Let's Play Football Nov. 9, 2022

Countdown to the Prep Bowl begins...

Zolnosky

Zubich’s

Sauk

End of football season is never easy

by MIKE SONNTAG Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football

There is something different about the end of football season that sets it apart. Every sport from youth to the pros has one champion or team celebrating at the end of the season, which means most players and teams see their seasons end in disappointment, and sometimes in bitter fashion. There is a feeling of finality that only those who have gone through it can relate, but the ending im pacts more than just the players.

The other night I watched my good friend’s son compete in a section title game. As the outcome of the game was no longer in doubt and the clock ticked down to zero, teammates started to con sole each other on the sidelines as they watched their opponent celebrate clinch ing a berth in the state tournament.

There was somberness in the stands as parents hugged each other knowing their 10-week run of anticipation lead ing to each game -- along with pregame fellowship that comes with it -- had end ed for the year. For my friend, it was his son’s senior season and whether he plays football beyond high school is still up in the air.

His younger son, who has not start ed high school, was perhaps the saddest

person in the stadium. He clearly idolizes his older brother, and has known noth ing different than watching him compete as he has grown up. As my friend con soled his younger son, we looked at each other and just nodded as we knew what the other was thinking. The finality at the end of a football season is the worst. I do not want to give the impression this rivals a death in the family, but it marks the end of an experience that brings irre placeable memories. It was over 30 years ago when he and I had played our last high school football game together. I re call how we both struggled just to allow

ourselves to take off the pads and jerseys that meant so much to us during four very short years for the last time. Those memories are still vivid after all these years.

Everyone rides the highs and lows of the season together. The anticipation and excitement of football games on Friday nights become part of everyone’s weekly routine, but when it ends the suddenness of it can be painful. The air feels different, the silence is deafening, and there is a feeling of emptiness that lasts for weeks or more.

For the players, it is the journey

which covers off-season workouts giving way to preseason camp, a weekly 5-to1 ratio of practice to games, team meals and post-game get togethers. For coach es, it is months of watching film and game planning. For parents and family members it is the joy of cheering and of fering endless support to the team.

Time always heals and the sun again will rise in the east, but on this night my friend would have to draw on his own past experience to offer two comforting perspectives. For his young est son, it would be to remind him that he has years ahead of him to keep play ing football with the opportunity to have a different outcome. For his oldest, it would be to help him keep perspective with reflection on all the enjoyment he had playing football since his youth as football has helped shape him as a man. More than anything else, help him re alize how many lifelong friendships he had forever forged during his time on the gridiron which will prove rewarding.

After four years of playing high school football, even a player who is for tunate to end as a champion will still be sad to see it come to an end. Everyone involved adds fun to the journey. It’s part of the mystique that makes high school football special.

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The section playoffs coming to an end means most football stadiums around the state, which were filled with excitement since early September, will sit empty. But just like any season, many memories and friendships were made on those fields that will last a life time.

9-Man

Zubich’s 6 TDs help leads Mountain Iron-Buhl to fourth straight state

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football

There may not be a bigger dual threat in small-town football than Mountain Iron-Buhl senior Asher Dubich.

Dubich has wreaked havoc on oppo nents with both his arm and his legs, lead ing the Rangers to a 10-0 season as they head into the state tournament after de feating Cherry 56-24 in Section 7.

The Rangers broke a 6-6 tie in the sec ond quarter with four touchdowns and a 34-8 halftime lead.

Zubich, a 6’2” 185-pounder, had a part in six touchdowns, throwing for three and running for three to help lead the Rangers to their fourth consecutive state tournament. The Rangers lost in the quar terfinals last season to Fertile-Beltrami, 44-22. After going 5-0 in a shortened 2022 season, they advanced to the state semifi nals in both 2019 and 2018, only to lose both games.

But this year they are ranked No. 1 according to Minnesota-Scores.com’s QRF rankings and have outscored opponents an astonishing 580-98. In fact, they have scored more points than any team in the state.

Zubich, junior running back Damian Tapio, and senior wide receivers Braylen Keith and Riley Busch have provided the Rangers with a juggernaut of an offense that has been near impossible to contain.

In last week’s win over Cherry, Zubich completed 13 of 15 passes for 185 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran the ball 22 times for 172 yards and three scores.

Tapio rushed 22 times for 228 yards and a touchdown and Keith was the main target for Zubich with eight catches for 135 yards and three touchdowns.

On the season, Zubich has completed 122 of 145 passes for an impressive 85 per cent completion rate. He has thrown for 1,735 yards and 26 touchdowns. On the ground he has ran for 1,361 yards and av erages 10.2 yards per carry.

Tapio has rushed for 1,321 yards and averages 10.0 yards per carry. Busch leads receivers with 48 catches for 679 yards and 13 touchdowns. Keith has 28 catches for 548 yards and seven touchdowns.

But it isn’t just the offensive side of the ball that is taking care of business. The Rangers have formed a formidable de fense that has kept opponents at bay. Sopho more middle linebacker Der ek Dahl leads the team with 81 total tackles, including 10 tackles for loss. He is joined by fellow soph omore Micaden Clines who has 62 total tackles. Busch and Tapio also play line backer and have 57 and 63 total tackles, respectively.

Sophomore Evan Anderson and ju nior Jarron Alto lead a strong defensive line and Zubich and Keith help man a strong secondary.

After an early exit in the state quarter finals last season, the Rangers will look to get back to the state semifinals for the third time in four years. But they will have to go through undefeated Kittson County Cen tral, a team similar to Mountain Iron-Buhl in that they have multiple weapons on both sides of the football. Either of these two teams could potentially hoist the state championship trophy at the Prep Bowl, making this a must-see 9-man match up. Kickoff is 7 p.m. Thursday in Moorhead.

Section 1 - Spring Grove (11-0)

Spring Grove (11-0), ranked No. 2 in QRF, shut out Lanesboro 35-0 to advance to the state tournament.

Spring Grove is coming off a 3-5 sea son and are making their first state tour nament appearance since 2018 when they won the 9-man Prep Bowl.

They will take on Section 2 winner Hancock (9-1) Thursday at Macalester College in St. Paul.

Section 2 - Hancock (9-1)

Speaking of Hancock, they defeated

Renville County West 20-7 to advance to their third consecutive state quarterfinal.

Last season the Owls en tered state with an 8-1 record but were upset by Cedar Mountain. In 2019 they went 13-1 and ad vanced to the Prep Bowl where they came up short against champion Mountain Lake Area.

The Owls enter this year’s state tourney going against Spring Grove, which should be a classic 9-man match up that is truly anybody’s game.

Section 3Red Rock Central (8-3)

Red Rock Central (8-3) emerged from a tough Section 3 to defeat Mountain Lake Area 36-28 to advance to the state quarterfinals.

A run-first offense and a stingy de fense have been the hallmarks of the Fal cons’ season. In their 11 games this season they have allowed more than one touch down in just four of those games.

The defense is led by senior linebacker Vander Mathiowetz, who leads the team in tackles and is also the leading receiver with more than 450 yards.

In th secondary, cornerback Jayden Lang leads the team with seven intercep tions.

Offensively, freshman running back Carter Therkilsen has ran for more than 1,300 yards on the season.

The Falcons will battle Section 4 win ner Wheaton-Herman Norcross (11-0) in Buffalo in the state quarterfinal.

Section 4Wheaton/Herman-Norcross (11-0)

There aren’t many unbeaten teams left, but the Warriors are one of them.

They defeated perennial power Vern dale 40-14 to advance to their second straight state tournament. Last season they lost in the quarterfinals to eventual state champion Leroy-Ostrander. It was their first trip to state since the 2012 season.

Their offense has been virtually un stoppable, racking up 576 points in 11 games, averaging 52 points per game.

Meanwhile their defense has been stellar as well, allowing just 89 points per game, an average of one touchdown per game.

With an explosive offense and an im penetrable defense, the Warriors could very well find themselves playing at US Bank Stadium in early December for all the marbles.

First they will have to get past Red Rock Central (8-3) in the quarterfinals.

Section 5 - Ogilvie (7-2)

Ogilvie made a turnaround in the 2017 season when they improved from a 3-6 record to go 7-3. Since then they have compiled a record of 35-10. Last season they advanced to the state quarterfinals, but lost to Kittson County Central 27-20.

This year they are back and will look to advance to US Bank Stadium, but will have to go through undefeated Fertile-Bel trami (10-0) first.

Section 6 - Fertile-Beltrami (10-0)

The Falcons have dominated just about every time they have taken the field this season.

They have scored more than 40 points in nine of their 10 wins and have allowed just 12 touchdowns all season.

Led by junior quarterback Caiden Swenby and senior running back Brayden Werpy, the Falcons are not just poised to get back to the 9-man finals, they are eager to win it.

Their first task will be getting by Ogil vie (7-3).

Section 8 - Kittson County Central

Kittson County Central is a strong se nior-laden team with two Division 1 play ers and a scrappy running back who has put up astronomical numbers this season.

Kaden Vig and Isaac Folland (both heading to the University of North Da kota) are two athletic big men who play both sides of the ball and are dominant both ways. Chisum Schmiedeberg eclipsed 2,000 yards rushing on the season and also leads the team in tackles on defense.

They will have their hands full with Mountain Iron-Buhl, which is the mar quee state quarterfinal match up in 9-man.

Asher Zubich had a hand in six touchdowns in Mountain Iron-Buhl’s 56-24 win over Cherry in the 9-man Section 7 final. The Rang ers have scored 580 points on the season, which leads the entire state in scoring. PHOTOS BY MARK SAUER

Damian Tapio has been a steady ball carrier for the Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers who head into state play as the top scoring team in the state.

The French surgeon and the athlete’s foot

In Minnesota we cherish our athletes. We want them to succeed at the highest level. When they do, we feel connected to them, as they are “one of us”.

Recently, we, as Minnesota sports fans, have been cursed by a French sur geon from the 1800s affecting our home grown athletes. The surgeon is the famous Jacques Lisfranc de St Martin. The injury named after this surgeon has plagued two well known Minnesota sports icons. The first is stand out University of Minnesota and now Baltimore Ravens receiver, Ra shod Bateman. The second is Minnehaha Academy star and Oklahoma City Thun der center Chet Holmgren. Both of these athletes have had season ending surgeries to correct a foot injury. In this article I will explain and shed some light on the dread ed Lisfranc injury.

The reason this injury is named after the French surgeon is that he famously performed many amputations at a partic ular joint in the foot in the 1800s during wartime. This joint and ligament that sta bilizes it has become known as the Lisfranc joint and ligament. The joint is located in the midfoot region. Technically, the mid foot consists of cuneiform and metatarsal bones and there supporting ligaments. To find them, bend your big toe and feel the “knuckle” that it forms when bent, now,

keep sliding your fingers up higher on the top of your foot until you reach the next “knuckle”, this is the end of the metatarsal and where it meets the cuneiform. Across this area between the bones and toward the middle of the foot is the Lisfranc joint.

Now that we know where it is, we can start to learn more about how does it get injured. This injury most often oc

curs with the toes or forefoot planted or fixed on the ground and the body falling over the foot. This mechanism commonly includes a twisting component also. The result is a dislocation of the metatarsals, tearing of ligaments and fracture of the bones due to ligament attachments. When this occurs the bones of the foot dislocate and usually displace themselves on top of

the cuneiform bones. The use of x ray ra diographs and other imaging can confirm this. If the separation is greater than 2mm at the base of the metatarsals surgery is re quired to stabilize the joints again This is what has happened to our two great Min nesota athletes.

The recovery for both athletes will begin with a nonweight bearing boot or splint and gradually progress to weight bearing. A gradual progression out of the boot to a shoe and the start of the rehab process will ensue. This is where the hard work and fun begins as the rehab special ist must slowly load the joint and return it back to preinjury level. Remember this is a joint that must absorb forces, be stable to explode, cut, jump and demonstrate bal ance. It will take time but “our” Minnesota athletes will be back on the field and court making us proud again to call them “one of us”.

Eric is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Con ditioning Specialist. He practices at St Cloud Orthopedics in Central Minnesota and is an adjunct professor at The College of St. Benedict/St John’s University. He can be reached at ekohn@stcloudorthope dics.com

Vikings to host Indigenous Bowl Dec. 11

The 7G Foundation, in partnership with the Minnesota Vikings, will host the 5th Indig enous Bowl at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday, December 11. The game began in 2017 and creates opportunities for Native American ath letes to compete at a high level, instills the val ues needed for multi-generational change and develops the next generation of leaders in their communities.

High school football players are chosen to compete in the game through an application process open to members of federally recog nized tribes across the United States. Players can submit applications at www.indigenous bowl.com.

“Over the years of our ownership of the Vikings, support and partnership with the Native American community in Minnesota and surrounding states has been important to us,” said Mark Wilf, Vikings Owner/President.

“We’re proud to welcome the Indigenous Bowl back to U.S. Bank Stadium again this season to provide a memorable game and experience.”

“The 7G Foundation is proud to partner with the NFL for this year’s 5th Annual Indig enous Bowl, which will be hosted again by the Minnesota Vikings,” said Bennae Calac, 7G Foundation President and Founder. “This is a continuation of the exposure from earlier this year when the 7G Foundation and the NFL

took their partnership to a new level.

nation’s top Native American high school foot ball student-athletes as they further develop and showcase their skills on this world-class stage.”

“The National Football League is pleased to join with the Minnesota Vikings for a second year in a row in supporting the 7G Foundation’s Indigenous Bowl,” said Troy Vincent, NFL Ex ecutive Vice President of Football Operations. “We’re heartened to promote and celebrate the

The 7G Foundation’s vision is to focus on building a more modern education system for our Indian Country and our Indigenous Com munities, fundamentally incorporating the power of technology to forge a brighter future. We will also promote an education that teaches the depth of our deep history, using that knowl edge to create economic mobility, community development, and multi-generational change for all Indigenous people.

During the 2022 NFL Draft, Edward Onoo Po Hill pre sented Commissioner Roger Goodell with his 7G All Team Medallion. Commissioner Good ell made the promise to wear the 7G Medallion on stage and during the Vikings’ draft pick, he wore the gifted 7G Medallion in front of 80 million viewers and 200k attendees. That is true partnership.”

Class A

Class A will crown a new champion in 2022

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football

With Mayer Lutheran being de feated by Lester Prairie 14-7 in the sec tion 2A finals, a new champion will be crowned in Class A football.

Mayer Lutheran defeated Minneota 2022 in the Prep Bowl. Minneota is back in the state tournament and will look to get back to the Prep Bowl to defend their 2021 defeat.

But they will have to survive a tough field full of teams that could emerge and be that next school to hoist the Prep Bowl trophy come early December.

There are currently three undefeat ed teams heading into the state quarter finals: Fillmore Central (10-0), Lester Prairie (11-0) and Deer River (11-0). Mahnomen/Waubun also returns to the state tourney with just one loss at 9-1.

Here is a closer look at each team in a section-by-section breakdown:

Section 1 - Fillmore Central (10-0)

The Falcons enter the state tourna ment undefeated at 11-0 and have out scored opponents 413-113.

Led by a strong group of athletic offensive players, the Warriors will look extend their season this week against fel low undefeated Lester Prairie (11-0).

Led by senior quarterback Dillon O’Connor, the offense has averaged 41 points per game. O’Connor threw for three touchdowns and ran for another in the Falcons’ 34-6 section final win over Bethlehem Academy.

He connected with fellow senior running back Bryce Corson on three of those scores. Corson also ran in for a touchdown to help lead the offense.

O’Connor has thrown for 20 touch downs on the season and Corson is clos ing in on 1,000 yards from scrimmage and has scored 15 times.

Juniors Jayce Kiehn and Kyle Dan iels have also played integral roles in the offense.

Defensively the Falcons are led by senior linebacker Garrett Grossman.

The Falcons will look to get past Lester Prairie in a match up of unbeaten squads. One will go home and the oth er will get an opportunity to play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Section 2 - Lester Prairie (11-0)

There’s a new sheriff in Section 2A as Lester Prairie knocked off defending state champion Mayer Lutheran 14-6 in the section final to advance to the state tournament.

The win came after a regular season 16-0 shutout over Mayer Lutheran.

Defense has been the hallmark of this Lester Prairie team as they have al lowed just seven touchdowns this sea son.

Offensively they are averaging al most 38 points per game. Seniors Tan ner Scheevel, Logan Lambrecht and Jace Cacka have led the offense. Cacka is also a spark plug for the team on defense.

They will have to get past undefeated Fillmore Central (10-0), however, to get to US Bank Stadium in the semifinals.

Section 3- Springfield (9-2)

After a mid season trouncing at the hands of Tracy-Milroy-Balaton 34-6 in Week 4, the Tigers clawed their way to a section final victory over their rival to punch a ticket to state.

Since that mid season loss the Tigers have won seven in a row and are playing their best football as they head into the state quarterfinals where they will take on Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg (8-2) Friday at Crown College.

The Tigers are led by QB Jakub Na chreiner who threw for 319 yards and five touchdowns in the 40-28 section final win over T-M-B. Three of those scores went to MaCoy Krick.

Krick has caught 33 passes on the season for 645 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The team’s top receiver has been Car ter Olson, who has hauled in 68 catches

for 840 yards and seven touchdowns.

Nachreiner has put up gaudy numbers through the air, passing for 2,259 yards and 30 touchdowns. He is averaging 21 throws a game and 14 completions.

Section Final Results

Section 1 Fillmore Central 34, Bethlehem Academy 8 Section 2 Lester Prairie 14, Mayer Lutheran 6 Section 3 Springfield 40, Tracy-Milroy-Balaton 28 Section 4 Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg 7, Upsala/Swan ville 6 Section 5 Minneota 28, Lakeview 6 Section 6 Breckenridge 34, Otter Tail Central 6 Section 7 Deer River 26, Barnum 7 Section 8 Mahnomen/Waubun 32, Red Lake County 0

Ashtin John son provides nice balance to the of fense with 1,109 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.

Section 4Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg (8-2)

The Fighting Saints eked by Upsa la/Swanville in a defensive battle to win Section 4A, 7-6.

They head into the state quarterfi nals with two losses, losing to Class A powerhouse BOLD and then to Class2A school Kimball.

The Fighting Saints have made quite the turnaround after going just 3-7 in 2021 and losing to Upsala Swanville in the section semifinals 40-16.

Section 5 - Minneota (9-2)

The Vikings are back and looking to get back to the finals after losing last sea son to Mayer Lutheran by a touchdown.

It wasn’t an easy road for Minneota who had to beat two teams, BOLD and Lakeview, who each had just one loss.

The Vikings have a balanced offense led by Isaac Pohlen who returns for his senior year after leading them to the Prep Bowl a year ago. He has thrown for 1,585 yards and 17 touchdowns.

But most of the damage has been done on the ground. As a team, the Vi kings have rushed for 2,471 yards and 39 touchdowns. Zack Fier leads the way with 1,098 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Defensively the Vikings have been solid, intercepting seven balls and re turning two for touchdowns. They have also recorded 12 sacks on the season.

Sophomore linebacker Parker Brad ley has been a force in the middle and leads the team in tackles.

Junior defensive end Sawyer DeSmet leads the team with four sacks.

The Vikings will try and get back to US Bank Stadium by getting past Breck

enridge (8-3) Friday in Alexandria.

Section 6Breckenridge (8-3)

If there is a Cinder ella team it is likely the Breckenridge Cowboys.

Coming into playoffs just 5-3, they shut out both Menagha and New York Mills before beating Ottertail Central 34-6 in the section final. It is their first trip to state since 2008.

They last won a state championship in 1988.

It appears the Cowboys are playing their best football, but will have to get through a strong Minneota team Friday in order to keep their dream season alive.

Section

7

- Deer River (11-0)

Deer River is no stranger to winning section titles. They defeated Barnum last week to earn their 15th Section 7A crown.

But it’s a different crown they are after.

The Warriors have advanced to state the past three seasons (there was no state tourney in 2020), but lost in the quarter finals each time.

This time around they will look to not just get past the quarterfinals, but hopefully get to the coveted Prep Bowl with a chance to bring home the state championship trophy.

They have the team who can make some noise at state.

The Warriors have relied on a strong offense and stingy defense to win all 11 games this season. They have outscored opponents 421-80.

Offensively they are led by Tygh Gullickson. The running back ran for 103 yards in their win over Barnum and has averaged 7.1 yards per carry on the season. His 1,544 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns are a big part of the War riors running attack that has accumulat ed 2,899 yards on the season, an average of 263 yards per game.

But they can also beat teams through the air. Sam Rahier has completed 57 passes on the season for 847 yards and 13 touchdowns. Rahier can also do it on the ground with 452 yards rushing and

11 touchdowns.

Rahier likes to spread the football around to a plethora of receivers. He has connected with Rhett Mundt 17 times for 303 yards and four touchdowns. Ben Storlie and Ethan Williams have both hauled in 12 catches. Williams is averaging 20 yards per catch and has a team-leading five receiving touchdowns.

Defensively, the team has allowed just 12 touchdowns all season. Mudnt is a force on defense and leads the team with 79 tackles. The defensive line is great at adding pressure and has 16 sacks on the season led by JoJo Thompson with 3.5.

They also get it done on special teams. Punter Connor Vickerman aver ages 30 yards per punt and kicker Pita Tudonu has made all 11 extra points attempted. The Falcons enter the state quarterfinals undefeated at 11-0.

The Warriors will look to get past the state quarterfinals for the first time in their last four tries. To do so they will have to get past Mahnomen/Waubun (91) Friday in Brainerd.

Section 8Mahnomen/Waubun (9-1)

The Thunderbirds are just five years removed from a state title and now find their way back into the state tournament with another shot at the title.

In those five years they have com piled 44 wins and just five losses.

They are led by quarterback Dennis Ashley, who leads the team in rushing. Curtin Mehr is the top back in the back field and Tyson McArthur is the top re ceiver. Lex McDougall has been a force on defense and leads the team in sacks.

They have outscored opponents 283-119, not a huge margin compared to other teams in Class A, but good enough for nine victories in 10 contests.

The question is, can they outscore Deer River to advance to the state semi finals?

That answer and many more will be answered this weekend as all eight teams go to battle, with just four surviving, and ultimately narrowing the field to two, and then one.

What team will that be? Time will tell.

Fillmore Central’s Bryce Corson runs past Rushford-Peterson defenders in a game last season. The Falcons head into state play as one of three undefeated Class A teams. PHOTO BY CRAIG JOHNSON

Mainstreeters end state drought

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football

People often ask: What exactly is a Mainstreeter?

Well, after last week a Mainstreeter is a section football champion.

Sauk Centre, after a 39-year drought, advanced to state with a 27-6 win over Osakis at the Fargodome.

The Mainstreeters (coined after hometown hero Sinclair Lewis’ No bel-Prize winning book Main Street) ran all over the Silverstreaks and appear to be peaking at the right time.

They head into tournament play with a 7-3 record. Two of those losses came to fellow state-bound teams How ard Lake-Waverly-Winsted and Eden Valley Watkins.

Eden Valley Watkins defeated the Mainstreeters 42-13 in Week 2. The question will be have the Mainstreeters improved enough to give the Eagles a good test.

“We went down to Eden Valley, and they got us good,” said Mainstreeter head coach Charlie Warring. “They ex posed a lot of weaknesses, so we had to correct those.”

They have played eight games since then and improved much as a team.

“Overall, from when we played them the first time, we’re a different team, we have a little more identity, and run some things differently,” said War ring. “They’re good, but when you get to the final eight, everyone is good.”

The Mainstreeters rely on strong senior leadership. With 11 seniors, this year was an “all-in” effort in their final football season together.

Senior quarterback Matthew War ring leads the way and is a dual threat under center. He throws a nice ball and can run the option as well, as evidenced by his 9-yard score against Osakis.

He also threw for two touchdowns.

Senior Hunter Danielson hauled in a 57-yard touchdown and is a solid deep threat for the Mainstreeters. Junior Jay Nuebert also caught a 12-yard TD pass and provides a big frame with good leap ing ability and good hands for Warring.

Other seniors on the team include: Reece Blondin, Carter Ziemer, Nate Schirmers, Owen Christians, Nathan Lahr, Aaron Kerfeld, Corey McCoy and Carter Schuster.

It’s certainly been a long time com ing for the Mainstreeter football pro gram to get back to the state tournament.

And although they are thrilled to advance, they know their is still work to be done.

Senior running back Eli Fletcher said: “When the seconds were ticking off, we were all thinking about being humble and moving on. Jobs not finished but it was a dream come true to win.”

Section 1 - Chatfield 10-0

Not many high school games end up on a game-winning field goal, but that is exactly what happened when defending champions Chatfield knocked off peren nial power Caledonia 10-8 in the Section 1AA finals.

Jacob Erickson, a former quarter back turned kicker/punter due to a knee injury, was called upon midway through the fourth quarter with his team trailing 8-7.

Erickson drilled a 27-yarder and it stood up the rest of the way as the Go pher defense held Caledonia at bay to claim the section title. The Gophers are used to close games. After all, they de

Section Final Results

Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted 29, Nor wood-Young America 13

5 Eden Valley-Watkins 26, Royalton 20

Moose Lake-Willow River 25, Crosby-Ironton 0 Section 8 Barnesville 56, Crookston 3

feated West Central Area/Ashby 14-13 last season to claim the 2021 state cham pionship.

With last week’s win the Gophers have now won 23 straight games.

Led by senior quarterback Sam Backer, the Gophers will look to defend their title when they take on Blue Earth Area (9-2) Thursday at Rochester Mayo in the state quarterfinals.

Backer rushed 21 times for 208 yards in the win over Caledonia, includ ing the team’s only touchdown, which was a 99-yard run.

Section 2 - Blue Earth Area (9-2)

Blue Earth Area cruised through Section 2AA, scoring 144 points in the three games.

They will now face the difficult task of facing defending state champion Chatfield Thursday in Rochester.

The Buccaneers utilize a plethora of running backs to move the ball, averag ing more than nine yards per carry.

Four backs have eclipsed at least 300 yards on the ground. Caleb Langager, Noah Johnson, Ashton Lloyd and Park er Meyers give the Buccaneers plenty of depth amongst ball carriers.

Lloyd does the quarterbacking and throws just as well as he runs, connect ing on more than half of his passes on the season.

The Buccaneers have suffered just two defeats on the season, one coming

Section 3Jackson County Central (11-0)

Since losing in last year’s section final, the Huskies have won 11 straight games and will hope to keep that win ning streak alive when they play Howard lake-Waverly-Winsted in the state quar terfinals.

The offense has been stellar with freshman quarterback Roman Voss be hind center. His top target has been wideout Travis Rogotzke.

Speedy senior Gabriel Wolff is the primary back and tight ends Caleb Van cura and Bryson Powers add depth to the offense.

Defensively Vancura is a menace at defensive end. Senior defensive back Lo gan Butzon has returned from an inju ry and made an immediate impact with three interceptions. Aiven Farmer is also

a difference maker on the edge

Section 4Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted (9-2)

It isn’t often a No. 4 seed advanc es to the state tournament, but How ard Lake-Waverly-Winsted defeated top-seeded Minneapolis North 21-20 to advance to the section finals where they disposed of Norwood-Young America 29-13.

Senior running back Collin Boese leads the way for the Lakers. It was Bose who scored the go-ahead touchdown in the win over Minneapolis North.

Boese leads the team in rushing.

The Lakers are coming out of a very tough section, which could bode well for them at state. Six of the seven sec tion teams had at least six wins and four teams had at least eight wins.

to undefeated Jackson County Central, who they could meet up with if they can get past Chatfield.

Sauk Centre senior quarterback Matthew Warring finds a hole in the Mainstreeters section final win over Osakis. It was the first time in 39 years Sauk Centre has earned a trip to state. PHOTOS BY MARK KLAPHAKE/STAR PUBLICATIONS

It’s been 39 years since Sauk Centre has played in the state quarterfinals

It’s been 39 years since the Mainstreeters from Sauk Centre have been able to celebrate a trip to the state tournament.

Class AAA

Bombers speed through sections

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football

Like a sports car with a turbo-pow ered engine, the Cannon Falls Bombers sped through sections with three lopsided wins to advance to another state tourna ment. Their motto this season: “All Gas, No Brakes.”

The Bombers offense exploded through the section playoffs, scoring 170 points in their three victories.

They avenged their section semifinal loss last year to Plainview-Elgin-Millville with a resounding 50-6 win in the section final this season to advance to their second state tournament in the past four years (in 2020 they went 7-0 to claim a section title, but there was no state tournament).

The Bears’ success has come mainly from their running attack that uses a wide array of runners and is regularly executed to cause issues for opponent defenses. In their section final win over P-E-M, they ran for 419 yards and seven touchdowns on 58 carries.

Colton Otto was the lead ball carrier with 74 yards on nine carries and three touchdowns. Dylan Banks scored twice on six carries and 82 yards and Landon Anderson-Rosebear led all backs with 16 carries and 135 yards. Preston Schoen felder, Sam Shepersky and Colten Black also had a hand in the running game with Shepersky and Black each finding pay dirt.

The Bombers have been just as im pressive on defense. They allowed fewer than 100 yards to P-E-M in the final and have allowed just two first quarter touch downs all season. They will take on Water town-Mayer, who put up 46 points in their section final win over defending champion Dassel-Cokato and is averaging 37 points per game. It should be great match up for two teams that could eventually find them selves playing for it all on Dec. 3.

Section 2 - Watertown-Mayer (10-1)

Before the 2021 season, Water town-Mayer was a struggling program having won just five games between 2015 and 2020.

Last season they turned a corner by going 7-3 and this year they have put their foot on the gas with a 10-1 record as they head into the state quarterfinals.

The Royals got to the state tourna ment with an upset over defending state champion Dassel-Cokato in the Section 2AAA final 47-36. They are averaging 37 points per game and have a solid nucleus of athletes who have helped them get to where they are.

Senior running back Wyatt McCabe leads the team in rushing and had a hand in four touchdowns in the section final win over Dassel-Cokato. He had touchdown runs of 13 and six yards and caught a 12yard TD pass from senior quarterback Al bert Rundell. Rundell is a dual threat and tossed two TD passes in the win and also ran one in from 16 yards out. One of his touchdown passes was to the team’s lead ing receiver, junior Gannon Lee.

Another huge asset for the offense is senior kicker Ashton Heckstel. Heckstel has proven to be one of the top kickers in the state, making 10 of 11 field goals and 38 of 39 extra points. Having a kicker who can hit from long range is a huge advan tage for any high school team. Heckstel kicked two field goals in the section final win, giving the Royals the cushion they needed against the defending champions.

Two high-powered offenses will bat tle Thursday in Hastings when the Royals take on Cannon Falls for a chance to get to US Bank Stadium for the state semifinals. It’s been a long road for the Royals after go ing 5-48 for six seasons. But it’s been worth the wait.

Section 3 - Fairmont (9-2)

Like several other teams who have ad vanced to state, Fairmont avenged a mid season loss to an opponent they ended up defeating in the section final.

For the Cardinals that team was Waseca. After losing 32-14 in Week 4, they turned the tides and beat them 35-26 to advance to Thursday’s quarterfinals where they will take on St. Croix Lutheran (5-5).

Fairmont is no stranger to postsea son football. Last year they advanced to the quarterfinal, but lost to eventual state champion Dassel-Cokato. In 2018 they ad

vanced all the way to the Prep Bowl where they lost to Rochester Lourdes.

Which begs the question. Is this their year?

They have averaged 31 points per game while allowing just over 12. Their only other loss was a 10-0 defeat at the hands of Class 4A Marshall in the season opener. Since then they have played stellar football on both sides of the ball.

The offense is led by senior quarter back Brendan Schmidtke. Schmidtke has passed for 1,100 yards and 15 touchdowns and completed 56 percent of his passes.

His main targets have been Levi Pool ey with 32 catches for 499 yards and nine touchdowns and David Maakestad with 24 catches for 380 yards and five scores.

What makes Fairmont a tough foe is there ability to beat you two ways. In ad dition to a strong passing game, the Car dinals have a slew of formidable running backs who have combined for 1,262 yards and 15 touchdowns. They include: Landon Meyerdirk, Elijah Johnson, James Johnson and Blaze Geiger.

Defensively, Meyerdirk and Aden Welcome lead the team in tackles and Hank Artz has an impressive five sacks on the season.

The Cardinals will look to advance to the semifinals and hopefully get back to where they were in 2018, playing for a state title.

Section 4 - St. Croix Lutheran (5-5)

St. Croix Lutheran lost their last three games of the regular season. Perhaps it was for a reason. Since then they won two sec tion games to advance to the state quarter finals where they will battle against Section 3 winner Fairmont.

Despite St. Croix Lutheran’s 5-5 re cord, they are not a sub par program who caught lightning in a bottle As early as 2017 they were playing Pierz for the Class AAA title.

It might be a tougher road for them this season, but their 14-6 win over Breck was a big step into the quarterfinals.

They are led by senior Jack Thome, who is responsible for much of the offense. In the section win over Minneapolis Hen ry, Thome scored five touchdowns. In their 14-6 win over Breck he ran for 123 yards.

The Crusaders may be the underdog heading into state play, but they have prov en they are a team who can win big games against good opponents.

Section 5 - Milaca (9-1)

After finishing 4-5 in 2021, the Mi laca Wolves improved to win nine of their 10 contests so far in 2022. Their hope is to make it 10 out of 11 when they take on New London-Spicer (8-2) in the state quarterfinals.

The Wolves offense goes as senior Jack Schoenborn goes. He is closing in on 2,000 yards rushing for the year and in their previous match up against New London-Spicer ran for 203 yards and three touchdowns.

But the Wolves lost that game in a shootout 44-36.

The rematch may be much of the same as both teams average more than 30 points per game but allowed more than 20.

The teams will battle Thursday in Elk River.

Section 6 - New London-Spicer (8-2)

For the second year in a row the Wild cats knocked off perennial power Pierz to advance in the section playoffs and be yond.

They have emerged for the second straight season in arguably the toughest section in AAA football. Last season they upset Pierz 28-24 in the section final and this year beat them 28-6 in the section semifinals.

It took a 20-14 win over Albany in the section final to get them back to the covet ed state tournament, where they lost in the quarterfinals a year ago to Esko.

The Wildcats are averaging 38 points per game so they will rely heavily on their potent offense to attack their opponents at state.

They will battle Milaca in Elk River Thursday for a chance to play at US Bank Stadium Nov. 18-19.

Section 7 - Esko (11-0)

A recovered fumble returned for a touchdown by Joey Antonutti was the ic ing on the cake for the Esko Eskomos as they remained unbeaten with a 28-19 win over Pequot Lakes in the section 7AAA fi nal.

It was the real first test they have had all season.

The Eskomos had allowed just five touchdowns on the season heading into their 11th game. Meanwhile they had scored an average of 50 points per game.

They are coming off a season where they reached the state semifinals only to lose to Dassel-Cokato by a touchdown.

Senior quarterback Ty Christensen and senior running back Nolan Witt lead the offense. Christensen utilizes his arm and legs. Easton Haker, Javontae Grego ry and Carter Zezulka are also important pieces of the offense. Both Gregory and Zezulka scored touchdowns in the section final win.

Defensively Witt is a force at lineback er and forced the fumble that led to the late score, ensuring the Eskomos another section title and another shot at winning a state championship.

Section 8Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton (10-0)

Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton is one of two unbeaten teams in Class 3A.

Ironically, those two teams will meet each other in the state quarterfinals when the Rebels take on Esko (11-0) in Brainerd on Saturday.

D-G-F has outscored opponents on average 30-14. They are making their sec ond consecutive trip to state after beating East Grand Forks 7-6.

Jordan Summers scored his 20th touchdown, which proved to be enough. East Grand Forks scored late, but the Rebel defense made a stop on the two-point con version to ensure the victory and a berth to the state tournament.

Summers is approaching 2,000 yards on the ground and is the main cog in the offense.

Esko will have to slow him down in order to be successful. Meanwhile, The Rebels will have to play and equally im pressive defensive game like they did against East Grand Forks in order to be successful against the Eskomos with hopes of advancing to the state semifinals at US Bank Stadium Nov. 18-19.

Dylan Banks is a big part of the Cannon Falls offense that ran for 419 yards against Plainview-Elgin-Millville in the section finals. The Bombers advanced to the state quarterfinals with a 50-6 win. Photos by Kelly Brintnall-Miller

Jack Meyers stiff arms an opponent during action earlier this year for Cannon Falls who defeated P-E-M 50-6 to win their section and advance to state.

Class AAAA

Defending champion Tigers claw their way to another section title

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football

The defending 4A champion Hutchinson Tigers are back and until someone knocks them out of the play offs, they will be the favorite heading into state play.

The Tigers have been a perennial contender in 4A football having gone 61-10 in the past seven seasons. Last season they ran the gamut and defeated Kasson-Mantorville for the 4A crown.

This year it appears they are poised to defend their title.

Senior running back Levi Teetzel re turns for his senior year as one of the top running backs in the state. He has aver aged more than 180 yards per game and scored 18 touchdowns and converted 27 two-point conversions. In the section fi nal win over Marshall, he rushed for 220 yards and four touchdowns in their 5230 victory.

Fellow senior A.J. Ladwig has been a beast as well with 25 rushing touch downs and almost 1,000 yards rushing.

The running game, thanks in large part to a great offensive line, has rushed for 3,637 yards on the season, an average of 368 yards per game.

Out of all of the defending state champions, Hutchinson may have the best chance at repeating.

However, they get a tough draw in the quarterfinals with top-ranked Stew artville (10-0). This will be the marquee match up in 4A football, and whoev er emerges could very well become the 2022 state champion.

Section 1 - Stewartville (10-0)

There may not be a team in any class who has been as dominant as Stewart ville has been this Fall.

The Tigers have rattled off 10 straight wins, and quite frankly, no team has come close to giving them much of a contest.

The Tigers have outscored oppo nents 510-55 and are averaging 51 points per game.

Their two-pronged offense is ex plosive. Quarterback Ayden Helder has proven to be an efficient passer with a near 70 percent completion rate and 22 touchdown passes.

Owen Sikkink is the main threat in the backfield and surpassed 1,000 yards on the season with 167 in the section final win over Kasson-Mantorville. He scored five times in the game and now has 19 rushing touchdowns on the sea son. He also has over 400 yards receiving and seven scores, giving him 26 touch downs on the season.

Braden Nelson is also an adept run ner and has over 500 yards rushing on the season, including a 71-yard TD run against K-M.

Both runners benefit from a strong offensive line that has been dominant all season long.

Defensively they have been un believably resilient, allowing just four touchdowns during the regular season and seven overall. They also have had five shutouts.

With an outstanding offensive line, several skilled players and a punishing defense, Stewartville just may be the team to beat in Class AAAA.

But first they will have to get past Hutchinson (9-1) Thursday in Lakeville.

Section 3 - Simley (9-1)

The top-seeded Simley Spartans trailed second-seed Hill-Murray Pio neers 12-7 at halftime in the section 3 title game in Class AAAA, but the Spar tans outscored the Pioneers 33-0 in the second half to earn their second consec utive trip to state.

Neither team could get much going on offense for most of the first half be fore Hill-Murray senior running back

Sawyer Seidl bobbed and weaved break ing three tackles on way to a highlight reel 70-yard touchdown run. After the extra point was blocked Hill-Murray led 6-0.

Simley quickly answered with a ground attack that saw Spartan senior Tay’vion McCoy break a long run to the Hill-Murray 4-yard line before fellow senior Gavin Nelson scored on a 4-yard touchdown. With the extra point Simley led 7-6 with 1:41 left in the first half.

Hill-Murray senior quarter back Joe McGurran orchestrated the two-min ute offense to perfection leading the Pioneers down the field finishing with a 5-yard touchdown pass to his sopho more tight end John Pietruszewski with :19 left. The Pioneers took a 12-7 lead into the locker room at halftime.

“We made a few mental mistakes in the first half and were not doing a good job accounting for the Seidl (Sawyer and Simon) brothers.” Simley coach Chris Mensen said.

Once the teams hit the field for the second half it was all Simley. McCoy opened the second half onslaught for the Spartans with a 4-yard touchdown run. Senior QB Caden Renslow then scored two rushing touchdowns and Nelson ran in the last two scores.

“We knew we had it in us to play great football, once we settled down a bit, we were able to find our groove.” Mensen said.

Simley heads to the state tourna ment quarterfinals with a 9-1 record and will face Chisago Lakes.

Section 4 - Chisago Lakes (5-6)

Chisago Lakes is the only team play ing in the state quarterfinals with a re cord under .500.

The Wildcats upset top-seeded Frid ley in Section 4AAAA in a 43-42 barn

burner.

They scored 23 fourth-quarter points to overcome a 9-point deficit to advance to the state quarterfinals where they will take on Section 3 winner Sim ley (9-1).

Junior running back Evan Lavalle led the way for the Wildcats with 139 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

Junior quarterback Gavin Lewis ran for 63 yards and connected with Nathan Bluhm on a 42-yard score to help cata pult the Wildcats to the big win.

While it appears the chips may be stacked against a team that went 5-6 during the regular season, it should be noted that four of the Wildcats losses came to Becker, Rocori, St. Francis and Hutchinson who have a combined 32-7 record.

Their tough regular season schedule could pay dividends at state.

Section 5 -

Academy of Holy Angels (7-3)

A pair of private schools battled it out in the Section 5 title game and it was the Academy of Holy Angels who pre vailed for the second straight year, de feating Benilde-St. Margaret’s 41-7.

Senior linebacker Luke Cronin got things going when he picked off a B-SM pass and returned it 31 yards for a touch down.

The Holy Angels defense has been phenomenal, picking off 10 passes on the season.

Offensively they are able to attack defenses through the air and on the ground.

Senior QB Aaron Boarman has thrown for more than 1,000 yards and completed more than 65 percent of his passes. He is also fleet of foot and leads the team in rushing yards.

Running backs Joe Miller and Reid Davenport provide depth in the back field and Charles Gilbert III and William Snyder provide two strong targets for Boarman through the air.

All three of the Stars losses have all come to 5A teams.

The Stars will take on Section 6 win ner Zimmerman (8-3) Thursday in Os seo.

Section 6 - Zimmerman (8-3)

After losing their final two regular season games to two 3A teams, Zim

merman went on a three-game winning streak in sections to claim the Section 6 title with as 20-3 win over Orono.

Zimmerman’s success has come from their ground game on offense, and their defense that has 19.5 sacks and 13 interceptions on the season.

Senior running back Caden Spence has put up astronomical numbers, rush ing for 2,039 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also has 221 yards receiving and two more touchdowns.

Defensively, senior linebacker Max Gostonczik leads the team with 115 to tal tackles, an average of more than 10 tackles a game.

Junior linebacker Luke Pool has 85 total tackles and senior Brooks Howard leads th team with 6.5 sacks.

In the secondary, senior Matt Free berg leads with three interceptions.

With a strong offense and a men acing defense, Zimmerman could be somewhat of a sleeper in 4A.

Their first task will be getting by Holy Angels Thursday in Osseo, which should be a good match up between to fairly even teams.

Section 7 - North Branch (8-2)

North Branch avenged an earlier loss to Hermantown during the regular season to defeat the Hawks 28-20 in the section semifinals.

They followed up with a win over Cloquet 34-6 to claim the section 7AAAA title.

The win came after an undefeated North Branch team lost a heartbreaker in the section finals last year to Grand Rapids, 14-12. The win also marks the first time in school history the Vikings advanced to the state quarterfinals.

Senior Vinny Boeck leads the of fense and scored two touchdowns in the 34-6 section final win.

Preston Peterson is under center and scored on a flea flicker from 16 yards out for one of his two scores on the night.

Fellow senior Loghan Croal also scored, giving the Vikings plenty of of fensive weapons to put points on the board. They average 34 points on the season while allowing 19.

They will battle Rocori (8-2) in their first-ever state tournament game Thurs day in Blaine.

Section 8 - Rocori (8-2)

Top-seeded Rocori prevailed in Section 8 with a narrow 22-20 win over Becker to claim their first section title since 2019 (they were 7-0 in 2022 and considered section champs) when they advanced to the Prep Bowl and lost to SMB 22-21.

Rocori may have the best quarter back in the 4A state tournament in Jack Spanier. Spanier has completed 70 per cent of his passes for 1,570 yards and 19 touchdowns. He has also ran for 402 yards and 10 more touchdowns to lead the offense.

Spanier’s top target has been Hunt er Nistler who has 39 receptions for 667 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Another top target is Adam Langer with 35 catches for 472 yards and four touchdowns.

Mason Dahl leads the backfield with 724 yards rushing and eight touch downs.

Defensively the Spartans are allow ing just 14 points per game. Blake Tyluki leads the team with 105 total tackles and Kaden Rausch leads with seven sacks.

Nistler and Spanier also are special team stars with both averaging near 40 yards a punt.

With a slew of talent on both sides of the ball, there is no reason Rocori can’t get back to the Prep Bowl title game like they did three years ago.

First they will have to get past North Branch (8-2) Thursday in Blaine.

Charlie Renner hauls in a pass in Hutchinson’s 52-30 win over Marshall in the Section 2AAAA championship. The Tigers are looking to defend their 2021 state champion ship. Photo by Libby Auger

Class AAAAA

Armstrong punches first ticket to state since 2003

teams in the final 8 of Class AAAAA this season, losing to Elk River 35-14 and beating Moorhead 58-41.

Section 7 - Elk River (10-0)

The Elk River Elks (10-0) offense av eraged a staggering 48 points per game, but needed all 51 points in a thrilling 5149 overtime win against Andover in the 7AAAAA section final to earn a berth in the state tournament.

by MIKE SONNTAG Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football

Robbinsdale Armstrong broke a 7-7 tie and scored 35 unanswered points to defeat crosstown rival Robbinsdale Coo per for the Section 5AAAAA title 42-7.

Jamen Malone and Reggie Carter provided all the offense needed in the second half with QB Malone throwing and running for a touchdown and run ning back Carter scoring three times to help catapult the Falcons to the section title, their first since 2003.

Carter had TD runs of 37 and 52 yards, and Malone connect ed with Marquan Tucker on a 35yard touchdown pass. All three players are se niors.

The Falcons started the season with six straight wins, but fell vic tim to both Chaska and Spring Lake Park in their final two regular season tilts.

But they righted the ship in time for a pair of section victories and a section title.

Carter, Malone and Tucker have provided a trio that has been hard to stop. Carter has rushed for 974 yards and 16 touchdowns. Malone has com pleted 80 passes for 1,229 yards and 16 touchdowns and also ran for 452 yards and two scores. Tucker leads all receiv ers with 36 catches for 715 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The Falcons are also strong on de fense. Senior linebacker Drew Kuempel leads the team with 71 total tackles. Fel low senior linebacker Henry Smith has 68.

Junior Langden Col lege leads the team with 8.5 sacks.

Perhaps the most im pressive stat for the Falcons is their strong senior lead ership. The team, has 23 seniors, which should bode well as they venture into their first state tournament since 2003 with hopes of getting to the coveted Prep Bowl.

They will play Rogers (8-3) Saturday at noon in Osseo.

Section 1 – Rochester Mayo (9-1)

Rochester Mayo (9-1), ranked No. 6 in QRF, beat Owatonna 36-7 to advance to the state tournament.

Rochester Mayo is hoping to im prove on their 9-2 season in 2021 where they lost to Mahtomedi in state quarter finals.

They will take on Section 2 winner Mankato West (10-0) Saturday at Prior Lake High School.

Section 2 – Mankato West

Speaking of Mankato West, ranked No. 2 in QRF and the defending 5AAAAA state champion advanced to state looking to defend their title by beating Chanhassen in a tight one 23-21.

Last season the Scarlets defeated St. Thomas Academy, Rogers, and Mahto medi to claim the state title. All three of those opponents are back in the state tournament this year.

Section 3 – St Thomas Academy Ca dets (10-0)

The St. Thomas Academy Cadets (10-0) ranked No. 4 in QRF rolled over Two Rivers 45-0 in the section final.

The Cadets will play Mahtomedi in the state quarterfinals. The Cadets handed Mahtomedi their only loss of the season 28-14 back on October 7.

Section 4 – Mahtomedi (9-1)

As mentioned above, the Mahtome di Zephyrs (9-1) No. 7 in QRF suffered their only loss to St. Thomas Academy. The 2021 Class AAAAA state-runner up is going to need to avenge that loss if they want to get back to the title game.

Look for the Zephyrs to rely heavily on senior running back Corey Bohmert.

The Zephyrs and Cadets will lock horns Saturday at Woodbury High School with a noon kickoff.

Section 6 – Rogers (8-3)

Rogers (8-3) ranked No. 10 in QRF earned their berth to the state tourna ment by beating a very good Spring Lake Park team 21-7.

The Royals have played two other

After winning many games by heav ily outscoring their opponents through out the regular season, the Elks needed junior kicker Carter Bloom to make a 30-yard field goal attempt with :02 left in the 4th quarter to force overtime with the Andover Huskies.

With the score tied 43-43 in over time the Elks got the ball on the tenyard line and took the lead when senior quarter back Cade Osterman plunged in from one yard out. Sophomore run ning back Gavin Schmidt then ran in the two-point conversion to make the score 51-43.

Andover, as they had done all game, would not go away, scoring on a 9-yard touchdown pass from senior quarter back Landyn Nelson to junior receiver Teddy Heller. It was then that the Elks defense rose to the occasion stopping Nelson’s rushing bid short of the end zone to deny the tying two-point con version.

The Elks advance to the state tour nament where they will face Moorhead in a rematch from an October 7 meet ing when the Elks won 55-21. The game will be played Saturday Nov. 11 at Ma ple Grove High School. Kickoff set for 1 p.m.

Section 8 – Moorhead (5-5)

Moorhead (5-5) ranked No. 19 in QRF, may be the surprise team in the state quarterfinal field, but do not take the Spuds lightly. After losing their fi nal four regular season games the Spuds won two very close section games beat ing Alexandria 35-28, then winning a thriller over Sartell-St. Stephen 28-26 to win the Section 8 title.

The Spuds will have their hands full with undefeated Elk River, but it is a one-game elimination game now and anything is possible.

Robbinsdale Armstrong players are handed their section championship trophy, the first for the program since 2003. The Falcons will look to advance past the quarterfinals with hopes of getting to US Bank Stadium for semifinals Nov. 18-19. Photos by Michael Hirschuber

Jamen Malone races down the sideline against Robbinsdale Cooper. Malone rushed for 82 yards and threw for 225 yards in the Falcons 42-7 win. Photos by Michael Hirschuber

Class AAAAAA

Zolnosky leads East Ridge to state quarters

by MALIK MITCHELL Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football

East Ridge Raptors junior quarter back Tanner Zolnosky currently leads the state in passing yards (2,763) and ranks No. 5 in pass completions (162) and touchdowns (27). The young gun slinger has already surpassed his passing yards (1,625), pass completions (92), and touchdowns (12) from last season, aver aging 276.3 yards per game and display ing a 63 percent completion percentage.

“I feel grateful. I give all the credit to my teammates, we have worked very hard on our chemistry with each other throughout the season and the off sea son,” Zolnosky said. “I just can’t give them enough credit, without them I would not be where I am right now. It feels great, I knew I would pass up all of my stats from last year due to us throw ing the ball more this year than last year. Again, I can’t give my guys enough cred it. Without them nothing is possible. I also worked very hard in the off sea son on becoming a better overall passer, mentally and physically.”

Currently on a four-game win streak, Zolnosky has led his team to a current record of 7-3. The Raptors are coming off a close road win against the Prior Lake Lakers 28-27 for the Class 6A section final. This time, it was a chal lenge in contrast to the 31-17 first round playoff victory over the Lakers in the previous season.

Since the first whistle, the game was neck and neck. East Ridge went into the half leading 13-10. Down the stretch of the second half, Prior Lake managed to go ahead 27-20 with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. Not backing down, Zolnosky struck back, connecting a pass to senior Jack Tharaldson for the equalizer. Instead of playing it safe, the Raptors decided to go for a two-point conversion. Finishing what he started, Zolnosky found his way into the end zone on a QB run making it 28-27.

The Raptors ultimately held off the Lakers to claim the Class 6A victory. Zolnosky showcased 16 completions for 239 yards and two touchdowns, con necting two or more passes to five dif ferent players.

Spreading the ball around and uti lizing different players isn’t a secret when it comes to Zolnosky’s game. The stand out has connected with six different re ceivers with at least 15 receptions.

“It is very important for me to spread the ball around because it shows our versatility and depth,’’ said Zolnosky. “Every guy I throw the ball to is a threat. I’m thankful to have guys like that on my team. Makes my life a whole lot easier.”

For Zolnosky, he likes to emphasize the mental part of the game to ultimately try to find a way to exploit his opponents weaknesses.

“My style of QB is playing the men tal game first,” Zolnosky said. “The big gest part of my off season was working on the mental part of the game, whether that’s coverages, fronts, blitzes, stunts...I also think a strong part of my game is my ability to extend plays and my accu racy. My QB coach always talks about how QBs need to be artists with the foot ball. I try to paint the ball where the ball needs to be painted. But again, without my teammates I can’t do anything.”

In the offseason, aside from ana lyzing the mental side of the game, im proving his footwork in the pocket and pocket management was his main focus being those were his weaknesses from the previous season. He’s also put on 15 pounds since the 2021 season.

The 6’0, 180-pound 2024 star had many visits to schools like Akron, SDSU, and the UMN, but got a huge opportuni ty after receiving an offer from Bowling Green State University in February.

“It was a euphoric experience. I’ve worked for an opportunity like that since I was 6 years old, it was amazing,” said

Section Final Results

Zolnosky. “It doesn’t really affect me though, I go on with life as if I have no offers. I am always working for the next one or the next best opportunity that presents itself to me. I am so grateful for my teammates and loved ones that have put me in the position I am in today, without them I would not be here.”

Zolnosky has always dreamed of playing at the next level.

“My dream since being a little kid was to play in the NFL. It’s the same now as a 17 year old. It has been all I’ve ever worked for. I obviously would love to play college football at the highest level as well. After I am done playing I plan to go into coaching. I just can’t imagine my

life without this game.”

The Raptors will now advance to the Class 6A quarterfinals, facing the Maple Grove Crimson(10-0) on Friday, Nov. 11 at 7pm. Last season, after a devastating 42-13 defeat, the Crimson ended the Raptors’ season in the playoffs.

“It is playoff football, cannot get any better. I just feel excitement everywhere, we are so close to fulfilling our dream of making it to state,” said Zolnosky. “We are very intentional in practice and do not waste any reps. We have been through many ups and downs as a team and have never given up.”

Zolnosky is eager to show what the Raptors can do at state.

“I think any team has an expecta tion to win the State Championship. We’ve worked very hard as a unit to make this dream come true. I am just su per pumped to go out and fight with my guys to fulfill a dream.”

Stillwater Cruises past Lakeville North to advance

Senior Max Shikenjanski threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as the Stillwater Ponies (9-1) built up a 28-0 lead and cruised to a 42-7 victory over Lakeville North.

The Ponies get to face the defending State Champion Lakeville South Friday night with a 7 p.m. kickoff at Eden Prai rie High School.

Lakeville South shuts out White Bear Lake

The 2021 Defending State Cham pion Cougars (8-2) saw the senior duo of quarterback Jacob Royse throw three touchdown passes to receiver Carson Hansen in the span of a little over five minutes to break open a 0-0 tie after the first quarter against the White Bear Lake Bears.

Senior cornerback Reese Volk add ed a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter for the Cougars.

Top Ranked Maple Grove ends Forest Lake’s successful season

The Crimson (10-0 ranked #1 in Metro) scored 40 unanswered points af ter a 7-7 tie at the end of the first quarter to beat the upstart Forest Lake Rangers (7-3) 54-21.

After senior kicker Connor Fourni er hit a 47-yard field goal to put the Crimson up 10-7 in the second quarter, the defense became the offense scoring two consecutive touchdowns on a 31yard fumble scoop and score by Jacob Anderson followed by a 40-yard blocked kick return.

Senior quarterback Jacob Kilzer threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score to lead the Crimson offense.

Eden Prairie looks to avenge loss to Shakopee after running past Woodbury

The Eden Prairie Eagles (8-2) last loss came on October 8th to Shakopee. After rushing for eight touchdowns to put away the Woodbury Royals 55-14 the Eagles (ranked #3 in Metro) will get a rematch with the Sabres.

14 Eagles players carried the foot ball amassing an impressive 450 yards on the ground.

The Eagles and Sabres play Thurs day night 7PM at Park Center

Shakopee uses strong run game to beat Mounds View

The Sabres (7-3) saw five different players rush for touchdowns as they tal lied 376 yards on the ground to beat the Mustangs.

The quarterfinal game against Eden Prairie might set a record for fasted game played as with two primary rush ing attacks the clock will constantly be on the move.

Rosemount stays undefeated with a big second half to get past Wayzata

Senior running back William Priest proved explosive with nine carries for 238 yards and four touchdowns. His touchdown runs were for 40, 42, 71 and 67 yards.

Tied 14-14 at half with the Wayza ta Trojans the Rosemount Irish (10-0 ranked #2 in the metro) scored the final 28 points in the game.

Rosemount will look to continue their undefeated season when they face Centennial at Stillwater High School 7PM Thursday night.

Centennial holds off Edina 14-7 in defensive battle

Junior running back Marcus Whit ing scored two first half touchdown runs, the second with seconds remain ing in the first half to give the Centenni al Cougars a halftime lead 14-7 over the Edina Hornets and that was the end of the scoring for the game.

The Cougars (8-2) have played in seven games decided by one score or less. They will hope that experience will give them an edge as they look to knock off the undefeated Irish from Rosemount.

Tanner Zonolsky currently leads the state in passing yards with 2,763. He has helped lead East Ridge to the state tournament where they will take on Maple Grove Friday in the 6A quarterfinals.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

2021

Minnesota Prep Bowl History

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 20-

9-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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Washington Commanders,

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MINNESOTA VIKINGS

They also defeated Section 6AA champion Sauk Centre 29-27 earlier in the season.

They will play undefeated Jackson County Central (11-0) Thursday at St. Anthony Village.

Section 5Eden Valley-Watkins

(10-0)

Eden-Valley Watkins is seven years removed from playing for the Prep Bowl when they lost in 2016 to Caledonia during Caledonia’s epic string of state titles.

Perhaps seven will be a lucky num ber for the Eagles as they venture into the state tournament in Class AA as one of three unbeaten teams.

Nolan Gieslinger has been a gun slinger at quarterback for the Eagles, who have a two-pronged offense that is successful both on the ground and through the air.

Senior running back Sam Nistler is the primary ball carrier and receiv ers Landon Neiman and Parker Schultz have been strong targets for Gieslinger.

The Eagles are averaging 40 points per game while giving up just 12. It won’t be surprising if they are in the same game they were seven short years ago.

But first they will have to get past Sauk Centre, who they defeated 43-12 earlier this season.

Section 7Moose Lake-Willow River (9-1)

The Rebels advanced to the state

quarterfinals with a convincing 25-0 win over Crosby-Ironton in the Section 7AA finals. It is their fifth section title in the past six years.

In those past years, however, three of the four trips to state ended in the quarterfinals. They reached the state semifinals in 2017.

Junior running back Jaxsyn Schmidt leads the offense. In their section final win, Schmidt rushed 14 times for 156 yards and three scores.

Defensively the Rebels have been strong, allowing just 10 points per game. They are also on a 9-game winning streak after losing their season opener.

They hope to keep that streak alive when they play Barnesville Thursday in St. Cloud.

Section 8 - Barnesville (10-0)

Barnesville has absolutely dominat ed opponents all season, and could be the front runner heading into the state tournament in Class AA.

The Trojans have scored 452 points and have allowed just six touchdowns all season.

In their section wins they outscored their opponents 113-3. In their past four games they have outscored opponents 211-9.

With an explosive offense and a tough defense, the Trojans will be tough to beat. Last year they advanced to the state semifinals where the lost to eventu al champion Chatfield 22-18.

In 2019 they also advanced to the state semifinals where they lost to even tual champion Caledonia.

Coming that close twice should give

Q: The Vikings recently signed tight end TJ Hockenson. What Minnesota Vikings tight end leads the franchise in career games played, receptions and yards?

A: None other than the legend ary Steve Jordan. Jordan played in 176 games for the Vikings and had a franchise record 498 receptions for a franchise record 6,307 yards.

Jordan was a steal in the draft, chosen in th seventh round and 179th overall in 1982 out of Brown University.

Q: Steve Jordan had 28 touchdowns, but is second all time to this franchise leader.

A: Fan favorite Kyle Rudolph is the franchise leader with 48 touchdowns as a tight end for the Vikings.

Rudolph was a second-round pick (43rd overall) in the 2011 draft. In his second year he caught nine touchdown passses and was selected to his first of two Pro Bowls.

Q: Eleven Minnesota Viking tight ends have surpassed 1,000 yards in their career. How many can you name?

A: The eleven players who have at least 1,000 career yards receiv ing as a Viking tight end include:

1. Steve Jordan 6,307

2. Kyle Rudolph 4,488

3. Visanthe Shiancoe 2,424

4. Stu Voigt 1,919

5. Joe Senser 1,822

6. Jermaine Wiggins 1,659 7. Jimmy Kleinsasser 1,393 8. Gordon Smith 1,277 9. John Beasley 1,242 10. Andrew Glover 1,227 11. Byron Chamberlain 1,055 12. Bob Tucker 1,045

the Trojans a little extra fire as they head into state play against Moose Lake-Wil low River in St. Cloud Thursday.

Sauk Centre junior Landon Wolbeck drags down an Osakis player in Sauk Centre’s 27-6 win over the Silverstreaks to claim the Section 6AA title, their first in 39 years.