had several years where my dad was living alone and seemingly doing fine, and then he was diagnosed with cancer, as well,” Anderson said. “It was slow-growing in the beginning, but then it spread. So then I had that other experience of my second parent, a little bit different of an experience.

“Both are hard, because in the first case, you don’t have much time to do anything but react,” she added. “And then the second case, you’re doing a little more comfort care, a little more planning, a little more palliative, and you have a little more time to make a plan for you and the rest of the family. But it’s still very difficult.”

Anderson’s gratitude toward ACS, the Ham family, the Vikings and Sleep Number was evident as she gestured around the room to women of various ages connecting with one another and sharing their stories.

“I’m so inspired by all of the people here tonight,” Anderson said.

Throughout the day, bonding over shared difficult experiences created authentic community for Anderson, the attendees, their guests and also the hosts.

“It truly means so much for me to stand here with you guys – I can’t say that enough,” an emotional Ham said. “This is a day for y’all. My mom loved to be pampered. It was her favorite thing. To go and get her nails done, to get a massage, get her hair done. Whatever it was, she loved to be pampered. I hope today you got to let your hair down, take your shoes off and just enjoy the moment.

“Just remember that God loves you, Jesus loves you,” he added. “Continue to fight every single day. And know that we are going to beat this terrible disease called cancer.”

Jones nominated as Vikings Salute to Service rep

EAGAN, Minn. – Aaron Jones, Sr., wasn’t expecting to break down the huddle following Thursday’s practice.

And he especially wasn’t expecting the news Head Coach Kevin O’Connell delivered to the huddle just beforehand: Jones has been selected as the Vikings nominee for the 2024 NFL Salute to Service Award.

Jones initially was speechless. The running back had previously been the Packers 2023 nominee for the honor, even making it to the final group of candidates, but said he hadn’t anticipated being nominated during his first year in Minnesota.

“To even be in consideration when [Army graduate] Andre [Carter II] and [Air Force alum] Bo [Richter] are service members, it’s amazing,” Jones said, “and it shows me that what my family and I are doing with our foundation for military families doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Founded in 2020 by Jones and his twin brother Alvin, Jr., the A&A All the Way Foundation emphasizes the support of youth in military families.

Jones consistently honors current and

former U.S. Military members – including his late father, Alvin Jones, Sr., who served 29 years in the U.S. Army and mother, Vurgess, who served 27 years, both of them retiring as sergeant majors; as well as his older JONES brother, Xavier, who serves in the U.S. Air Force.

Jones often calls on his own childhood experience, when his parents were deployed to Iraq and he saw firsthand the sacrifices made to serve one’s country, in extending care and support to young people of military families.

He recalled being in first or second grade and going to the airport hangars to send his father off to Iraq – and then three months later, his mother.

“I’ll never forget that – seeing all the

families’ long faces as they sent their loved ones off,” Jones said. “I remember my grandpa came, he was a truck driver, and he picked up my mom’s van and drove us to Virginia – me, my brother and our older sister.”

The three of them stayed during the week with his mom’s side of the family and then on the weekends with his dad’s side.

“It was a lot of back and forth, but the positive is we got to spend so much time with family,” Jones said.

Alvin Sr. and Vurgess did multiple tours overseas, but one return especially touches Jones’ heart.

“My uncle took us to the airport, but he didn’t tell us why, so we’re little and like, ‘OK, why are we at the airport?’ We’re just walking, walking, and suddenly we see my dad,” Jones recalled. “Me and my brother just take off, and that might be the only time Alvin’s ever beat me running. I think it’s because he saw Dad first, though.

“It’s just those memories I’ll never forget,” Jones added. “Those were probably the highlights of my childhood, my par-

ents coming back from Iraq or Afghanistan. [If they] came back during the day, we wouldn’t have to go to school that day.

“We would stay home and lay on the couch,” he continued. “I remember the first time, we all laid on top of my dad, just hanging out in the dark, and we watched movies together and just enjoyed being with him.”

O’Connell and the Vikings are proud to recognize Jones as their Salute to Service nominee, and Jones is equally proud to receive the honor.

“I love representing the military,” he said. “Everything it stands for honestly goes hand-in-hand with football. Everybody has to put their race, their religion, their differences aside and come together for one common goal.”

Fans have an opportunity to help determine the award’s three finalists by casting votes at NFL.com/SaluteFanVote.

14

November 6, 2024

Let’s Play Football

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MIAC Football Notebook BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - The final week of divisional play is here for Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) football teams. The results of Saturday’s contests will solidify next week’s MIAC Championship Week matchups.

CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK The final week of the MIAC regular season will be “Championship Week.” MIAC teams will be ranked 1-5 in each division based on the current season’s in-division results. Each team will then match up with the corresponding seed in the opposite division for the final conference game of the season. The winner of the contest between the two divisional leaders will receive the MIAC’s automatic qualifier to the NCAA Division III Football Playoffs.

In 2024, teams from the Northwoods Division will host Championship Week.

Tiebreakers to help determine divisional order can be found here.

In the Skyline Division...

If Bethel wins, Bethel will be No. 1, Concordia will be No. 2, Augsburg will be No. 3, Hamline will be No. 4, and Macalester will be No. 5.

If Concordia wins, Concordia will be No. 1, Bethel will be No. 2, Augsburg will be No. 3, Hamline will be No. 4, and Macalester will be No. 5.

In the Northwoods Division...

If Saint John’s wins OR St. Olaf AND Gustavus win, Saint John’s will be No. 1, Gustavus will be No. 2, St. Olaf will be No. 3, Carleton will be No. 4, and St. Scholastica will be No. 5.

If St. Olaf and Carleton win, St. Olaf will be No. 1, Saint John’s will be No. 2, Carleton will be No. 3, Gustavus will be No. 4, and St. Scholastica will be No. 5.

IN THE POLLS Saint John’s is No. 4, while Bethel is No. 25 in the latest D3football.com Top 25 Poll, released on November 3. The Johnnies are also No. 4 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Top 25 Poll this week. The Royals received 32 points in the balloting. The next D3football.com Poll is slated to be released on Sunday, November 10, while the AFCA Poll is expected on Monday, November 11.

Saint John’s is No. 1 in the latest NCAA Power Index (NPI), released on Monday, November 4. Bethel is No. 25.

The NPI will be used to select the 12 atlarge bids to the 40-team NCAA Division III Playoffs.

NATIONAL NOTABLES Four MIAC players were selected as semifinalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. Among the semifinalists were Saint John’s senior quarterback Aaron Syverson (Minnetonka, Minn.), St. Olaf senior quarterback Theo Doran (Minneapolis, Minn. | Holy Angels), Gustavus senior wide receiver Jake Breitbach (Golden Valley, Minn.), and Bethel graduate defensive back Nate Farm (Arden Hills, Minn. | Mounds View).

Fifteen MIAC players have been selected to the D3football.com Team of the

Hamline junior cornerback Juan Ber(Denver, Colo. | Mullen) hauled in 2024 MIAC Football Statistical Leaders taud three interceptions against Carleton on

Overall MIAC Passing Yds/Game Aaron Syverson, St John's 337.8 Aaron Syverson, St John's 349.3 Passing TDs Aaron Syverson, St John's 32 Aaron Syverson, Saint John's 25 Rushing Yds/Game River Wood, Gustavus 87.5 River Wood, Gustavus 103.8 Rushing TDs Aaron Ellingson, Bethel 12 Aaron Ellingson, Bethel 9 Rec. Yds/Game Dawson Schaffer, Hamline 114.3 Joey Kidder, Bethel 100.0 Receiving TDs Joey Kidder, Bethel 15 Joey Kidder, Bethel 10 Tackles/Game Carson DeKam, Gustavus 9.5 Carson DeKam, Gustavus 10.2 Sacks Caden DeWall, Bethel 10.0 Caden DeWall, Bethel 7.5 Interceptions Matt Jung, Bethel 6 Multiple 3 Week so far this season. Hamline junior wide receiver Dawson Schaffer (Kindred, N.D.) is the most recent honoree for his play during Week 9 of the 2024 season.

Bethel sophomore quarterback Cooper Drews (Princeton, Minn.) and Saint John’s senior quarterback Aaron Syverson (Minnetonka, Minn.) rank first and second in NCAA Division III with completion percentages of 76.7 and 75.8, respectively.

Augsburg junior wide receiver Tyrone Wilson (Ellendale, Minn.) caught four touchdown passes against St. Olaf on 10/26, tied for the second-most in any D-III game this season.

Bethel sophomore quarterback Cooper Drews (Princeton, Minn.) ranks fifth in NCAA Division III with an average of 24.25 completions per game this season.

Drews has thrown 30 touchdown passes, seventh-most in D-III. Drews threw six touchdown passes against Hamline (10/26) and Carleton (11/2), tied for the sixth-most in any D-III game this season.

His completion percentage of 92.3 against Hamline is the fifth-best clip in any D-III game this year.

Bethel graduate running back Aaron Ellingson (St. Louis Park, Minn.) has rushed for ten touchdowns this season, tied for the tenth-most in Division III. Ellingson rushed for four touchdowns against Augsburg on 10/19, tied for the sixth-most in any D-III game this season.

Bethel graduate wide receiver Joey Kidder (New Richmond, Wis.) has 15 receiving touchdowns this season, tied for the third-most in NCAA Division III. Kidder had four touchdown grabs against Hamline on 10/26, tied for the second-most in any D-III game this year.

Bethel senior wide receiver Micah Niewald (Fridley, Minn.) caught 14 passes against Carleton on 11/2, tied for the sixthmost in any D-III game this season.

Bethel senior linebacker Caden DeWall (Becker, Minn.) has 10.0 sacks this season, tied for the sixth-most in NCAA Division III. DeWall had 3.5 sacks against Gustavus on 10/5, tied for the tenth-most in any D-III game this season.

Bethel sophomore safety Matt Jung (Neenah, Wis.) is tied for second in NCAA

Division III with six interceptions this season. Jung’s 16.7 yards per punt return rank sixth-best in D-III. Carleton junior quarterback Jack Curtis (Charlotte, N.C. | Ardrey Kell) ranks seventh in NCAA Division III with an average of 23.43 completions per game this season.

Carleton junior wide receiver Tyler Dimond (North Grafton, Mass. | Grafton) caught four touchdown passes against St. Scholastica on 10/26, tied for the second-most in any D-III game this season.

Carleton junior punter Marcus Merkelbach (Seattle, Wash. | Garfield) punted 11 times against Saint John’s on 10/19, tied for the fourth-most in any D-III game this season.

Concordia junior wide receiver Eric Cockhill (Helena, Mont. | Capital) returned six punts against Hamline on 10/19, tied for the second-most in any D-III game this season.

Gustavus senior quarterback George Sandven (Edina, Minn.) completed 93.8 percent of his passes against Augsburg on 9/28, tied for the third-best clip in any D-III game this season.

Gustavus senior running back River Wood (St. Petersburg, Fla. | Dixie-Hollins) collected 293 all-purpose yards against St. Scholastica on 10/12, tied for the seventh-most in any D-III game this season.

Gustavus junior wide receiver Caden Kleinschmidt (Morgan, Minn. | Cedar Mountain) totaled 228 receiving yards against Macalester on 10/19, the tenthmost in any D-III game this season.

Hamline junior wide receiver Dawson Schaffer (Kindred, N.D.) has caught 12 touchdown passes this season, tied for the ninth-most in NCAA Division III. Schaffer’s 912 receiving yards rank tenth in D-III. Schaffer caught five touchdown passes against Crown on 9/7, the most in any D-III game this season. His 272 receiving yards in the game are the thirdmost in any D-III game this year.

Hamline junior linebacker Croix Zacharias (Green Bay, Wis. | Southwest) has 48 solo tackles this season, tied for the tenth-most in NCAA Division III this season.

9/28, tied for the most in any D-III game this season.

Saint John’s senior quarterback Aaron Syverson (Minnetonka, Minn.) leads NCAA Division III with an average of 338. 4 passing yards per game. Syverson ranks second in NCAA Division III for both passing yards (2,707) and completions per game (26.25). His 32 touchdown passes rank fourth in Division III. He also ranks seventh in D-III for passing efficiency with a rating of 193.9. Syverson completed 89.5 percent of his passes against Wartburg on 9/14, tied for the ninth-best clip in any D-III game this season.

Saint John’s junior wide receiver Dylan Wheeler (St. Paul, Minn. | Mounds View) has 13 receiving touchdowns this season, tied for the sixth-most in NCAA Division III. St. Olaf senior wide receiver Devin McNearny (Arvada, Colo. | Ralston Valley) returned six punts against Luther on 9/14, tied for the second-most in any D-III game this season.

St. Scholastica junior wide receiver Andrew Burgess (Tampa, Fla. | Cypress Creek) returned eight kickoffs against Saint John’s on 11/2, tied for the fourthmost in any Division III game this season.

St. Scholastica junior linebacker Austin Mundt (Deer River, Minn.) is tied for seventh in NCAA Division III with 50 solo tackles this season.

AROUND THE MIAC Augsburg junior wide receiver Tyrone Wilson (Ellendale, Minn.) tied the Auggies’ single-game program record with four receiving touchdowns, including the go-ahead touchdown in overtime, to end St. Olaf’s unbeaten run to start the season with a 35-34 overtime triumph on 10/26.

Wilson caught eight passes for 113 yards, with touchdown receptions of nine, 10, 26 and 25 yards. On a fourth-down play in Augsburg’s overtime session, Wilson caught a 25-yard touchdown against two defenders on the back line of the end zone.

Bethel sophomore quarterback Cooper Drews (Princeton, Minn.) accounted for seven total touchdowns - six through the air and one on the ground - in the Royals’ 56-7 win over Carleton on 11/2. Drews matched the program record with six passing touchdowns for the second straight week and aired it out for a career-best 422 yards by completing 38 of his 44 passing attempts. Drews found three difference receivers in the endzone and added a oneyard rushing touchdown himself. His six scoring strikes also made him Bethel’s single-season passing touchdown leader with 30 on the year.

Drews, Goebel lead list of weekly honors MIAC Football Offensive Player of the Week Cooper Drews Bethel University So. | Quarterback Princeton, Minn.

Cooper Drews accounted for seven total touchdowns - six through the air and one on the ground - in the Royals’ 56-7 win over Carleton on 11/2.

Drews matched the program record with six passing touchdowns for the second straight week and aired it out for a career-best 422 yards by completing 38 of

his 44 passing attempts.

Drews found three difference receivers in the endzone and added a one-yard rushing touchdown himself.

His six scoring strikes also made him Bethel’s single-season passing touchdown leader with 30 on the year.

MIAC Football Player of the Week Landen Goebel Gustavus Adolphus College Jr. | Cornerback Becker, Minn.

Defensive

Landen Goebel hauled in two critical interceptions in the Gusties’ 21-10 win over St. Olaf on 11/2.

Goebel’s first pick came in the first quarter when he intercepted a pass at the Gusties’ own 10-yard line. His second takeaway came late in the fourth to halt St. Olaf’s comeback attempt.

Goebel also tallied three tackles and helped the Gusties limit the Oles to 11 total rushing yards in the game.

MIAC Football Special Teams Player of the Week Owen Miller Concordia College Sr. | Wide Receiver Aitkin, Minn.

Owen Miller returned the opening kickoff of the second half 89 yards for a touchdown in the Cobbers’ 38-7 victory over Augsburg on 11/2. It was his first career kickoff return for a touchdown and the Cobbers’ second kick return score in the last three games.

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Let’s Play Football

November 6, 2024

15

Business as usual for Concordia

Cobbers roll to 25-point win over Augsburg

MOORHEAD, Minn. (11/02/24)---It was business as usual for Concordia in its 38-7 win over Augsburg in Moorhead.

Cooper Mattern broke more passing records, Collin Thompson collected more sacks, the Black Shirts held an opponent to only one score and the Cobber special teams came through with more touchdowns.

The Cobbers scored the first 38 points in their lopsided win over the Auggies. CC has now scored at least 30 points in seven straight games. The Concordia defense has now held their opponents to seven or fewer points in three straight games and six overall contests this season.

Mattern ended the day by going 16-for-20 for 251 yards and three touchdowns. His 251 passing yards helped him break the program record for career passing yards. He has 5,809 career passing yards which eclipsed the old record of 5,612 set by Griffin Neal from 2011-14.

Catapulted by the change in offensive schemes, Mattern now holds every passing record in the Cobber record books as well as total offense yards from scrimmage. Mattern has 7,305 total yards from scrimmage in his career.

Thompson, who earned All-American honors last season from his spot at defensive end, posted his best game of the 2024 season. He had 3.0 sacks and 4.0 tackles for a loss.

Thompson has 4.0 sacks on the season and 12.5 for his career.

Thompson helped the Cobber defense hold the Auggies to 194 yards of total offense and only 24 rushing yards. The Concordia Black Shirt defense continues to lead the MIAC in defense. CC is only allowing 11.1 points per game. That total

All-American defensive end Collin Thompson makes one of his three sacks in the Cobbers’ 38-7 win over Augsburg. is tops in the conference. CC is also third in the league in yards allowed per game (254.9).

This week’s special teams’ star was Owen Miller. Miller put the game out of reach for the Cobbers at the start of the third quarter. Concordia led 21-0 at halftime, with the outcome still hanging in the balance. Miller took the opening kick of the second half, cut to his right and raced 89 yards to the end zone.

It’s the second time in the last three games that the Cobbers have taken a kickoff to the house. No other team in the MIAC has returned a kickoff for a touchdown this year and the two kick returns for a TD are tied for second in all of Division III. Miller had another game-changing touchdown on the day. Concordia was

clinging to a 14-0 lead in the final 5 minutes of the second quarter when Miller caught a short pass from Mattern, beat the Auggie defenders to the corner and sped past everyone for a 38-yard touchdown reception.

Miller finished the day with four catches for 93 yards. He also had a 43yard reception on the day.

Sophomore Davion Henderson led the CC receiving corps with seven catches for 87 yards and one touchdown. Most of his catches were of the “hard earned” variety as they came on routes over the middle.

Touchdown Maker Jed Klang had the other receiving score for the Cobbers he scooped up a low pass and fell across the goal line for an 8-yard TD to open the scoring at the end of the first quarter.

PHOTO Credit

Gunner Martinek had the final touchdown for Concordia. He powered his way into the end zone for a 4-yard score midway through the second quarter.

Senior defensive back Stuart DeMerit led the Black Shirts with 7.0 total tackles.

He also had 3.0 pass breakups on the day.

Linebackers Ryan Weber and Jaiden Musse also had sacks in the game as the defense posted five sacks for the afternoon.

The win over Augsburg sets up a Skyline Division showdown with Bethel. The Cobbers will host the Royals on Saturday, Nov. 9 with the winner earning the division’s title and a spot in the MIAC Championship game on Nov. 16.

Gustavus run game rolls over St. Olaf

SAINT PETER, Minn. - The Gustavus football team rushed for a season-high 314 yards Saturday in a 21-10 win over St. Olaf at Hollingsworth Field, improving to 5-3 overall and 4-2 in the MIAC. River Wood led the ground game with a career-high 208 yards on 23 carries and a long touchdown of 87 yards. The Gustie defensive secondary covered a lot of ground with four interceptions for 68 yards.

Gustavus started the scoring on its first drive of the first quarter as Jacob Ginskey connected with Cade Kleinschmidt for a 32-yard touchdown pass, finishing off a nine-play, 87-yard drive. On the ensuing Ole drive, Landon Goebel intercepted a pass at the Gustie 10-yard line and returned it 54 yards, but the Gusties couldn’t convert the turnover into points with a three-and-out on the next possession.

Following a Gustie fumble recovered by the Oles at midfield, the visitors were able to get on the scoreboard with a 12yard touchdown pass, making the score 7-7 at the end of the first quarter. Both defenses shined in the second quarter with zero points scored throughout the second 15-minute phase of the game.

St. Olaf gained a 10-7 lead midway through the third quarter, capping a nineplay, 59-yard drive with a 21-yard field goal. The Gusties regained the advantage late in the third as River Wood got loose up the right sideline for a career-long 87yard touchdown run. Midway through the fourth quarter and facing a fourth-andone on their own 39-yard line, the Gusties went up 21-10 as De’Marion Brown found a wide open seam up the middle for a 61-yard touchdown run - his team-leading seventh rushing score of the season.

Goebel hauled in his second interception of the game late in the fourth, while William Hawkins added another on St. Olaf’s last possession to seal the victory.

The Gusties out-gained the Oles 461331 in total yards. The Gustie run defense limited the Oles to just 11 yards on the

Gustavus running back River Wood rushed for a career-high 208 yards on 23 carries in a 21-10 win over St. Olaf. ground.

Behind Wood’s career-high 208 rushing yards, Brown finished with 89 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown. Ginskey left the game with an injury after completing 4-of-8 passes for 48 yards and a touchdown.

George Sandven finished out the game, completing 7-of-16 passes for 99 yards. Kleinschmidt was the top target

with three catches for 79 yards and a score.

Jake Breitbach also left the game with an injury but finished with two catches for seven yards to pass Gustavus Athletics Hall of Famer Chad Arlt for the program record in career receptions, now with 223.

As he has done basically all season long, Carson DeKam led the defense with 13 tackles, 10 of which were solo.

Myshawn King continued to add to his

PHOTO Credit

team lead in sacks with two on the day and now has 8.0 this season. Owen Forsythe played a key role in the field position game, averaging 43.3 yards between six punts with a long of 64 yards and two inside the 20.

Gustavus hits the road next Saturday for a MIAC matchup at Carleton.

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PHOTO Credit Leroy-Ostrander/Lyle-Pacelli QB Cameron Hungerholt has led the Cardinals to an 11-0 record this season. rushing and wide receiver Lane Geryet has been outdone by senior QB Micavais has set the school record for recepden Clines who is averaging 15.5 yards per tions. With a two-pronged attack, the Carcarry. Clines has rushed 60 times for 930 dinals should be able to score enough to yards and has ran for 18 touchdowns. He win, and with a legitimate defense it could has thrown for an additional 1,304 yards be enough to get them past state quarterfiand 22 touchdowns and no interceptions. nal foe Fertile-Beltrami.

Dahl leads the team with 23 touchdowns.

“Our team is resilient and tough,” Senior wide receiver TJ Duchamp said Cromwell-Wright Head Coach Jeff leads the receiving corps with 23 catches Gronner. “We have had some key injuries for 450 yards and 10 touchdowns. Cooper during games numerous times and we just Maras and Evan Anderson have caught come closer together and guys step up and four TD passes and Brady Knapper has make plays.” caught three.

If the offense wasn’t good enough, Fertile-Beltrami (10-0) the Ranger defense has also been phenomFertile-Beltrami has run the gamenal, allowing just eight points per game, ut so far this season and they will try to typically one touchdown a game. Senior keep their win streak alive when they face inside linebacker Luca Raymond leads the Cromwell-Wright Thursday night. team with 76 total tackles and 6.5 sacks.

The Falcons will be playing with a bit When not leading the running game on ofof a chip on their shoulder after being on fense, Dahl is stopping it on defense with the brink of a state title the past three sea73 tackles as a middle linebacker. And Dusons. The past two seasons they reached champ isn’t just catching balls in the end the state semifinals and three years ago zone from Clines. He’s also grabbing them reached the state finals, but came up just from opposing quarterbacks, leading the a bit short. team with seven interceptions.

Will this be the year they get it done?

They will play Section 8 winner SteThey have two strong runners who have phen-Argyle Thursday in Grand Rapids at been to crux of the their offensive success.

7 p.m.

Isaiah Wright has rushed for 1,766 yards and 28 touchdowns and Jonah Harstad Stephen-Argyle (10-1) has rushed for 1,126 yards and 14 scores.

The Stephen-Argyle Storm hope Both seniors, this is their last hurrah and to rain on everyone else’s parade come last chance to bring a state championship state tournament time. Last season they home to Fertile-Beltrami after being oh so reached to the section final only to fall to close the past three seasons. To do so, they Goodridge-Grygla. In week 7 they lost to will have to first get past Cromwell-Wright Goodridge-Grygla again, but instead of on Thursday night. letting it map out the rest of their season, it helped them change course.

Mountain Iron-Buhl (11-0) “It was a bit of a wake-up call and One could argue that Mountain Irona chance to refocus,” said Storm Head Buhl has been the best 9-Player football Coach Ethan Marquis. program in the state the past three seasons.

The Storm are led by key players Two years ago they ran the table and won Blaine Smith, Raydon Woinarowicz, the 9-player title with a 28-25 win over Dylan Widner, Caden Pagnac, Shay SetSpring Grove. They were on their way terholm and Rylan Anderson. Setterholm again last season, heading into state undeis the team’s QB and is an efficient runner. feated and as the favorites only to lose in He also has thrown just one interception heartbreaking fashion to eventual champithis season. on Nevis, 12-8.

“We have a young team with the poNow, for the third straight season, tential to do well,” said Marquis. “We are they are once again unbeaten heading into seeking improvement every week.” the state tournament, leading the state with They will look to continue their sea708 points scored in 11 games, an average son by getting past a tough Mountain Ironof 67.5 points per game. They have scored Buhl squad Thursday in Grand Rapids. more than 70 points six times, 80 points Either way, the game will serve as a valuthree times and 90 points once. able experience for a solid group of young In those three seasons they have a replayers who have rallied the community cord of 35-1 and most of them have been around them. In addition to getting it done blowouts. A big part of those blowouts on the field, the Storm gets it done in the has been because of the Rangers running classroom. Last year they were named the game. This season they have rushed for 2023 State Academic Champions.

3,254 yards, an average of 296 yards per “We are all very fortunate to have game. Seniors Derik Dahl and Micaden what we have in our district,” said MarClines have out on the most miles, with quis. “We are treated very well and wan Dahl hitting the 1,000-yard mark in the to make our communities proud of Storm Rangers 34-28 section final win over CherFootball.” ry. Dahl is averaging 12.2 yards per carry,

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Continued from page 5 a force in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Jack Carlson leads the team in tackling and is also second in rushing and touchdowns. Nathan Beck is the team’s leading rusher and scorer, and quarterback Luke Roschen has yet to throw an interception on the season and also plays a stellar defensive back. Roschen’s top target has been Sean Matthees.

“We are unselfish and physical,” said Poncelet of the 2024 Wildcats. “Nobody cares about stats. The kids are competitive and will do whatever is asked of them.”

The Wildcats will face Springfield (10-0) in a battle of undefeated squads to see who will advance to US Bank Stadium for the semifinals.

Springfield (10-0) Springfield is looking for some revenge after making it to the state finals last year only to fall to Minneota 43-22. While they graduated a slew of players, they return to the state tournament with some fresh faces, but the same goal in mind.

“We have a good amount of new faces taking over key positions on this year’s team (QB, MLB, FS, etc.),” said head coach Adam Meyer. “I think everyone’s goal was to get comfortable with their role and adapt to the pace of the varsity game.

Our players did a great job of focusing on getting better each week and I think that’s ultimately what has led us to this point.”

The Tigers have done a lot of their damage through the air, passing for more than 1,800 yards and 27 touchdowns. They have also done the job defensively allowing just 526 yards passing and three touchdowns with an incredible 24 interceptions.

Brayden Sturm and Madden Lendt lead the team with six each. Gavin Vanderwerf and Isaac Fredin each have three.

Vanderwerf is also a leader on offense with 1,248 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. Fredin and Sturm lead the receivers with a combined 858 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Sophomore quarterback Parker Kuehn has been strong as a newcomer with a 64 completion percentage, 1,766 yards and 26 touchdowns.

“I feel as though we are a very balanced team,” said Meyer. “We’ve had games where we rushed for more than 300 yards and games where we have thrown for more than 300 yards.”

Their dual threat will make it difficult for opponents. Defensively, Meyer said the team is strong on all three levels.

“This allows us to have a strong front while allowing our defensive backs to play the pass well,” he said. “We have. A lot of kids with high football IQ, allowing us to schemes weekly to fit our opponent.”

The Tigers will face a strong Goodhue team in one of the better quarterfinal match ups on Thursday at Rochester Mayo High School.

Parkers Prairie (8-3) Parkers Prairie enters the state tournament with three losses, but two of those losses came against Class AA teams and all three losses came together during a losing streak in weeks five through seven.

They rebounded with a convincing 57-0 win in Week 8 and walked through the section playoffs culminating with a section final win over West Central Area.

A big part of their success has been their defense, wreaking havoc on opponents with eight different players averaging four or more tackles per game. They have also picked off 11 passes and sacked the opposing QB 24 times.

Gavin Boesl leads the defense with 68 tackles and Mason Boesl leads with three interceptions.

Offensively they have been equally as effective. Mason Boesl has rushed for 1,694 yards and 25 touchdowns.

“Mason has been an outstanding player for us,” said head coach Mike Johnson.

“This year he is having his best year yet.”

As a team the Panthers have rushed for more than 3,000 yards and are averaging 7.5 yards per carry.

“Jackson Hubbling has been another strong player for us on both the offensive and defensive line,” said Johnson. “He is a high energy player and makes some plays that helps momentum go our way.”

Trevor Rounds has also been a steady player on both sides of the ball at linebacker and on the offensive line.

“He plays physical and has a contagious toughness about him,” said Johnson.

The Panthers will take on Upsala/ Swanville on Thursday at Rock Ridge High School.

“We are super fortunate to have such a great group of players on our football team,” said Johnson.

Upsala/Swanville (10-0) Upsala/Swanville Area unseated Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa as section champions with a 19-12 victory. Once again, it was their ability to keep opponent offenses at bay that led to the victory.

The Patriots have four shutouts on the season and have allowed just eight touchdowns through their 10 games.

In the section final, the patriots were deadlocked at 12-12 with a minute to. Play and the ball at midfield. Having lost in the section final the previous three seasons, they were set on not letting the game go into overtime. Quarterback Frankie Meagher then hit Jack Primus on a touchdown to give them the 19-12 victory to send them to the state tournament where they will take on Parkers Prairie (8-3) Thursday at Rock Ridge.

Mahnomen/Waubun (10-0) The Thunderbirds are making their fourth consecutive trip to the state tournament with hopes of this time getting to the coveted Prep Bowl. Last season they lost to Springfield in the semifinals, and the year prior lost to Deer River in the quarterfinals.

They will get Deer River again this year in the quarters Friday at Becker High School.

The Thunderbirds got to state with convincing 36-8 win over Red Lake County. Earlier in the season they had defeated RLC by just one point, proof of marked improvement throughout the season.

Head coach John Clark said the team doesn’t rely on one or two players to carry the load.

“It truly is a team effort for us,” he said. “We are a bunch of lunch pail Joes.”

Some key players include running backs Tanner Stech and Easton Bevins who have had the lion’s share of ball carrying duties. Lex McDougall has been a mainstay on defense, providing a much needed anchor on that side of the ball.

“We won’t wow you with individual stats,” said Clark. “We don’t have those standout players. We are simply a bunch of really good players that play well together.”

Clark points out that his first string defense has only allowed one second-half touchdown all season.

“Our toughness defines us,” he said.

“We run the ball and play good team defense. That’s been our recipe for a long time.”

The recipe has gotten them to the brink, now the hope it is will get them to that final game where anything can happen.

“These are hard working humble kids who believe in what they are doing,” said Clark. “They know we are not fancy, but believe in the system and work extremely hard.”

Deer River (9-1) Deer River is 39-5 over their past four seasons, three of them earning trips to the state tournament. They will be making their 17th state appearance in a year they are celebrating a century of Deer River football and 50 years of Pony League.

The Warriors are led by seniors Ben Storlie (RB/LB), Caiden Schjenken (QB/S) and Nick Bakkendahl (TE/DE).

Described as a physical team up front by head coach Brent Schimek, the Warriors have rushed for more than 2,000 yards and thrown for more than 1,100. They have outpaced their counterparts with 3,192 yards of total offense compared to 1,376.

Storlie leads the team with 11 touchdowns and has rushed for more than 680 yards. Schjenken has thrown for 1,202 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also rushed for six touchdowns to help lead the offense.

It was Schjenken’s TD in the section final that proved to be enough in an 8-6 win over Mille Lacs.

They will face Mahnomen/Waubun Friday at Becker High School with a chance to get back to US Bank Stadium with a chance at the coveted Prep Bowl.

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Continued from page 6 DB) also has two kickoff and one punt return TDs. The defensive front of Aivan Farmer, Cade Freking-Leu, Jack Mix, Carson Pohlman, Thomas Liepold, and Kyler Hall anchors the team.

Jackson County Central opens against Norwood/Young America (11-0) Triton Cobras (8-2) The Triton Cobras are back in the state tournament for the second year in a row and 11th time in school history and have won three state titles in 1994, 2000, and 2006. The Cobras only have five seniors on the roster making them a rather young team to earn a state tournament berth with a 52-20 victory over Waterville-Elysian-Morristown in the section 2AA final.

After starting the season 4-0 the Triton Cobras suffered back-to-back losses to Chatfield and Cannon Falls and next up came the Caledonia Warriors. The Cobras beat the perennial 2AA power Warriors 21-20 for the first time in school history.

“That win against Caledonia gave our boys the confidence that we can play with anyone.” Coach Brandon Neseth said.

Key Players: Pierce Petersohn (QB/S), getting recruited by Minnesota and Iowa State (73/139, 1,360 yards, 15 TDs and 3 INTs, also has 346 rushing yards and 9 TDs). Brody Munnikhuysen (RB) (153 carries for 1,115 yards and 13 TDs), Garet Jensen (WR/S) (27 catches for 566 yards and 5 TDs). Graden Thomas (WR/S) (26 catches for 512 yards and 8 TDs also has 6 INTs on defense, with two of those going for a pick six.

“We have 11 guys on both sides of the ball who play with a physical mindset.”

Neseth said.

Triton opens with the Chatfield Gophers (10-0) Moose Lake/Willow River Rebels (9-2) The Rebels are back in the state tour-

LPF PHOTO BY CRAIG JOHNSON Chatfield 2: Ethan Eickhoff rusn intot he end zone for Chatfield in their win over Caledonia in the section final. nament for the 4th straight year after beating Mesabi East 24-14 in the section 7AA final.

The Rebels average 34 points per game while giving up just over 15 points to the opposition.

Moose Lake/Willow River opens against the Kimball Cubs (10-0) Norwood-Young America Raiders (11-0) The Raiders scored two 4th quarter touchdowns to rally from 7 points down to beat Cannon Falls in the section 4AA

final 21-14.

Key Players: Kyson Evanski (QB) 62/98 1,175 yards and 19 TDs, Jack Strickfaden (RB) 345 rush yards 7 TDs and 4 rec TDs, Hunter Sudheimer (RB) 485 yards and 6 TDs, Trevin Hermann (RB) 447 yards and 8 TDs, Bradyn Daugs (WR) 493 yards and 9 TDs. On Offense the Raiders average 45 points per game while giving up just 9 points per game and four shutouts.

Norwood-Young America opens with Jackson County Central (10-0)

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Continued from page 8 Fergus Falls (10-0) The Otters enter the state tournament undefeated after a close 23-17 win over Dilworth-Glyndon-Fenton in the Section 8 championship game. It was their second victory over D-G-F, the first coming in Week 2.

“I thought getting the DGF win in Week 2 kind of set the tone for our season,” said Otters Head Coach Chris Grabowska.

“It gave our kids confidence and they believed they could win any game.”

The team is led by quarterback Henry Bethel, who can beat teams with his legs and his arm. He has a slew of targets he can throw tom including Levi King, Jack Ratz, Alex Ellison, Isiah Holmes, Carter Fronning, Jacob Fronning and Parker Thielke.

Caleb and Carston do a lion’s share of the ball carrying along with Bethel.

King leads the defense along with the Fronnings to give the Otters a formidable fortress that has helped keep opponent offenses at bay.

“Our team is very athletic and experienced,” said Grabowska. “Lots of threeyear starters who have put in their time.”

The undefeated season is a huge turnaround for a team that went 2-7 just a short season ago. But they have proven that hard work pays off.

“Our kids and our coaching staff is a bunch of hard workers,” said Grabowska.

“They love playing and coaching the game of football.”

Pequot Lakes (10-0) Pequot Lakes is another Class 3A team that enters the state tournament with an unbeaten record. After a close 28-20 win over North Branch in the season opener, most of their other contests have been relatively lopsided victories. They have outscored 461-78 and could be a sleeper in this year’s field of talented squads.

The Patriots rely on a stingy defense and a potent offense. Defensively they have allowed just 7.8 points per game. Offensively they are chalking up close to 47 points a game.

A strong running game has been the bread and butter of the offense with six

LPF PHOTO BY LIBBY AUGER Bennett Hylla hauls in a pass for the Albany Huskies who enter the state tournament undefeated at 10-0. runners gaining more than 200 yards this season and eight different players scoring rushing touchdowns. John Elsenpeter has been the leader with 905 yards and 16 touchdowns. Bryar Nordby has 10 TDs and Kamrin Hulke has scored seven times.

Quarterback Mike Oseland has provided a balanced passing game to go along with the run game with 1,296 yards in the air and 16 touchdowns.

Being strong on both sides of the ball should bode well for the Patriots who will take on Annandale (10-1) Friday at Rocori High School.

Annandale (10-1) The Cardinals are no stranger to the state tournament having been in the title game against Stewartville last season and making it to the semifinals at the Bank three years ago.

Their lone loss this season came in a tight 34-33 battle against fellow 3A state tourney entrant Dassel-Cokato.

The Cardinals are led by running backs Cameron Ergen and Nick Olson.

Quarterback Braylon Fobbe threw for 135 yards in the section final win over St.

Cloud Cathedral.

They have outscored opponents 336105 and will take on Pequot Lakes (10-0) Friday at Rocori High School.

Fairmont (8-2) The Fairmont Cardinals were 6-1 heading into Week 8 with their sights set on making a run in sections. But Waseca’s touchdown gave them a 20-19 lead with less than a minute remaining. The Cardinals were able to get into field goal range, but the potential game-winning kick sailed wide left. But that loss helped light a fire under the team as they entered the section playoffs where they would end up meeting Waseca again in the final, this time prevailing with a 17-12 win. Fairmont and Waseca have built one of the better playoff rivalries in the south in recent years.

The Cardinals enter the tournament with an 8-2 record and an offense averaging 32.6 points and 337 yards per game.

Defensively they have allowed just 11.6 points per game and 217 total yards. They rely on strong senior leadership this season.

“We have 18 senior sand they drive

Staples-Motley Cardinals (10-0) The Cardinals avenged a 42-13 section final loss at the hands of the Osakis Silverstreaks last year by defeating them 36-30 in the section 6AA final and remained undefeated on the season.

Staples-Motley averages 41 points per game on offense while yielding just 11 points on defense.

No player information nor stats were available.

The Cardinals open against Barnesville (11-0) this team,” said head coach Mat Mahoney.

“They have put the hard work in during the offseason, lifting weights early in the mornings. This team has a grit mindset and has developed an unbreakable mindset the past 10 weeks.”

Some of the team’s key players include defensive end Hank Artz, who has started since he was an eighth grader.

He has played in 47 high school football games and is a stalwart on defense with 237 total tackles and 28.5 sacks for his career. He was recently selected to play in the 2024 All-Star Game and is a 3-time All-District player and was the 2023 Defensive Lineman of the Year.

Hunter Johnson (MLB) has also been a mainstay on defense leading the team with 64 tackles. Caleb Chambers works alongside him and has 59 tackles and four fumble recoveries and eight tackles for a loss.

Elijah Johnson has done the bulk of the ball carrying for the Cardinals with 1,556 yards on the ground including 26 touchdowns. In his career he has rushed for 3,671 yards and 52 scores. He will also participate in the 2024 All Star Game.

Quarterback Joe Long recently reached the 1,000-yard mark as a passer.

He has thrown for eight touchdowns on the season.

The Cardinals will battle Dassel-Cokato Saturday at 3 p.m. at Minneapolis Washburn High School.

Dassel-Cokato (9-1) The 2021 champions are back a year after reaching the state semifinals.

Last season Dassel-Cokato made it to U.S. Bank Stadium, but fell short of reaching the Prep Bowl in a loss to Annandale.

The Chargers’ lone loss this season came in Week 8 against Princeton 23-13.

They defeated Watertown-Mayer and Litchfield in the ever-tough Section 2AAA. Caleb Smock ran for 123 yards and three touchdowns in the section final win.

Isaac Salmen ran for 81 yards and a touchdown and quarterback Cole Zieth also ran for a score.

They will battle Fairmont (8-2) Saturday at Minneapolis Washburn High School at 3 p.m.

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Continued from page 10 hind a strong and forceful offensive line.

Brecken Keoraj leads the team with 1,350 yards on the ground, averaging 17.5 yards per carry. He has scored 18 touchdowns. Carsyn Kleffman has rushed 74 times for 766 yards (10.6 avg) and 10 TDs. Levi Harris has rushed 71 times for 745yards (10.5 avg) and 16 TDs, and Gavin Schmidt has rushed 87 times for 752 yards (8.6 avg and 11 TDs. Other key players on this year’s squad include Levi Harris, Charlie Olson and Nick Montik.

“We are an experienced group and have more depth than we have had in the past,” said Elks Head Coach Steven Hamilton.

The turning point of the Elks season came in their Week 4 loss to Andover 4731. Both high-scoring teams met again in the section final with Elk River prevailing 59-28 thanks to 499 yards rushing and eight rushing touchdowns, four by Kleffman.

The Elks are just two years removed for the state title in 2022, and could be the team to beat again this year.

They will face Monticello (8-2) Saturday at 4 p.m. at Forest Lake High School.

LPF PHOTO BY LIBBY AUGER Hill-Murray QB Jackson Reeves tries to evade a Becker defense in their season opener in which Becker won 51-0, handing Hill-Murray their only loss of the season. defensive backfield of Alex Loveless, George Perkins, Owen Paulson and Dane Kanwischer has been a strong backbone for Orono.

“Our team plays as one, we don’t have any D1 players but as a group we are tough to contend with.” McPhearson said.

Orono opens with the Hermantown Hawks (9-1).

Marshall Tigers (9-1) The Marshall Tigers earned a trip to state by beating Hutchinson 35-13 in the Section 2 championship after falling to them in the section final game the previous two years.

The Tigers came into the season knowing defense was going to be the strength of their team with District Player of the Year and 4-year starter Gavin Schaefer at one defensive end and District Defensive Lineman of the year J.R. Vierstraete at the other defensive end. Along with returning all-district LB Jack Meier the Tigers’ defensive front seven has led the way. The Tigers’ stingy defense gave up an average of 6.4 points per game.

“It took a bit for our offense to find it’s groove, but a big regular season win 28-9 over Fairmont helped start building some momentum.” Head coach Terry Bahlmann said. “We’ve been led by our aggressive defense and our energy comes from them.”

Key players: Gavin Schaefer (DE/ RB) JR Vierstraete (DE), Jack Meier (LB), Josh Kraft (LB), Andrew Stelter (LB), Shep Jensen (DB). Mason Eickhoff (RB), Jake Allex (OL) Braylon Podratz (OL), Derek Hisken (OL), Aidan Mattison (OL).

The Tigers have 42 rushing TDs while giving up just 2 rushing TDs on defense, they also have 33 sacks while only being sacked 4 times.

“Our staff does an excellent job with seven of our assistants being former Marshall players. Our community is very supportive and Friday nights in Marshall in the fall are very special with a large following from our student body and community.” Said Bahlmann.

Marshall opens against the Byron Bears (9-1)

Hill-Murray Pioneers (9-1) Hill-Murray lost big in week one to Becker and have not lost since. This is the second straight trip to the state tournament for the Pioneers following their nail biter win over Simley 49-42 in Overtime.

Key players: Jackson Reeves (QB/ DB) 90/127 1,434 passing yards 14 pass TDs 12 Rush TDs, John Pietruszewski (LB/WR) 637 receiving yards 4 TDs, Xavier Daniels (RB/DE) 1,339 rush yards 22 rush TDs, Jack Drange (TE/DE), Levi Grigson (DB/RB), Levi Kruse (OL/DL).

The Pioneer’s biggest and toughest win came in the Section Final.

“Simley has become a great rivalry game for us.” Hill-Murray head coach Rob Reeves said. “We were up 28-14 at halftime but we knew the game was far from over. Simley took the lead 35-28 and completely stole momentum. I am extremely proud of our kids because they did not panic or lose faith.”

Will the adversity that the Pioneers faced and overcame give them the confidence a team needs to carry them deep into the state tournament?

Hill-Murray opens against Totino-Grace (10-0).

Academy of Holy Angels (7-3) The Academy of Holy Angels Stars are the only three loss team in the Class 4AAAA tournament, but do not be fooled.

They played one of the tougher schedules and two of their losses are to undefeated Becker and Totino-Grace, and there is no shame in a loss to perennial power Rocori.

The Stars beat their rival Benilde-St. Margaret’s 34-14 to win the Section 5 championship.

The ground attack of the Stars is impressive with Emmett Anderson’s 1,253 rushing yards and 14 rush TDs and QB Damien Devine’s dual threat with 5 passing TDs and 14 rushing TDs. The Stars gave Becker their toughest game of the year which makes for a great rematch to open the state tournament. Expect an extremely physical game.

Holy Angels opens against Becker (10-0).

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Monticello (8-2) It’s been 36 years since Monticello has been represented at the state football tournament, but the Magic find themselves in the state semifinals for just the third time in school history.

This year’s version of the Magic may not jump off the stat page, but are described as a well-balanced group who has learned how to win.

“Our team has a nice mix of seasoned veterans and athletic young talent,” said head coach Andy Pierskalla. “We play a tough schedule and have been tested and feel prepared for state.”

The Magic have outscored opponents 257-85. Their defense has been solid, holding opponents to 3.6 yards per carry and only allowing an average of 60 yards passing per game. They have also forced eight fumbles and picked off 11 passes.

They are led by linebackers Ethan Willmert and Eli Pietig.

“Both have been tremendous for us,” said Pierskalla.

In the secondary University of Wisconsin bound Luke Emmerich is the team’s safety. Up front lineman Trevor Bodell has been impressive.

Offensively Monticello’s key players include sophomore Cale Holthaus who has rushed for 980 yards and should surpass 1,000 yards this weekend. Emmerich is also the team’s top receiver and is considered a dynamic playmaker. Brock Holthaus and Garett Bauer help solidify the backfield and sophomore quarterback Carson Deibele stepped in as an injury replacement in Week 2 and hasn’t looked back.

The Magic started the season 0-2 and have since rattled off eight straight victories.

“We start six sophomores on our team so it gave them a chance to become varsity players quickly,” said Pierskalla. We have not lost since Week 2 and continue to build momentum up to this point.”

It’s been a long time waiting for Monticello football fans, but the support has always been strong in the Monticello community.

“The community support and outpouring of well wishes has been overwhelming and we feel the love and support,” said Pierskalla.

The Magic will face a tough Elk River squad to in the quarterfinals Saturday at 4 p.m. at Forest Lake High School.

Owatonna (10-0) Owatonna had two signature wins this season that helped them build the confidence to get them to the state tournament. They defeated defending state champion Chanhassen and also longtime rival Mankato West to give them an 8-0 regular season.

“It was also rewarding to defeat a resurgent Rochester John Marshall team for a second time to secure a section championship,” said head coach Jeff Williams.

Owatonna is led by a trio of offensive players who have done a majority of the scoring. Wide receiver Nolan Ginskey has 68 receptions for 1,088 yards and 10 touchdowns. Hunter Thies has thrown for

12 touchdowns total and 1,732 yards on 123 completions in 206 attempts. Tristan Graham has been the main running back with 955 yards on 191 carries and 10 touchdowns.

Ginskey hasn’t just done it on the offensive side. He has a remarkable 10 interceptions this season, two returned for a touchdown. Blake Davison solidifies the defense in the middle as the linebacker and leads the team with 90 tackles and also has a fumble recovery, blocked kick and 2.5 sacks. Both Davison and Ginskey have been selected to play in the 2024 All Star Game.

The Huskies will take on Cretin-Derham Hall in the quarterfinals Saturday at 1 p.m. against Eastview High School.

Cretin-Derham Hall (6-4) The Raiders are no stranger to state football, but the enter this year’s field with more losses than any other squad. At 6-4, they were subject to a four-game losing streak in the middle of the season. But they have since righted the ship and are playing well, defeating tartan in the section final to earn a berth into the 5A tourney.

In their six wins defense has been the key factor, allowing just seven scores over those 24 quarters of play. Offensively they have weapons, led by running back Ja’Dale Thompson who has 1,212 yards and 16 touchdowns. Tommy Sticha is also an adept runner with 680 yards and four touchdowns. Quarterback Izaak Johnson has thrown for 1,449 yards and 13 touchdowns with his top target being Monteff Dixon with 49 catches for 624 yards and five scores.

Defensively Jadyn Harris has been having a great season with 103 tackles and four sacks.

The Raiders will battle Owatonna (10-0) Saturday at 1 p.m. at Eastview High School.

Chanhassen (7-3) A year removed form their first state title in school history, the Storm are back at state, but have found it to be a little more cumbersome of a journey. They have suffered three losses and scraped by with a 21-14 win over Mankato East in the section final. They graduated a large sector of seniors a year ago, but the mark of a good program is the ability to reload rather than rebuild.

The Storm offense relied heavily on Maxwell Woods a year ago and have since utilized a variety of playmakers to make plays. Quarterback Nathan Ramler has thrown for 1,829 yards and 17 touchdowns. His top receivers have been James Kopfmann with 28 catches for 723 yards and six touchdowns, and Ty Jensen with 49 catches for 591 yards and also six scores. Coleman Zielinski has been the main ball carrier with 136 touches for 796 yards and six touchdowns. Josiah Cox has rushed 60 times for 317 yards and two TD. The Storm will look to defend their state title by taking on St. Thomas Academy, the team they beat in last year’s final 34-31. The rematch is Saturday at noon at Osseo High School.

St. Thomas Academy (7-3) No team has had the run like St. Thomas Academy has the past seven seasons. Ion this seven season they have now reached the state tournament six times.

The lone time they did not was the shortened season in 2020 due to Covid-19.

They have reached the state final three of those times, but have come up short each time. Will this be there year?

The Cadets have three losses, including a 20-14 loss to fellow state entrant Robbinsdale Armstrong, but skated through sections with wins over Hastings and Apple Valley.

A run-first team, the Cadets have rushed for 2,218 yards and 32 touchdowns led by Dominic Baez with 1,108 yards and 14 touchdowns. Quarterback Chase Young is also an adept runner with 480 yards and eight TD. He has also thrown for 526 yards and four touchdowns.

The Cadets will take on defending state champion Chanhassen after meeting them in the Prep Bowl last season where they lost 34-31. They will look to avenge that loss and move onto the semifinals at U.S. Bank Stadium in the state semifinals.

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Continued from page 11 has 15 catches for 238 yards and four scores. Zach Welch has 24 catches out of the backfield for 303 yards and two touchdowns and he’s also ran 201 times for 1,255 yards and 20 touchdowns.

The offense, when clicking, can beat anybody. The question will be whether the defense can make the required stops when needed. They are allowing 20 points per game.

They will battle another Lakeville team in the quarterfinals, taking on the Lakeville North Panthers (9-1).

Blaine Bengals (7-3) Following a loss to Shakopee 29-20 in week 8, the Blaine Bengals hopes and dreams to extend their season in the first round of the playoffs rested on the foot of senior kicker Jared Killian. Trailing 36-35 the Bengals offense got in position for Killian to come through in the clutch with a 29-yard field goal as time expired to win the game 38-36 over Rosemount.

The emotion of that win propelled Blaine to a sound 53-21 victory over Forest Lake to reach the state tournament.

“Our coaches always talk about the ups and downs that come with a football season. One of the biggest moments for our program this year were the losses to Anoka and Maple Grove.” Blaine Head Coach Michael Law said. “After those two games there was an understanding of how much we needed to improve. It was great to see the athletes’ response to those challenges.”

Key players: Dual threat QB Sam Shaughnessy 89/148 1,237 passing yards 14 passing TDs and 1,490 rushing yards and 14 rush TDs. Carter Mackey (LB), Gavin Smith (OL), Evan Lowry (DL).

“I think our team’s connectivity and focus have been paramount to our success. Many of the kids on this team have been playing together for 10 years and have been selling out to support each other in both good and bad times,” Law said.

Blaine opens with the Minnetonka Skippers (8-2).

Minnetonka Skippers (8-2) The Minnetonka Skippers football team served notice to the rest of the state in week 3 when they rallied from a 28-7 deficit including three 4th-quarter touchdowns to beat then No. 1-ranked Edina, 35-28. The Skippers beat Rochester Mayo 49-7 to reach the quarterfinals.

Key players: Caleb Francois (QB - 645 passing yards 5 passing TD 1,166 rushing yards 17 rushing TD), Chase Conrad (RB - 815 rushing yards 10 rushing TD), Vinny May (WR - 555 receiving yards 4 receiving TD), Aidan Becker, Aidan Zapzalka, Dylan Hudgens, Malachi Boadi, Caleb Taylor, Lucas Poppen, AJ Fider.

“These kids share a brotherhood; they enjoy playing football together and they don’t want the season to end.” Minnetonka head coach Mark Esch said. “It’s been a great group that has really started to believe.”

Minnetonka Skippers open against the Blaine Bengals (7-3).

Mounds View Mustangs (8-2)

LPF PHOTO BY JEFF ANDERSON Blaine advanced to the state tournament after a convincing win over Forest Lake. Above, senior running back Zach Larson eyes the end zone.

The Mounds View Mustangs roll into the final eight firing on all three phases; offense, defense, special teams. The Mustangs beat Prior Lake in thrilling fashion, stopping a two-point conversion attempt to preserve a 28-27 victory.

“Since our Week 4 loss to Stillwater we challenged our seniors to make a committed decision on the legacy they wanted to write.” Mounds View head coach Aaron Moberg said. “Since then, our compete level has been off the charts.”

Winona State commit and dual threat QB Jacob Sampson (695 passing yards, 10 passing TD, 270 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs). They have a two-headed monster at the running back position with 12 combined TDs between Mitchell Olson and Godson Rufus-Okamhanru. Jack Dahl leads the team in TD receptions with five. The offensive line is anchored by Jonah Wilford and Hudson Voght helping the Mustangs rush for almost 1,000 yards combined in last four games.

Moberg pointed to a few different turning points throughout the season that he described as “culture wins” led by a special group of leaders.

“After a strong fall camp, we started the year with a heartbreaker against a strong Farmington team,” he said. “The boys responded with two decisive wins over White Bear and Forest Lake. The

Pioneer9192 Media 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

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second turning point came after our game at Stillwater. We faced some adversity within the game and did not have the response that was necessary. After the game I challenged our seniors to make a committed decision on the legacy they wanted to write. Since then, our compete level and accountability in our preparation has been through the roof. Boys continue to build week in and week out.”

Moberg points to wins in the regular season beating Forest Lake 31-7 and East Ridge 35-14 as games the Mustangs played very well in all three phases of the game.

Defensively the Mustangs are No. 2 in points allowed for 6A football. Free Safety Chuck Eggert leads the team in tackles and ILB Joey Muhlstein leads the team in TFL’s with 11. Their turnover ratio on the season was 25 takeaways to 6 giveaways for a +19 rating.

“Coming out of the 2023 season we felt confident that we had potential to do something special this season. The boys had an awesome off season, were fully invested in our strength and speed program as well as our Leadership development program.” Moberg said.

Mounds View opens against the Shakopee Sabers (9-1)

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Shakopee Sabers (9-1) Shakopee 9-1 and played arguably one of the toughest 6A schedules with convincing wins against Edina and perennial power Eden Prairie enter the state quarterfinals as a potential underdog, but a team that must be taken seriously.

They have played three state tournament teams, beating Blaine and Edina and falling to Minnetonka 21-13.

Their success will be determined by their running game, lead by a strong offensive line and several adept ball carriers. They have rushed for 3,473 yards and are averaging 8.4 yards per carry. Forty of their 46 touchdowns have come on the ground.

T.J. Clark is the leading rusher with 1,201 yards and 13 touchdowns. Zach Docteur has gained 669 yards and scored 11 times and Emmanuel Taye has 434 yards and eight touchdowns.

Meanwhile their defense has been outstanding holding opponents to less than 1,000 yards rushing on the season, an average of 3.9 yards per carry and 92.7 yards per game. Michael Naber leads the team with 107 total tackles, Jacob Lee leads with three interceptions and Max Coles with 3.5 sacks.

Shakopee will draw Mounds View (8-2) in the opening round.

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