28 minute read
The meaning of football
4 September 1, 2022 Let’s Play Football
www.letsplayfootballmn.com
The meaning of football
2021 MFCA scholarship winners speak out on what football means to them
Several high school seniors received scholarships through the Minnesota Football Coaches Association and talked about their experience. Here are those players and what they said (courtesy of the Minnesota Football Coaches Association). Tom Mahoney Scholarship: Rylan Behnke (Murray County Central) “In the Murray County Central Rebel football program we operate under five core values: Toughness, Effort, Discipline, Commitment, and Family. These values guide our actions on the field, but more importantly can be implemented off the field to make us better men as well. Finally and most importantly family, or as we call it, the glue. Family is the people around us who suffer when we suffer and flourish when we flourish.”
Don Swanson Scholarship: Daniel Avre (Minneapolis South) “Every fall, nothing would bring more joy than knowing I get to put on that helmet yet again. However, the sport did far more than bring me joy. It has taught valuable lessons about hard word, dedication, determination, persistence, and so much more. Even more, these qualities have pushed me as a student in the classroom, much of which is illuminated in my nearly perfect grades throughout high school.”
Les Drechsel Scholarship: Trey Feeney (Moorhead) “As I grew, I learned that football not only teaches athletic skills but also teaches teamwork, discipline, perseverance, goal-setting, time-management and many more invaluable life-skills. Football has taught me leadership skills and I put those skills to work by being named a 3 year captain. My favorite part is the team bonding and becoming life-long friends with kids from many types of backgrounds.”
David Nigon Scholarship: Adam Shaw (Hancock) “In my football career, after taking their advice and pushing myself, I have 32 football victories. We were state runner-up and ranked first in the state this shortened football season. Football has taught me to keep pushing through hard times, stay committed, and never back down from a challenge.” Al Siegle Scholarship: Jack Novak (New London-Spicer) “I have made some unbreakable bonds with many guys I normally wouldn’t come across. Football taught me how to work through the toughest of times and the power of working together. It showed me how to trust people with everything I’ve got. I learned through this sport, that the size of your heart matters a lot more than the size pads you wear.”
Andy Nelson Scholarship: Drew Sagedahl (BOLD) “My senior season, my coaches asked if I would lead the team as the quarterback. I said yes and never looked back. This position has helped me with my leadership skills, mental toughness, and confidence. I am proud to say I am a three sport athlete with football making more of an impact on who I am today as an athlete and individual.”
Steve Sillianoff Scholarship: Derek Ashland (Lakeville South) “Football has taught me to be tough physically and mentally when faced with adversity in any aspect of life. Another thing football has taught me is to be resilient. Many times throughout a game or a season you can be knocked down and feel hopeless, but no matter what, you need to get back up and fight for the ones around you. There are many lessons to be learned from football.”
Dave Hylla Scholarship: Alex Mcphee (Proctor) “I have always been a little on the smaller side, especially out on the football field, but I learned that physical attributes can only take you so far. The bigger, stronger, faster kids start with an advantage, but it’s those who are willing to give the most effort who will be the most successful in the end. Determination is a lesson that I will take with me for the rest of my life, and I have football to thank for that.”
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Emmett Johnson, a running back/ strong safety from Academy of Holy Angels was named Mr. Football for 2021 by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association (MFCA). The award was presented at the Mr. Football Banquet on Sunday December 5 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Park Place Hotel in St. Louis Park.
The Academy of Holy Angels Stars are members of the Suburban District, Red Sub-District and MSHSL Class 4A.
First presented in 2004, the Mr. Football Award is an annual award recognizing Minnesota’s best high school football player. The Mr. Football Award is co-sponsored by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association and the Minnesota Vikings.
Emmett Johnson is the 18th player to receive the Mr. Football Award and the first from Academy of Holy Angels. His head coach was Jim Gunderson.
Here are Jim Gunderson’s comments about Emmett Johnson:
“Emmett Johnson is a well-rounded individual who is able to build solid and trusting relationships amongst his peers and was elected a 2-time captain in football, basketball and 1 X captain in Track. Emmett is one of the most driven, humble and charismatic people we have ever had in the program. Throughout high school, Emmett always placed team values ahead of individual recognition and success. He plays both offense and defense and just makes plays. God has blessed Emmett with the best skill set I have ever seen at Holy Angels.”
Here are some highlights from Emmett Johnson’s outstanding 2021 season and his high school football career:
Honors and Awards: 2-time Team Most Valuable Player 3-time All District selection 2-time District Most Valuable Player 2-time Kare 11 All-Metro selection Star Tribune First Team All-Metro selection Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year (2021) South All-Star Team selection (2021) Minnesota Vikings All-State selection
2021 Statistics Offense 326 carries for 2484 yards 41 touchdowns 42 total touchdowns 7 receptions for 51 yards 2733 all-purpose yards Defense 71 tackles 10 tackles for loss 2 interceptions 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
2021 Mr. Football finalists
Name School Position Sub-District Class Jack Boyle Chaska RB Suburban-White 5A TJ Chiabotti North Woods RB/LB Northeast-Silver 1A Connor Develice Andover QB North Central-Black 5A Eli Gillman Dassel-Cokato RB/CB/KR East Central-South 3A Ryan Haley Mankato West RB/LB Big Southeast-Red 5A Lucas Heyer Hill-Murray OL/DL Suburban-Grey 4A Kristen Hoskins Alexandria Area WR/RB/KR North Central-Red 5A Derrick Jameson Jr.Maple Grove RB/KR Metro Gold-North 6A Drew Kittelson Blooming Prairie QB/CB Mid Southeast-White 2A
Special Teams 3 punt returns for 28 yards 4 kickoff returns for 181 yards and one touchdown
Career Statistics: 623 carries 4697 yards 62 touchdowns 66 total touchdowns 26 receptions for 290 yards 5868 all-purpose yards. 138 tackles 15 tackles for loss 3 interceptions 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery
Bob Peterson Scholarship: Beau Burk (Ogilvie) “This opportunity (football) has led me to strive to go to college and just play football, but further my education and work towards getting a degree. Without football, I would not know what I would be doing at the next step of my life, but football has given me the opportunity to set me on a path to succeed in life.”
Dale Scholl Scholarship: Connor Josephson (Redwood Valley) “One of the biggest lessons that I have learned from football is teamwork. Another impact that football has had on me is teaching me the importance of not giving up. Communication is another thing that has made a huge impact on me. Lastly, football has left me with relationships. The time you get to spend with your teammates and coaches throughout the season is never going to be forgotten.”
Warren Olson Scholarship: Grant Sussner (Chaska) “The Chaska Hawks football program has taught me not only how to excel in the game of football but has also taught me the importance of service, community, integrity, and hard work. The lessons football and my coaches have given me has influenced me to become the best version of myself. Without football I would not be the man I am today.”
Jim Gustafson Scholarship: Marcus Hansen (Waseca) “Football has shown me the meaning of hard work, toughness, and leadership. Going into my senior year, and as a captain on our team, I had to redefine what it meant to be a leader. I have a very competitive personality which can lead me to be more intense, but throughout the year I had to balance that competitive aspect with a more compassionate aspect of myself. John Gross Scholarship: Carter Johnson (Redwood Valley) “The sport of football will have a lasting impact on my life. The game itself has taught me leadership, sportsmanship, and to play as ONE team. I am forever grateful for the teammates and coaches that I have had throughout my football career. While playing football I’ve learned to become a better student, teammate, and person.”
Jim Simser Scholarship: Ryan Rasmussen (Delano) “Football has impacted my life through a few lessons taught by the sport. First, respect from your team and coaches. Earning respect from an authority figure takes hard work, being a team player, and effectively playing your position. Football has shown me the true value of hard work as the grit of the game can bring glory, but other times a loss teaches you hard work can still get you to the final goal.
Ron Scott Scholarship: Isaac Collier (LeRoy-Ostrander) “Football has taught me what it’s like to be part of a team and how to be a valuable asset and leader. Football will continue to keep me busy and goal oriented, as well as remain healthy and fit. Football has shaped me into what I am today and without it, I am not sure what I would be looking forward to or where I would be in life.”
Dick Walker Scholarship: Tyson Michels (Litchfield) “Football impacted my life by teaching me about adversity. Despite difficult situations I may encounter, I will need to work through them to succeed. Football’s biggest impact on my life was how it taught me to give one hundred percent effort at all times. My effort on a run play could either lead to a touchdown or a two yard gain, and I learned to enjoy my role in these plays on offense and defense.”
by TOM RITTERS
Let’s Play Football Contributor
What an amazing time of year! Families, students and teachers are returning to school; the Great Minnesota Get-Together is upon us, and most importantly for those reading this magazine, Football is Back!
With a return to relative normalcy, we can all look forward to another amazing year of Minnesota High School Football! Across the state, numbers look outstanding, and given the quality of the Zero Week games this past week, we are in for a very competitive season all the way from 9-Man to 6A!
Once again, I have been tasked to share with you thoughts and perspectives of this great sport from the Official’s perspective. Throughout the season, the premise of this article will differ. Some weeks, I may discuss officiating philosophy. Other weeks I may walk you through game situations unique to high school football. One aspect, however, will ALWAYS remain constant, and is so important in our sport’s culture today: Parents support, coaches coach, and officials officiate. Minnesota is an educational-based athletic construct. Activities in Minnesota are not “extra”-curricular, they are “co”-curricular. We all have to not only remember that, but it must be internalized!
To begin this year, I will share with you the rule changes for the upcoming season. While most rule changes are administrative (i.e. jersey numbering, players area, etc) there are three changes that must be mentioned as they have a big impact on game play.
First is Rule 2-3-8. This change re-
defines a chop block (high-low block). This year, An alteration to Rule 2-3-8 addressed the new definition of a chop block, which is now described as “a combination block by two or more teammates against an opponent other than the runner, with or without delay, where one of the blocks is below the waist and one of the blocks is above the waist.” Previously, the defensive player’s knee was used to determine the high and low components of a chop block.
The next change is that Rule 7-5-2 EXCEPTION 2 now permits a player to purposefully throw an incomplete forward pass without warranting an intentional grounding penalty provided the passer is outside of “the pocket” (lateral boundary of the free-blocking zone) and the pass reaches the neutral zone or the extension of the neutral zone beyond the sideline.
“The question (with this rule) has always been, ‘if the defense makes a good play, are we bailing out the offense by letting the quarterback throw the ball away?’” said Richard McWhirter, Chair of the NFHS Football Rules Committee and Assistant Executive Director of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association. “This year, I think the committee felt the wellbeing of the passers and not subjecting them to extra hits was worth changing the rule.”
As an official, these two changes are welcome as they are both meant to mitigate the possibility of injury for our student athletes.
Lastly, two minor changes involving game clock and play clock procedures were made to Rules 3-4-7 and 3-6-1a(1)e EXCEPTIONS, respectively. In Rule 3-47, any foul committed within the last two minutes of either half will automatically result in the offended team’s option to start the game clock on the snap. Prior to this change, the offended team was required to accept its opponent’s penalty in order to gain control of the game clock. The committee edited the EXCEPTIONS to Rule 3-6-1a(1)e, which clarify the necessary conditions for an abbreviated 25-second play clock after a stoppage in play. This rule now includes an exception for Rule 3-5-7i, mandating that a 40-second play clock be employed following a foul committed only by the defensive team.
Next issue, I will discuss the points of emphasis set forth for the season by the MSHSL and the NFHS. Thank you for your time! As always if you have any questions regarding rules, a game situation that you need clarified, or information about becoming a high school official, please feel free to contact me at twriitters@gmail.com.
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by TOM FENTON
Let’s Play Football Contributor
Few will remember the result.
All will remember the experience.
Eighty-eight of the best senior football players in Minnesota began the week not really knowing their teammates for the 49th Annual Minnesota Football Showcase, sharing only a common passion for the sport. By the time they left the field Dec. 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium, the number of friendships established were countless.
The final score was 12-7 in favor of Team South. The game was understandably void of offensive highlights and flow considering each team had three days to practice and get to know each other.
But by the time the players left the field after countless pictures with family and friends on the field of a first-class NFL facility, the final score meant little.
“It was fantastic being able to meet everybody and put faces to names,” said Moorhead defensive lineman Jack Teiken, a University of North Dakota recruit. “It’s been incredible. It’s special what the Vikings put together for us. Being able to play in a facility like this is an amazing opportunity. I’m going to remember everyone I played with and the relationships I made.”
The All-Star Showcase is about much more than the game itself. Sure, the players have fun and want to win.
However, the 72-hours of meeting new friends with the same interests easily out-weighs the final score.
When the players first met at a banquet to kick off the showcase, most were quiet. After all, these are high school boys who might not be the first to open a conversation.
After one practice, that changed.
“Three days went by really fast. It started out and everybody was quiet,” said Sauk Rapids-Rice linebacker/ tight end Jayce Walrath, who has offers to continue his career at Bemidji State and Northern State.
“A few days later, I made a bunch of new friends and people were giving each other haircuts. It was a fun expe-
Team South took home the trophy in the 49th Annual Minnesota High School Football Showcase at U.S. Bank Field last Decem-
ber. PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON
Jayce Walrath, a linebacker out of Sauk Rapids-Rice, was one of 44 players on Team North.
rience to come out here with a new set of guys I’ve never played with, learn the defense and offense and just see everybody come out and compete.”
Competition. Relationships. Fun.
Those were the words nearly everyone who played used when talking about their All-Star Showcase experience.
Aesthetically, the game left some to be desired. Punters were busy, quarterbacks had hard times finding receivers and running backs struggled to find open space.
One of the biggest plays of the game was turned in by Tyrique Williams, a defensive back from Chanhassen. He intercepted a pass and went untouched for a 54-yard touchdown to give his team a 12-0 lead with 4:43 remaining in the first half.
The game’s first score came on a 15-yard pass from Jacob Eggert of Mankato East to Tyler Von Bank of Mound-Westonka. He celebrated with a Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson “griddy” dance in the same end zone which the second-year star receiver has become familiar.
“My griddy needs a little work, but we were planning on that as a celebration,” Von Bank said. “I don’t have words for what it felt like to get into the end zone here. My quarterback threw a good ball and I just caught it. This was a dream. These guys around me are amazing, and I feel like I’ve known them my entire life.”
Team North got on the board with a nine-yard touchdown pass when quarterback Connor Develice of Andover connected with Wyatt Sawatzke of Monticello with 2:45 remaining. Team North got the ball back with 1:45 remaining and got the ball into Team South territory, but an interception from Zach Juckel of Lakeville South the victory.
When all gathered after the Team South victory, it was impossible to tell which team won.
Becker linebacker Carter Callahan played on the same field his Bulldogs lost in stunning fashion to Kasson-Mantorville in the Class AAAA semifinals. For him, it was an enjoyable end to a dominant season that ended in disappointment.
“It was super-fun getting to meet all the guys and just competing one last time before our high school experience was over,” Callahan said. “It was bittersweet, but stepping on this field again brought back some memories. I’ll remember all the guys and how amazing this was.
Game notes
Here are the game’s most valuable players:
For Team North, the defensive MVP was Darius Givance of Champlin Park; offensive MVP was Monticello wide receiver Wyatt Sawatzke.
For Team South, the defensive MVP was Tyrique Williams of Chanhassen; offensive MVP was Holy Angels running bac Emmett Johnson.
Bison well-represented
Eight players who participated in the Showcase have committed to play for FCS powerhouse North Dakota State. They are: Toby Anene of East Ridge, Darius Givance of Champlin Park, Logan Larson of East Ridge, Kaden Zenzen of Barnesville, Devin Lockerby of Faribault, Nathaniel Staehling of Brainerd and Mehki Collins of Mankato West.
Best of the Best
Jaxon Howard of Robbinsdale Cooper is the top-rated prospect in Minnesota and recently committed to LSU. The 6’4” 245-pound edge rusher was rranked 14th nationally at his position. PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Jaxon Howard of Cooper leads list of strong Minnesota prospects
by MALIK MITCHELL
Let’s Play Football Contributor
Just like most years, Minnesota will produce plenty of top end talent when teams hit the gridiron Sept. 1.
Below are ten of the top senior players to watch this season as teams collide in search of a coveted trip to U.S. Bank Sttadium to compete in the Prep Bowl.
No other prospect ranked higher than Robbinsdale Cooper’s Jaxon Howard, who will head to LSU next season.
All 10 of these players have committed to a Division I school, and our hometown Golden Gophers have nabbed seven of them.
Here is a closer look at each of the top players to hit the field this fall.
Jaxon Howard
School: Robbinsdale Cooper HS Position: Edge Ranked 14th nationally in his position 6’4 / 245 4-Star Recruit College Commit: LSU
Jaxon Howard is an edge rusher and a tight-end from Robbinsdale Cooper High School. This high school phenom has been the focus of attention since his freshman year. He is a 4-star recruit with over 50 confirmed FBS offers and has taken the title of Minnesota’s top high school football player. After taking an official visit in late June, Howard committed to LSU July 1. Last season he helped lead his team to the Class 5A state tournament making it to the semifinals before losing to Mahtomedi.
Howard had narrowed his college list to four schools, including the Gophers, University of Miami and Michigan. He decided on LSU. He was ranked just outside the top 100 recruits nationally, finishing at 102. He ranked 14th nationally at his position.
Reese Tripp, an offensive tackle from Kasson-Mantorville is 6’7” and 315 pounds and is committed to play for Coach Fleck at the University of Minnesota.
Howard will graduate early and head to LSU in January. He is the son of former Minnesota Vikings second-round draft pick David Howard, who was chosen in the second round in 2002.
Jerome Williams
School: Osseo High School
Position: Offensive Linemen 6’4 / 285 4 Star Recruit
College Commit: Minnesota
Jerome Williams is an interior offensive lineman from Osseo High School. He is the no .1 ranked offensive linemen and no .2 overall in Minnesota. With offers from Illinois, Iowa State, Kansas, Mizzou, and West Virginia. This 4-star recruit chose to stay home and play for the University of Minnesota on 2/2/22. With a stellar performance from last season, he earned second-team All-State honors playing right tackle.
Greg Johnson
School: Prior Lake High School Position: Offensive Tackle 6’5 / 280 3 Star Recruit
College Commit: Minnesota home of the 10,000 lakes after receiving division 1 offers from Iowa State, Illinois State, Ball State, and the University of Montana. His commitment to the Gophers took place May 7.
Reese Tripp
School: Kasson-Mantorville Position: Offensive Tackle 6’7 / 315 3 Star Recruit
College Commit: Minnnesota
Reese Tripp is an offensive tackle for Kasson-Mantorville High School. This 3-star recruit has worked his way to become the third-ranked offensive lineman in the state. Last season, he led his team to the Class 4A Championship playing both sides of the ball. He will join two native offensive linemen after his commitment to the Gophers on Jan. 31. His talents landed him division 1 offers from Central Michigan, Iowa State, and Temple.
Elinneus Davis
School: Moorhead High School Position: Defensive Linemen 6’3 / 295 3 Star Recruit College Commit: Washington
Elinneus Davis is a defensive lineman from Moorhead High School. Last season, Davis led his team to the Section 8AAAAA Semifinal. This 3-star recruit is the no. 2 defensive linemen in the state of Minnesota. With several Power
Five offers from Iowa State, Minnesota, Colorado, Kansas, and Illinois. He has decided to attend Washington next fall.
Carson Hansen
School: Lakeville South Position: Running Back 6’1 / 190 3 Star Recruit
College Commit: Iowa State
Carson Hansen is a stellar running back from Lakeville High School. Last season Hansen rushed for 2,012 yards, 23 touchdowns, and averaged 12.0 yards per carry leading his team to a Class 6A state championship. Last season, he earned accolades ranging from Gatorade Minnesota Football Player of the Year, East Metro Player of the Year, All-State First Team RB, All-District Offensive Player of the Year, and All-District First Team. Hansen held offers from several Division I programs including: Colorado State, Illinois State, Kansas State, Kent State, North Dakota, Northern Iowa, Northwestern, South Dakota, and Wyoming. On June 11, Hansen decided to become a Cyclone and commit to Iowa State.
Sam Peters
School: Maple Grove High School Position: Tight End 6’4 / 225 3 Star Recruit
College Commit: Minnesota
Sam Peters is a versatile tight end from Maple Grove High School. While leading his team to the 6A Championship last season, he recorded nine catches for 264 yards and four touchdowns. The 3-star recruit is the top-ranked tight end in the state. Holding offers from Ohio University, Wyoming University, UMass, Eastern Michigan, and Akron. He decided to stay home and commit to the Golden Gophers July 10.
Martin Owusu
School: Prior Lake Position: Defensive Line 6’3 / 270 3 Star Recruit
College Commit: Minnesota
Martin Owusu is a very physical defensive lineman at Prior Lake High School. Owusu lands at the no .3 defensive player in the state. He recorded 47 tackles and three tackles for loss last season. He’s received Power 5 scholarship offers from Cal, Iowa State, Kansas State, Vanderbilt, Washington, and Washington State. Owusu has decided to become a Gopher and will join teammate offensive tackle, Greg Johnson.
Linebacker Alex Elliott of Hutchinson is committed to the Gophers.
Alex Elliott
School: Hutchinson High School Position: Linebacker 6’2 / 200 3 Star Recruit
College Commit: Minnesota
Alex Elliot is a versatile player from Hutchinson High School. Last season Elliott played safety and running back accumulating 87 tackles and 569 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns leading his team to a state championship win. After competing at the Gophers annual “Summer Splash” camp on June 6, Elliott received an offer later that night and committed instantly. Elliot received offers from Kansas, Illinois State, Ohio University, USD, NDSU, and UNI.
Garrison Monroe
School: Shakopee Position: ATH 6’0 / 190 3 Star Recruit
College Commit: Minnesota
Garrison Monroe is a smooth and speedy defensive back from Shakopee High School. Last season, Monroe helped lead his team to the state 6A quarterfinals recording 23 tackles and 3 interceptions. He has decided to stay home and become a Gopher with offers from SDSU, USD, UNI, and UND.
by MALIK MITCHELL
Let’s Play Football Contributor
It’s difficult to predict which teams will come out on top as we head into Week 1 of the high school football season. But below are some teams to watch for this fall who are coming off strong 2021 campaigns and looks to be a force on the field again in 2022.
Class 1A Mayer Lutheran The Mayer Lutheran Crusaders are coming off their first Class A Championship after beating Minneota 20-14. Last season the Crusaders went 13-1 to complement their championship win. With some returning starters it looks like they could write the same story.
Minneota The Minneota Vikings were undefeated in the regular season last season holding six teams scoreless. The Vikings were also able to score 50 points or more in five games. Minneota cruised their way to the Class A Championship but was defeated 20-14 to Mayer Lutheran. They ended their season with a record of 13-1. With the dominant season they had last season, it looks like they could be a championship contender this season.
Murray County Central Murray County Central made their presence felt going undefeated in the regular season. They achieved a flawless victory in week four beating St. James 73-0. After losing to Mayer Lutheran in the Class A Quaterfinal 34-8, they ended their season with an 11-1 record. Over the years Murray Country Central has gotten closer and closer to becoming a championship contender. Let’s see if they can get over the hump in the 2022 season.
BOLD BOLD went 9-2 last season only taking one lost in the regular season. They would go on and make it to the Section 5A Championship but losing to Minneota 20-0. The Warriors can be true competitors this season.
Mahnomen/Waubun Mahnomen/Waubun fought their way to the Class A Quaterfinal but unfortunately lost to Minneota 34-0. They only took one loss in the regular season, scoring 30 or more in eight games.
Class 2A Chatfield Chatfield are coming off a Class 2A Championship after beating West Central/Ashby 1413. Last season the Gophers went 13-1. They scored 40 points or more in seven games with 60 points being their biggest win.
Blooming Prairie Blooming Prairie had a dominant season going 10-1 beating nine teams by 40 points or more. Unfortunately their dominance came to an end after losing to Maple River 40-18 in the Section 2AA Championship. If they can duplicate their dominance from last season, they could make it to the prep bowl.
Pipestone Area Pipestone Area went 11-1 and undefeated in the regular season. They scored 30 or more points in eight games. Their season came to an end in the Class 2A Quarterfinal by Maple River 39-20.
St. Agnes St. Agnes went 9-2 last season, only taking one loss during the regular season. They made an emphasis on high scores and shutting teams out. Their season came to an end in the Section 4A Championship by Minneapolis North 42-6.
Minneapolis North Minneapolis North was a force to be reckoned with last season. They went 9-2 scoring 40 points or more in seven games. The Polars season came to an end losing to the Class 2A champions Chatfield 50-20 in the Class 2A quarterfinals.
Class 3A Dassel-Cokato Last season, Dassel-Cokato showed what a championship team should look like. Not only were they crowned the Class 3A champions after defeating Plainview-Elgin-Millville 28-21, they were undefeated. They had dominating games against Holy Family winning 48-0 and beating Little Falls 47-7.
Esko Esko had a promising season going undefeated in the regular season. They showed their dominance by having three 50 point games against Hibbing, Proctor, and Duluth East. They met their match in the Class 3A semifinals against Dassel-Cokato, losing 21-14. They ended their season 11-1.
Fairmont Fairmount went 9-2 last season taking losses from Blue Earth Area and Dassel-Cokato. They achieved high scoring wins only losing one regular season game. Their season came to an end in the Class 3A Quarterfinal against Dassel-Cokato 41-13.
Plainview-Elgin-Millville Last season Plainview-Elgin-Millville showed perseverance losing two regular season games overcoming close ones. It was a bittersweet ending for Plainview, losing to Dassel-Cokato in the Class 3A Championship 28-21. They ended their season 11-3.
Cannon Falls Cannon Falls had many entertaining games, beating Lake City 74-38. They would have one regular season loss against Chatfield 44-34. Their season would come to an end in the Section 1AAA Championship against Plainview-Elgin-Millville 21-18. They finished their season 8-2. —Teams to watch— continued on Page ??
