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November 29, 2019

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Which teams will rise to the top in this year’s Prep Bowl?... page 5 INSIDE THIS ISSUE The last practice...................................... page 4 Minnesota Football Showcase features All-Stars from all classes.....................page 8 2019 State Football brackets........ page 18-19

Sartell Sabres celebrate 25 Year Anniversary of 1994 Class A Title...............................page 24 Johnnies win wild one ............................. page 27

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ALL-STAR GAME Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 U.S. Bank Stadium

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Let’s Play Football

The last practice

by RYAN JOHNSON

Let’s Play Football 13 7th St S Sauk Centre, MN 56378 Phone: 320-333-3279 Email: editor@letsplayfootballmn.com Email articles and photos to Bryan Zollman editor@letsplayfootballmn.com Founded in 2019 by Mike Sonntag and Bryan Zollman Pioneer9192 Media Publishers Bryan Zollman (320-333-3279) Mike Sonntag (651-260-5032) Managing Editor Bryan Zollman Advertising Mike Sonntag Graphic Design Laura Bromenshenkel Contributors Vince Conway, Ryan Dutton, Ryan Johnson, Bobby Lawrence Matt Kane

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The high school football season concludes this Friday and Saturday with the State Championships at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. As the games are played out, several football careers will also come to an end. For many of the players this was a journey that began in elementary school, and for all but a handful going on to play in college, this will be the last time the boys take to the field. As fans, we celebrate the action on the field and hope that months of preparation bring home the title. In reality, making it this far is reason enough to celebrate as no matter what happens in the game, there is no more football to be played after the final.

One of the hidden gems of reaching the state finals is that as a program you have reached the last stop on the line and you get to be in charge of your last practice. You get to set the date and prepare for the last time you will be with your team, all together and happy in preparing for the next game.

As a coach, I absolutely loved our last practice the day before playing in the state championship. We knew that no matter what, nobody else in the state got to play any more football and we were not missing out. Losing in the playoffs brought about a sudden and abrupt end to playing football but it also meant not getting to hang out with all of your teammates on the field anymore.

I look back to my high school career and think about how it felt to have the season end. Some years it was understanding and almost fitting, other years it felt as if you had been cheated, and it simply wasn’t fair. But that’s life. Sometimes it isn’t fair and you don’t always get what you want, but you have to get back up and roll

with the punches. Football is a precursor for life in this regard. Many aspects of teamwork, preparation, dealing with adversity, etc. – the list goes on and on – will certainly pay off for these players down the road. But sometimes you are lucky enough to reach the ultimate opportunity to play for the state championship and use up all of the football that you possibly can in a season or a career.

The first time I experienced the last practice, our head coach blew the whistle to “bring it in.” The players and coaches all looked around at each other in disbelief. I know I didn’t want it to end, nor did most of the players. We had bonded so deeply over the course of the extended season it felt as if we would play forever. But it had to end.

The state high school league said we couldn’t play anymore and that was it.

We did something amazing that day and continued the tradition from that point on at the last practice. After the coach brought us all in and went through final thoughts and announcements for the state championship the next day, we formed a tunnel for the seniors to walk through. The line began with the younger players and stretched the field growing with older players and ended with us coaches. It was such a sight to see the seniors all huddled up on the other end of the tunnel as they hugged and congratulated one another. They would see each other again the next day and in school the following Monday, but it would never be the same as it was right there in the last practice, as the next time they would all be together it would be over.

One by one the seniors walked through the line hugging and sharing words and tears with their teammates.

As they reached us coaches, there was not a dry eye on the field. I remember hugging my position guys deep, thanking them and telling them we had one mission left, sharing tears all the while.

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When the final senior stepped into line, the applause grew to a roar. Some years it was a captain or a star player, and other years it was a guy that maybe hadn’t played a great deal but simply didn’t want football to end as it meant so much to him.

We lost the championship game that first year we named our last practice but went on to win it the next year.

In the final moment of the victory the next year, there was a shot of three of our players arm in arm hugging with tears flowing. Tears of joy for winning the championship or tears of sorrow as it was over – it didn’t matter, they were brothers in arms as they had been for each other for a long time, and they would continue to be there for each other for many more years. Football teaches so many important life lessons and it isn’t always all about winning.

But sometimes, just like in life, it feels great to be rewarded with a win.

Best of luck to all of the players, coaches, fans, towns and communities as they get to play the game one more time. Congratulations on using up all of the football you possibly could have.

You got to name your last practice.

Ryan Johnson – “RJ” played football for Normandale Community College and Augsburg University. He now teaches physical education at Wayzata High School and is the Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for Wayzata Public Schools, a position he began in 2000. Wayzata Athletics have captured 64 team state titles in his tenure and Johnson works directly with the threetime state champion football program as Director of Operations and Player Development. Johnson was named the NSCA 2017 National High School Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year. He is the Regional Director / Secretary for the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA).

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– 9-MAN –

November 29, 2019

5

Mountain Lake climbs back into title game SCORING:

Mountain Lake Area Win-E-Mac

12-12-21-0 – 45 0-0-0-6 – 6

SCORING SUMMARY 1st Quarter MLA – Mace Herrig 3 yd run 6-0 MLA – Herrig 23 yd run 12-0 2nd Quarter MLA – Abraham Stoesz 39 yd run 18-0 MLA – Stoetz 21 yd pass to Adam Karschnik 24-0 3rd Quarter MLA - Stoesz 17 yd pass to Jon Faber (Kobly Kreminn KICK) 31-0 MLA - Stoesz 9 yd run (Kreminn KICK) 38-0 MLA – Herrig 27 yd run (Kreminn KICK) 45-0 4th Quarter WEM – Nathan Fortmann 5 yd run 45-6

PHOTOS BY JASON BARUM

Mountain Lake running back Ethan Nickel finds a seam in the Win-E-Mac defense.

STATISTICS Passing: MLA – Stoesz 10-15-149-2.

WEM Gavin Walker 10-24-113-0-2.

Rushing: MLA – Stoesz 16-183-2, Herrig 10-96-3, Macus Deleon-Lopez 5-35, Ethan Nickel 4-21. WEM – Walker 15-62, Fortmann 15-41-1.

Receiving: MLA - Faber 2-55-1, Karschnik 2-40-1, Nickel 4-44, Herrig 2-10.

WEM – Dustin Osland 4-51, Fortmann 2-18, Reed Nuebert 1-13, Remy Goodwin 1-12, Kobe Hamre 1-6.

Defense Tackles: MLA – Kade Kremminn 11, Herrig 7, Kolby Kreminn 4, Karschnik 4, Wyatt Wall 4. WEM – Walker 7, Fortmann 7.

Sacks: MLA – Herrig 1.0.

Interceptions: MLA – Brett Willaby, Stoesz.

in games and that has helped us put worked his tail off all season so we some teams away,” said head coach moved him to tight end and linebackTim Kirk. er,” said Kirk. “He’s been a great Running back Mace Herrig added player and is always on the field. It’s three touchdowns, including the first hard to take him off.”

Mountain Lake Area 45, two of the game to give Kirk said the team will Win-E-Mac 6 the Wolverines a have their hands full Mountain Lake Area is a year 12-0 lead. Stoesz with Hancock. removed from the heartbreak of los“We have a pretty salty then ran for a “They are ing in the Prep Bowl finals to Spring group of kids who are hungry.

Mountain Lake Area (13-0) 39-yard score going to cause Grove 40-18.

Losing last year left a pretty bad taste Game By Game and passed to problems for And now they are back for a secOpponent Score in their mouth. It’s created a real Adam Karus and we are ond chance after defeating Win-ERed Rock Central W 45-6 hunger to get back to this spot.” schnik on a going to cause Mac 45-6 in the state semifinals Nov. Westbrook-Walnut Grove W 49-6 21-yarder for problems for 15. They will face Hancock in the Kingsland W 43-0 Tim Kirk, Mountain Lake Area a 24-0 cushion at them,” he said.

Prep Bowl Championship.

Hills-Beaver Creek W 40-20 Head Coach halftime.

“It’s going to be a The Wolverines scored early and Madelia W 72-6 The second half was great match up and we often to run away with the game.

Cedar Mountain W 62-6 Heron Lake-Okabena/Fulda W 62-20 much of the same. Stoesz connecthave preached we have to avoid Led by senior quarterback Abraham Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart W49-20 ed with Job Faber on a 17-yard strike turnovers and penalties to have a reStoesz and his 331 yards of total ofSection Playoffs and scored on a 9-yard run for a 37-0 ally good shot.” fense (149 passing, 183 rushing) and Westbrook-Walnut Grove W 54-12 lead. Herrig capped off the WolverBoth teams have top end speed four touchdowns, the Wolverines imHeron Lake-Okabena/Fulda W 56-20 ines scoring with a 27-yard run. and athleticism, making for a high-inproved to 13-0 and have now won 25 Hills-Beaver Creek W 28-6 Win-E-Mac finally scored late on tensity type of game. of their last 26 games.

State Playoffs a 5-yard run by Nathan Fortmann.

“We have a pretty salty group of “We’ve been explosive early Grand Meadow W 42-12 Coach Kirk said his kids kids who are hungry,” he said. “LosWin-E-Mac W 45-6 are excited to get back to the ing last year left a pretty bad taste in Hancock TBD Prep Bowl. They lost six setheir mouth. It’s created a real hunger niors from last year’s squad to get back to this spot.” who were all-district.

“We’ve had some kids fill in and it’s worked out for us,” he said. “We’ve had a fantastic season so far.”

Kirk said the turning point came in Week 4.

“Our kids really came out on fire against a good Hills-Beaver Creek team,” he said. “That was the first time I could tell the kids that they could play with anyone.”

Since then they have rattled off nine more wins.

Stoesz has been nothing short of incredible with more than 2,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing.

“He is special,” noted Kirk. “He has a lot of schools looking at him. He is our key.”

Herrig has gained 1,000 yards on the ground for the second straight season. Isaac Grev has anchored the defensive line and Karschnik has been a solid two-way player.

“He started at guard for Junior running back Mace Herrig crosses the goal Win-E-Mac senior running back Nathan Fortmann breaks a tackle on his way to the the last two years and he line for one of his three TDs in the game. end zone.

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

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November 29, 2019

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Owls eye a perfect season

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football Hancock 65, Mountain Iron-Buhl 32 There was a sign hanging on the way out of Hancock in preparation for the Owls’ semifinal game against Mountain Iron-Buhl.

It read: “Will the last one to leave please turn out the lights.”

With the opportunity to play for their first Prep Bowl since 1990, the entire town of Hancock has rallied behind this group of kids who have so far put up a perfect season.

“The community has greatly embraced this team,” said head coach Chad Christianson.

The Owls faced off against the Rangers and although things started a little hectic, they ended well with a 65-32 win.

After the Rangers opened with a touchdown, both teams traded scores before the Owls started to pull away.

They went on to score 44 points in the second and third quarters to run away with the game.

Tyler Timmerman ran for 239 yards and three touchdowns, returned a kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown, caught a 65-yard touchdown pass and also converted on a pair of two-point conversions.

Quarterback Preston Rohloff also had a big day with 227 yards passing

SCORING:

Mountain Iron-Buhl 6-8-6-12—32 Hancock 6-24-20-15-65 SCORING SUMMARY 1st Quarter MIB – Dillon Drake 1 yd fumble ret. 6-0 HAN – Isaac Niehaus 6 yd run 6-6 2nd Quarter HAN – Preston Rohloff 19 yd pass to Brandon Kellenberger (Tyler Timmerman RUN) 14-6 MIB – Drake 85 yd kickoff ret (Drake run) 14-14 HAN – Timmerman 75 yd kickoff ret (Rohloff pass to Kellenberger) 22-14 HAN – Rohloff 85 yd pass to Milander (Timmerman RUN) 30-14 3rd Quarter HAN – Timmerman 46 yd run 36-14 HAN – Timmerman 31 yd run 42-14 HAN – Rohloff 61 yd pass to Timmerman (Rohloff pass to Milander) 50-14 4th Quarter MIB – Nicholas Jesch 9 yd run 50-20 MIB - Asher Zubich 19 yd pass to Aidan Bissonette (Zubich RUN) 50-28 HAN – Timmerman 8 yd run (Niehaus RUN) 58-28 HAN- Dalton Rose 2 yd run (Gideon Joos KICK) 65-28 MIB – Zubich 52 yd pass to Jersch 65-32 STATISTICS Passing: MIB – Asher Zubich 10-17-1362-3. Preston Rohloff 7-14-227-3-0.

Rushing: MIB – Dillon Drake 22-1011, Nikolas Jesch 2-17-1, Zubich 16-76, Hunter Weigel 1-15. HAN – Tyler Timmerman 22-239-3, Jed Fuechtenberger 4-19, Dalton Rose 2-2-1, Isaac Nienhaus 3-8-1, Jackson Koehl 4-9, Dain Schroeder 2-10.

Receiving: MIB – Jesch 2-50-1, Aidan Bissonette 2-41-1, Weigel 4-19, Drake 2-25. HAN – Brandon Kellenberger 3-581, Timmerman 1-61-1, Daniel Milander 2-98-1, Nienhaus 1-10.

Defense Tackles: MIB – Drake 6, Zubich 5. HAN – Rose 11, Gideon Joos 11.

Interceptions: HAN – Kellenberger 2, Luke Joos 1.

PHOTOS BY JASON BARUM

Hancock freshman Davin Rose dives for Mountain Iron-Buhl’s Hunter Weigel in Hancock’s 65-32 win to advance to the 9-Man Prep Bowl. and three touchdowns. He had strikes to Timmerman, Brandon Kellenberger and Daniel Milander.

The Owls weren’t heavy favorites entering the season, even in their district where they were picked to likely finish third.

“We flew under the radar,” Coach Christianson said.

The turning point over a dozen years. in the season came “That was “They are a physical, when they dea huge confistrong team. We want to feated longtime dence builder play our game and believe rival Verndale for us,” said it will come right down to the end.”

42-6 in week Christianson, four. It was the who played at Chad Christianson, Hancock first time they Verndale.

“Since Head Coach had beaten them in then, the kids have been very focused on the game in front of them. They have a one-game-at-a-time mentality.”

Now standing in front of them is Mountain Lake Area.

“They are a physical, strong team,” said Christianson. “We want to play our game and believe it will come right down to the end.”

It’s been 29 years since Hancock has played on the big stage. But Christianson says his kids will be ready.

“Playing in the Fargo Dome was huge for us,” he said. “It helped get rid of the shock and awe factor. And the state high school league does a great job by hosting the semifinals at U.S. Bank Stadium so teams get that experience.”

It has all the makings of a great game as a new 9-man program will be crowned champions.

Whoever is last to leave Hancock before the game had best turn out the lights.

Tyler Timmerman crosses into the end zone, one of his five touchdowns on the day as Hancock cruised to a win.

Hancock (12-0) Game By Game

Opponent United North Central Ortonville Wheaton-Herman Norcross Verndale Rothsay Berth-Hewitt Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley Brandon-Evansville Section Playoffs Rothsay Bertha-Hewitt Brandon-Evansville State Playoffs Renville County West Mountain Iron-Buhl Mountain Lake Area

Score W 44-8 W 28-8 W 34-23 W 42-6 W 52-8 W 32-14 W 6-0 W 16-6 W 46-10 W 47-32 W 16-6 W 32-30 W 65-32 TBD

Hancock running back Tyler Timmerman ran for 239 yards in the Owls’ win.

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November 29, 2019

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Minnesota Football Showcase features All-Stars from all classes

EAGAN, Minn. – The 2019 Minnesota Football Showcase game presented

by Andersen Windows and Doors will kick off at 1:05 p.m. on Dec. 7 at U.S. Bank Stadium. The game will be the 47th All-Star contest in state history and will again have some of the top players in the state from all classes. Going into this week’s State football semifinals, 25 All-Star players and one All-Star coach will participate in semifinal games at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The head coaches for the 2019 game are Jon Konold of Willmar High for the North team and Brad Wendland of Waseca High for the South squad. The first Minnesota All-Star Football Game was played in 1945 and has been an annual series since 1974. In the history of the series, 94 players have gone on to play or coach in the National Football League, including current Vikings Adam Thielen (2008 All-Star) and C.J. Ham (2011 AllStar).

The Showcase is played in partnership between the Minnesota Football Coaches Association and the Minnesota Vikings. Along with the game as the centerpiece, there will be youth football clinics, performances by high school marching bands, cheer and dance teams.

Admission for adults is $18 and $8 for ages 6-17. Kids 5 and under are free.

All proceeds benefit the MFCA and the Tackle Cancer Campaign.

The teams will practice Dec. 4-6 at Concordia University-St. Paul (North team) and Augsburg University (South team).

For general questions about the Minnesota Football Showcase, contact Game Director Dave Fritze at 651-230-1007, or Tom West, Vikings Director of Alumni and Youth Football Communications (westt@vikings.nfl.net; 612-327-7075).

Game history questions may be directed to Dave Giles at dtkgiles@yahoo.com or 651-274-9359.

Minnesota Football Showcase presented by Andersen Windows and Doors

Saturday, Dec. 7 kickoff at 1:05 U.S. Bank Stadium

NORTH ROSTER

# NAME 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 21 22 23 24 26 28 28 29 32 33 44 48 49 50 51 52 55 56 59 62 64 65 68 69 71 72 75 77 80 84 88 99

Luke DeWulf Isaac Richards Josh Fobbe Patrick Doran Gabe Hanninen Cornelius Wooten Anthony Gipson Aidan Bouman Wyatt Schroeder Hunter Dustman Andrew Anderson Danny Striggow Cody Lindenberg Markus Pokornowski Jonathan Kieren Cade Schmidt Brice Peters Matthias Algarin Luke Imdieke Quientrail Jamison-Travis Tucker Peterson Derrek Piepho Carter McEachern Myles Taylor Loshiaka Roques Wyatt Thorson Obi Evuleocha Jack Sharon Carson Steen Aj Hunt Randy Keumogne Connor Morse Chase Smith Marvin Lamin Alex Tack Caleb Schouviller Owen Prom JJ Sabolik Jalen Travis Cody Newhouse Spence Evans Noah Pappas Hunter Zenzen Dylan DeChampeau Carter Anderson Joe Demro

POS.

HIGH SCHOOL

OLB Nevis DB Totino-Grace QB Becker OLB Totino-Grace LB Detroit Lakes DB Robbinsdale Cooper LB Maple Grove QB Buffalo WR St. Francis K St. Francis WR Rocori DE Orono DB Anoka OLB Cloquet RB St. Anthony LB Staples-Motley WR White Bear Lake DB Pierz RB Osakis DT Minneapolis North RB Pillager DB Alexandria DB Zimmerman RB Coon Rapids OLB Wayzata DE Underwood LB Champlin Park OLB Andover OL Big Lake OL Mounds View DE Tartan DT Barnesville DT Bemidji OL Spring Lake Park OL Monticello OL Rocori C Stillwater OL West Central Area/Ashby OT DeLaSalle DT Elk River C Paynesville Area OL Robbinsdale Armstrong WR Barnesville WR Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin INJD, WR Centennial DE Wayzata

COACHES: Jon Konold, Willmar (head coach); Paul Clark, Mahnomen/Waubun; Mike Empting, Alexandria; Peter Heryla, Columbia Heights; Tom Nelson, Two Harbors; Phil Trowbridge, Barnesville

SOUTH ROSTER

# NAME 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 23 24 28 31 33 34 40 44 50 52 53 55 56 57 58 62 63 66 68 69 70 73 74 75 77 81 88 90 93

Louis Hyde Bradley Buhl Jr RaJa Nelson TK Marshall Rudy Voss Jonathan Mann Ben Sather Elijah Ofori Joseph Akoh Jack Foster Jack Fisher Chance Backer Caden Baarts Elton Myhre Donnie Lakey Craig McDonald Caelan Sanders Joe Marinaro Dylan Bair John Shabaz Zach Niebuhr Carter Schmitz Connor Raines Russell Corrigan Jonathan Bunce Hayden Johnston Cole Smutny Ian Gould Parker Theis Isaiah Dempsey Aaron Witt Bennett Weber Spencer Poll Zach Wiese Isaac Rubey Ryan Smith Chad Maddock Justin Azure Brady Ridler Yahya Black Kyle Lattery Deontae Veney Spencer Spaude Gabe Hagen Pierce Oppong Landon Carter

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COACHES: Brad Wendland, Waseca (head coach); Andy Hill, Woodbury; Mat Mahoney, Fairmont; Tony Poncelet, Goodhue; David Vik, Montevideo; Dave Zeitchick, St. Paul Highland Park

$ OFF AT I O N

POS.

K Benilde-St. Margaret’s OLB Jackson County Central RB Lakeville North RB Minneapolis Southwest QB Jackson County Central WR Rosemount DB Eden Prairie DB Shakopee DE Cretin-Derham Hall QB Mankato West DB Rochester Century LB Chatfield DB Fairmont DB Stewartville WR Caledonia DB SMB Wolfpack DB Blue Earth Area LB Benilde-St. Margaret’s OLB Prior Lake RB Lakeville South RB United South Central LB Southland WR Shakopee TE Hutchinson LB Edina OL Albert Lea OLB Woodbury OLB Browerville-Eagle Valley OL Woodbury OL Mound Westonka DE Winona OL Waconia DT Delano C Owatonna DT Minneapolis Roosevelt OL St. Thomas Academy DT Redwood Valley INJD, OL Waseca OL BOLD OL Marshall C Lakeville South DE Rochester John Marshall WR Mankato West TE Blooming Prairie DE Bloomington Jefferson DE Lakeville North

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– CLASS A –

Let’s Play Football

November 29, 2019

9

Blossoms are awesome in state semis

Cougars (10-2) off the scoreboard.

“Last season was a hard loss for the boys,” said Blooming Prairie head coach Chad Gimbel. “We had some early opportunities we didn’t cash in Blooming Prairie 41, Ada-Borup 0 on.”

Kaden Thomas threw 12 recepFollowing the loss to BOLD in tions to nine different players and 2018 the kids were already talking Matthew Pryor rushed for 182 yards about “next year.” on 18 carries to lead Blooming Prairie “Before the sweat dried on the to the Class A Prep Bowl with a 41-0 shoulder pads after the game they win over Ada-Borup. were talking about next year and the The Awesome Blossoms improved following Monday were alto 12-0 on the season and ready in the weight will play BOLD in the room,” Gimbel Class A Prep Bowl.

“Before the sweat dried said.

Bold defeated on the shoulder pads after the Seventeen the Awesome game, they were talking about next players reBlossoms year and the following Monday were turn from last in the state already in the weight room.” year’s team, semifinals last and they hope season 37-7 Chad Gimbel, Blooming Prairie to give BOLD a before losing to Head Coach run for their monMahnomen/Wauey. bun in the title game.

“It all starts with their Pryor scored three times on quarterback (Jordan Sagedahl),” said runs of 12, 2 and 30 yards. MeanGimbel. “He’s the real deal and a while, Thomas was hitting receivers Mr. Football finalist. He puts a lot of all over the field. He threw for two pressure on the defense and has some touchdowns and 137 yards. speedy receivers to throw to. Up front The Awesome Blossoms led 27-0 they have some really good linemen as at the half and were able to keep the

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

Senior lineman Dylan Nirk helped open holes for the Blooming Prairie offense.

Sophomore Drew Kittelson takes a hit from an Ada-Borup player.

PHOTOS BY JASON BARUM

Blooming Prairie’s Gabe Hagen gives chase to Ada-Borup’s Beau Fetting in the Awesome Blossom’s 41-0 win. well.”

Gimbel said the turning point to the Blossoms season was in their second game against Goodhue. After falling behind in their first meeting and coming back to win, the Blossoms throttled Goodhue 59-12 in the section final.

“The way we beat them really gave us belief in ourselves because Goodhue is always such a good team,” he said.

The Blossoms will be led by quarterback Thomas. His main target is Gabe Hagen, who caught two passes for 54 yards in their win including a 48-yard touchdown.

Gimbel said the community has rallied behind their team with hopes at redemption against one of the stronger programs in the state.

“Support from the community has been amazing,” he said. “The crowd at the semifinal game was huge. There was alumni there people hadn’t seen in 20 years. They’re still Blossoms at heart.”

Gimbel wants to win not just for the players, but all those who have pulled on a Blossoms jersey and made

the tradition what it is today.

“They deserve this as much as our team does,” he said.

SCORING:

Ada-Borup 0-0-0-0—0 Blooming Prairie 7-20-6-8—41 SCORING SUMMARY 1st Quarter BP - Matthew Pryor 12 yd run (Colin Jordison KICK) 2nd Quarter BP – Kaden Thomas 10 yd pass to Karson Vigeland (Jordison KICK) BP - Matthew Pryor 2 yd run (Jordison KICK) BP – Thomas 48 yd pass to Gabe Hagen 3rd Quarter BP – Mathew Pryor 30 yd run 4th Quarter BP – Tyler Archer 1 yd run (Drew Kittelson RUN)

7-0

14-0 21-0 27-0 33-0 41-0

STATISTICS Passing: BP – Thomas 12-20-137-2-2.

AB – Preston Gwin 6-18-50 Rushing: BP – Pryor 18-182-3, Archer 6-31-1, Bradley Simon 5-35, Thomas 3-23. AB – Verdis Barber 19-47, Cameron Rivera 3-44, Braiden Fetting 11-12.

Receiving: BP – Simon 3-19, Hagen 2-54-1, Alex Baldwin 1-27, Karson Vigeland 1-10-1, Cole Christianson 1-19, Cade Christianson 1-16, Mitchel Fiebiger 1-9, Colin Jordison 1-5. AB – Avery Okrol 1-20, Chase Buchholz 2-36.

Defense: Tackles: BP – Fiebiger 10, Jarrett Larson 8, Luke Larkoski 5, Luke Rennie 5. AB – Carlos Medina IV 6, Verdis Barber 5, Braiden Fetting 4.

Sacks: BP – Larson 1.0, Hagen 1.0. AB – None.

Interceptions: AB – Fetting, Larson.

Blooming Prairie (12-0) Game By Game Opponent Score Rushford Peterson W 46-0 Wabasha-Kellogg W 49-0 Hayfield W 50-12 Goodhue W 27-6 Randolph W 62-15 Kenyon-Wanamingo W 61-6 Bethlehem Academy W 48-6 Medford W 44-0 Section Playoffs Randolph W 56-27 Goodhue W 59-12 State Playoffs Springfield W 42-20 Ada-Borup W 41-0 BOLD TBD

10

November 29, 2019

Let’s Play Football

www.letsplayfootballmn.com

– CLASS A –

Warriors hoping to avenge 4-game Prep Bowl streak

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football BOLD 56, Browerville-Eagle Valley 7 BOLD is no stranger to the Prep Bowl. The storied program has basked in the glory of winning a state title, and they have also felt the agony of defeat.

In fact, the past four Prep Bowls they have reached, they have not come away winners, including a heartbreaking 2120 loss last season to Mahnomen/Waubun.

Head coach Derek Flann, in his first year at the helm after serving as an assistant for several years, takes over for legendary coach Steve Solem after 33 years. He hopes this year they can get back on the winning track.

“Many of our kids on this year’s team were involved last year,” said Flann. “We also have a lot of new kids.

We need to find a way to get over that hump of a four-game losing streak in Prep Bowl finals.”

They seem to be on the right track.

They have made relatively easy work of opponents so far this season, includ-

BOLD head coach Derek Flann is in his first year at the helm after serving as an assistant for many years.

ing in the state semis against Browerville-Eagle Valley where they scored 56 unanswered points on their way to a 56-7 victory. They are 46-3 in their past 49 games and this year have recorded five shutouts and scored more than 40 points eight times.

Led by quarterback Jordan Sagedahl, BOLD looks like a team that is on a mission to get over the hump Coach Flann speaks of.

“It’s been a constant build up to this point,” he said. “We have two 4-year starters and three or four players who have been three-year starters. This group has had 46 wins. Now we just hope to have one more.”

Sagedahl was his usual self against PHOTOS BY JASON BARUM Browerville-Eagle Valley, throwing for BOLD ran all over the Browerville/Eagle Valley defense in their win and return back 354 yards and five touchdowns. He is a to the Class A title game.

Mr. Football finalist.

His main target is Gavin Vosika, Osakis, who also reached the state tourSCORING: who caught 10 passes in their semifinament.

Browerville-EV 7-0-0-0—7 nal win for 234 yards and four scores.

“That was the best game we’ve BOLD 7-21-20-8—56 He also connected with Anthohad,” he said. “They were the ny Maher on a 12-yard best team we played and SCORING SUMMARY TD reception and we made some sche“Many of our kids 1st Quarter: brother Drew matic changes to B/EV- Landon Gode 1 yd run on this year’s team were Sagedahl on a our defense af (Trey Lancaster KICK) 7-0 involved last year. We also have a lot 8-yard score. ter that game BOLD – Jordan Sagedahl 49 yd pass of new kids. We need to find a way Meanand shored to Gavin Vosika to get over that hump of a four-game while the deup some oth (Braiden Tersteeg KICK) 7-7 fense did their er things.” losing streak in Prep Bowl finals.”

2nd Quarter part, holding While the BOLD – Tim Peppel 1 yd run 13-7 Derek Flan, BOLD the Eagles to outcome against BOLD – Sagedahl 44 yd pass to just 98 yards of toBlooming PraiHead Coach Vosika (Sagedahl pass to Vosika) 21-7 tal offense. The most rie is still to be deBOLD – Sagdeahl 12 yd pass to telling stat, though, is that termined, one things is for Anthony Maher (Tersteeg KICK) 28-7 BOLD had the football for 38:54 comcertain. The BOLD fan base will be big 3rd Quarter pared to the Eagles 9:06. and loud.

BOLD – J Sagedahl 8 yd pass to The Warriors will face Blooming “We always bring huge crowds to Drew Sagedahl (Tersteeg KICK) 35-7 Prairie in the Class AA finals, a regames,” said Flann. “The kids can feel BOLD – D Sagedahl 11 yd pass to match of last year’s semifinal game that the support and understand who is be Vosika (Tersteeg KICK) 42-7 BOLD won 37-7. hind them.”

BOLD – J Sagedahl 33 yd pass “Our kids understand that game Having played in last year’s finals to Vosika 48-7 was a lot closer than the final score won’t hurt either.

4th Quarter showed,” said Flann. “We’re aware of “Having some big game experience BOLD – David Garcia 5 yd run what we are up against. We talked last helps us,” said Flann. “We have some (Connor Plumley RUN) 56-7 year about how good Blooming Prairie kids who won a state baseball champiwas going to be this year.” onship in the spring so they have been STATISTICS Flann said the turning point of their tested. This moment should not be too Passing: B/EV – Cory Meyer 1-3-9. BOLD season came in their 35-25 win over big for us.”

– Jordan Sagedahl 20-25-354-5, Drew Sagedahl 1-1-11-1.

Rushing: B/EV – Mason Gode 10-49, Landon Gode 10-22. BOLD – Connor Plumley 10-34, David Garcia 2-50-1, Blake Plass 3-21, Hunter Borer 1-25, Tim Peppel 1-1-1.

Receiving: B/EV – Carter Meiners 1-9.

BOLD – Gavin Vosika 10-234-4, Matthew Moorse 5-83, Drew Sagedahl 4-38-1, Anthony Maher 1-12-1.

Defense Tackles: B/EV – Ian Gould 3, Austin Carr 3, Cory Meyer 3, Aiden Eckel 3. BOLD – Andrew Sheehan 9, Blake Plass 6, Joe McMath 5.

BOLD (13-0) Game By Game

BOLD runner Braeden Tersteeg looks for a hole in the Browerville/Eagle Valley defense.

Opponent Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta Osakis Sauk Centre Minnewaska Area Kimball Area Montevideo Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City Section Playoffs MACCRAY Dawson-Boyd Canby State Playoffs Deer River Browerville/Eagle Valley Blooming Prairie

Score W 50-0 W 42-7 W 35-25 W 49-0 W 57-14 W 64-13 W 34-0 W 40-0 W 62-14 W 23-6 W 21-0 W 33-12 W 56-7 TBD

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November 29, 2019

Let’s Play Football

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November 29, 2019

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Let’s Play Football

– CLASS AA –

November 29, 2019

13

Caledonia continues domination

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football Caledonia 43, Barnesville 12 Caledonia’s 43-12 win over Barnesville in the state semifinal Nov. 15 was their 67th in a row. But it’s not something the team or the coaches ever bring up.

“We don’t talk about it,” said longtime head coach Carl Fruechte. “It’s a non-factor. Instead we focus on working hard every week and getting better.”

That hard work has the Warriors pitted in their fifth consecutive state championship game in a row. They have won the last four and will look to make it five straight against Minneapolis North (12-0) who is coming off a 44-32 win over Paynesville Area to advance.

The Warriors scored three second-quarter touchdowns to take a 22-6 lead over Barnesville in the state semifinal match up. Senior quarterback Noah King had a hand in all three first-half scores, running for one and throwing for two.

After a scoreless first quarter King connected with Cole Kronebusch on 1st and goal from the 33 after a couple penalties stalled their drive. The play was for 32 yards and after King was sacked for a two-yard loss on the next play, he ran in the next play from the 3-yard line for the score. Sophomore receiver Elijah King then scored on the two-point conversion for an 8-0 lead.

But Barnesville answered on their next possession when quarterback Adam Tonsfeldt broke free for a 78yard score. They weren’t able to convert for the two-point try for an 8-6 deficit.

On their next drive, Caledonia’s King and Kronebusch connected on a 57-yard strike to set up a 4-yard score from Noah to Elijah King. Brody Johnson’s extra point gave Caledonia a 15-6 lead.

Then with just over a minute left in the half, King and Kronebusch connected again in a 32-yard score. Johnson’s extra point gave the Warriors a 22-6 lead heading into the locker room.

They put the game away in the third quarter with three more touchdowns. Noah and Elijah King connected for their second TD of the game on a 5-yard score. Two minutes later Elijah King scored on a run from 15 yards out. Noah King then scored his second touchdown on the ground on a 12-yard run. Johnson made good on all his kicks for a 43-6 lead.

Caledonia’s Eljiah King reaches for the end zone in Caledonia’s 43-12 win over Barnesville. edge that and are going to do what we Barnesville added a late touchdown on Tonsfeldt’s second TD run of can to give them their best game.”

And they won’t think about any the game. Tonsfeldt finished with sort of streak, whether it is 188 yards rushing on the consecutive games won day on 24 carries.

“There’s a lot of or consecutive state King completpressure on these kids from ed 13 of 25 passes titles won. the outside. We try to educate “There’s a for 277 yards and them not to get too caught lot of pressure three touchdowns on these kids and no intercepup in it.” from the outside,” tions to lead the Carl Fruechte, Caledonia Warriors. He also Fruechte said. “We rushed 33 yards and try to educate them Head Coach two scores. not to get too caught up Barnesville’s defense in it.” did an admirable job in stopping CaleFruechte said the team’s vibe just donia’s run attack, holding them to 89 wasn’t what it needed to be after week yards.

7, so a team meeting helped get the But they couldn’t stop the air atplayers back on the right path. tack. Kronebusch finished with five “I am very proud of these kids as catches for 164 yards and a touchdown. they have handled it like men.”

Elijah King finished with five catches Coach Fruechte credits his coachfor 94 yards. ing staff for working hard on making Now it’s off to U.S. Bank Stadisure the players aren’t just learning um where they will face Minneapolis football, but life skills and lessons.

North.

“We have very passionate coaches “I really respect Coach Adams,” and players,” he said. said Fruechte. “He deserves kudos for He feels fortunate his team has what he has done with the Minneapoa chance to make it to another state lis North program since he has taken championship game. over.”

“We are thrilled to be in this posiFruechte said he is aware of North’s tion again,” he said. “We teach our kids strong offensive and defensive line. not to take this moment for granted. We “They play the game right and rewill be business-like and tell them that spectful and we will have our hands full no matter what happens next game, we playing them,” he said. “We acknowlwill be proud of them.”

Barnesville Caledonia

PHOTOS BY JASON BARUM

SCORING:

0-6-0-6 – 12 0-22-21-0 – 43

SCORING SUMMARY 1st Quarter: None 2nd Quarter 8:03 CALEDONIA – Noah King 3 yd run (Elijah King RUN) 8-0 7:07 BARNESVILLE – Adam Tonsfeldt 78 yd run (Pass FAILED) 8-6 4:37 CALEDONIA – Elijah King 4 yd pass from Noah King (Brody Johnson KICK) 15-6 1:09 CALEDONIA – Cole Kronebusch 32 yd pass from Noah King (Johnson KICK) 22-6 3rd Quarter 11:02 CALEDONIA – Elijah King 5 yd pass from Noah King (Johnson KICK) 29-6 09:02 CALEDONIA – Elijah King 15 yd run (Johnson KICK) 36-6 01:06 CALEDNIA - King, Noah 12 yd run (Johnson, Brody kick) 43-6 4th Quarter 1:29 BARNESVILLE – Tonsfeldt 6 yd run 43-12 STATISTICS Passing: CAL – King 13-25-177-3. BAR – Tonstedt 1-5-9-0 Rushing: CAL – N King 9—33-2, Dalen Lemke 6-32, E King 1-15-TD, Jed Kasten 1-11, Jack Strub 2-1. BAR – Tonsfeldt 24-188-2, Hunter Anderson 9-23, Jackson Wahl 4-10, Aaron Schiefert 6-10, Cameron Heng 4-8.

Recieving: CAL – Kronebusch 5-164-TD, E King 5-94-2, Kasten 1-7, Austin Klug 1-11, Donnie Lakey 1-1. BAR – Kaden Zenzen 1-9.

Tackles: CAL – Kasten 10, N King 9. BAR – Hunter Zenzen 6, Tonsfeldt 5 Sacks: CAL – Ezra Dvorak 1.0, N King 1.0. BAR – Damien Camperud 1.0.

Caledonia (13-0) Game By Game

Caledonia star quarterback Noah King reaches for the end zone in their win over Barnesville.

Opponent Red Wing St. Charles Zumbrota-Mazeppa Chatfield Rochester Lourdes Dover-Eyota Pine Island Triton Section Playoffs Winona Cotter St. Charles Chatfield State Playoffs Pipestone Area Barnesville Minneapolis North

Score W 55-7 W 42-7 W 43-0 W 41-8 W 24-7 W 46-15 W 34-0 W 49-3

W 2-0 (FF) W 57-6 W 27-7 W 56-14 W 43-12 TBD

14

November 29, 2019

Let’s Play Football

– CLASS AA –

www.letsplayfootballmn.com

Different team, different season for Polars

PHOTOS BY JASON BARUM

The Minneapolis North Polars lined up a different team this year with a lot of newcomers and strong junior and sophomore classes. Now they find themselves playing for a state title.

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football Minneapolis North 44, Paynesville Area 32 Minneapolis North junior linebacker Dominic McMillan had a message for his team following their 44-32 win over Paynesville Area in the state semifinals that catapulted them into the Class AA Prep Bowl.

“We’re not just happy to be here,” McMillan told his teammates. “We’re here to win a championship.”

They will have a tall order facing 4-time defending champion Caledonia who is on a 67-game winning streak.

But they have overcome tall orders before. They came from behind three different times to defeat Paynesville, utilizing a strong second half to surge to the title game. They also overcame a first half deficit against Maple Lake in the section semifinals to come back to win.

“They punched us in the mouth, but we came back,” said Polars head coach Charles Adams, a 1999 alumni of the school. “That really got us going and taught our kids we needed to refocus.”

The Polars trailed 6-0, 12-6 and 18-14 in their state semifinal against Paynesville.

After a Grady Fuchs touchdown for Paynesville, junior quarterback

Zach Yeager scored on a 23-yard run. quit, Paynesville scored again, but KaPaynesville retook the lead on a TD mara put on the finishing touch with a run by Daltin Christinsen, but north 25-yard TD run with 3:55 left. In the responded with Terrance Kamara’s end, the Pirates defense couldn’t confirst of his four touchdowns. But Fuchs tain North’s efficient offense. scored again for the Pirates for an 18Kamara finished with 205 yards 14 halftime lead. on 30 carries. Yeager added 41 In the second half, yards and a touchdown.

Kamara scored on Sanders caught all “We’re not just happy back-to-back drives seven of Yeager’s to be here. We’re here to and they converted completions for 92 win a championship.” on both two-point yards and a touch-

tries for a 30-18 down.

Dominic McMillan, lead.

Coach Adams Minneapolis North junior Fuchs then is looking forward linebacker, to his connected with Cato representing the teammates den Spanier on a 40Minneapolis North yard touchdown to pull community. the Pirates back within six at “We call it North Side 30-24. The Polars answered back on a Pride,” he said. “This brings the whole 30-yard run by Mario Sanders. Sanders city out – many alumni – and brings then caught a pass from Yeager for the them out in a positive way.” two-point conversion and a 38-24 lead.

The team graduated 19 seniors off Not to be outdone and never to last year’s squad, but that hasn’t slowed

Terrance Kamara looks for a hole in North’s win over Paynesville Area.

Paynesville’s Carter Wessel and North’s Josh Collins both go up for the ball.

Both teams supplied ample offense in the state semifinal.

them in their quest for a state championship.

“We have a junior heavy team with some talented sophomores,” said Adams. “It’s a different team, and it’s a different season.”

SCORING:

Paynesville 6-12-6-8—32 MPLS North 0-14-16-14—44 SCORING SUMMARY 1st Quarter: PAY – Grady Fuchs 18 yd pass to Carter Wessel 6-0 2nd Quarter MPLS – Zach Yeager 23 yd run 6-6 PAY – Daltin Christiansen 30 yd run 12-6 MPLS – Terrance Kamara 7 yd run (Yeager RUN) 14-12 PAY – Fuchs 1 yd run 18-14 3rd Quarter MPLS – Kamara 1 yd run (Yeager RUN) 22-18 MPLS – Kamara 7 yd run (Yeager pass to McMillan) 30-18 PAY – Fuchs 40 yd pass to Caden Spanier 30-24 4th Quarter MPLS – Mario Sanders 30 yd run (Yeager pass to Sanders) 38-24 PAY – Fuchs 21 yd pass to Levi Bast (Fuchs pass to Bast) 38-32 MPLS – Kamara 25 yd run 44-32 STATISTICS Passing: PAY – Grady Fuchs 15-24-2153-2. MPLS – Zach Yeager 7-10-92-1.

Rushing: PAY – Daltin Christinasen 2098-1, Fuchs 18-37-1, Blake Hiltner 4-29, Levi Bast 4-18. MPLS – Terrance Kamara 30-205-4, Yeager 5-41-1.

Receiving: PAY – Bast 8-102-1, Carter Wessel 3-57-1, Caden Spanier 2-42-1, Christinansen 2-14.

Defense Tackles: PAY – Abe Bullard 9, Weston Roberg 7. MPLS – Dominic McMillan 10, Quixote Herron 7.

Interceptions: MPLS – Meiko Anderson, Kelan Holcomb.

Minneapolis North (12-0) Game By Game Opponent Score St. Paul Johnson W 26-6 Minneapolis Southwest W 20-7 Minneapolis Henry W 52-6 St. Paul Como Park W 48-0 Minneapolis Washburn W 25-0 St. Paul Central W 37-7 St. Paul Highland Park W 60-0 Richfield W 52-0 Section Playoffs Maple Lake W 52-43 St. Agnes W 56-0 State Playoffs Blue Earth Area W 26-20 Paynesville Area W 44-32 Caledonia TBD

www.letsplayfootballmn.com

Let’s Play Football

– CLASS AAA –

November 29, 2019

15

Pierz breaks through to 3A final

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football Pierz 20, Jackson County Central 14 Pierz overcame a 14-point deficit to score 20 unanswered points as they defeated Jackson County Central 20-14 Nov. 16 to advance to the Class AAA Prep Bowl.

Trailing 14-12 in the closing minutes, Pioneer quarterback Peter Schommer connected with Michael Leidenfrost on a 48-yard touchdown pass with 1:19 left for an 18-14 lead.

Matthew Algarin ran in for the twopoint conversion and a 20-14 lead.

But that might not have been Leidenfrost’s greatest catch of the night. With Jackson County Central driving, Leidenforst picked off a Jackson County pass at the Pierz 20 yard line to seal the victory.

The win pits Pierz against Dassel-Cokato in the Class AAA Prep Bowl.

“It was a tremendous high school football game,” said Pierz head coach Dan Saehr. “Truly one that our team

PHOTOS BY JASON BARUM

Pierz’s Blake Kowalczyk tries to break past Jackson County Central’s Jack Brinkman in Pierz’s 20-14 win.

and community will never forget.”

The Huskies (11-0) dominated early with two first-quarter scores.

Quarterback Rudy Voss scored the first touchdown of the game at the 6:35 mark when he scampered in from 38 yards out. Keaton Storm drilled the extra point for a 7-0 lead.

About five minutes later, Voss connected with Elijah Meium-Bratrud for a 60-yard score. Another Storm kick and the Huskies led 140.

Pierz’s Matthias Algarin outruns a JCC defender.

“They controlled the line of scrimmage and were able to make some big plays early,” SCORING: said Saehr.

Jackson County Central 14-0-0-0—14 The Pioneers finally got on the Pierz 0-6-6-8—20 board when Schommer hit Blake Kowalczyk on a 60-yard play. After SCORING SUMMARY a failed conversion attempt they were 1st Quarter down 14-6.

JCC – Rudy Voss 38 yd run The Huskies looked like perhaps (Keaton Storm KICK) 7-0 they would pull away on their final JCC – Voss 60 yd pass to Elijah drive of the quarter, marching to the Meium-Bratrud (Storm KICK) 14-0 Pierz 12 and eating up over seven 2nd Quarter minutes on the clock. But they missed PRZ – Peter Schommer 60 yd pass a field goal attempt to make it a 14-6 to Blake Kowalczyk 14-6 halftime lead.

3rd Quarter Late in the third, Algarin capped PRZ – Matthias Algarin 13 yd run 14-12 off a nice drive with a 13-yard touch4th Quarter PRZ – Schommer 48 yd pass down run. But the ever-important to Leidenfrost (Algarin RUN) 20-14 two-point try failed to tie the game and the Pioneers trailed 14-12.

STATISTICS Passing: JCC – Voss 4-7-87-1. PRZ – Pierz (13-0) Schommer 7-10-150-2-1.

Game By Game Rushing: JCC – Bradley Buhl Jr. 33-109, Opponent Score Voss 8-39-1, Meium-Bratrud 8-36, Damian Foley W 52-0 Meyer-Andre 1-13, Nathaniel Post 1-8, Paynesville Area W 32-28 Jake Brinkman 2-16. PRZ – Kowalczyk Rockford W 40-0 13-86, Leidenfrost 4-8, Carter Moulzoff Holdingford W 47-0 1-7, Matthias Algarin 14-48-1.

Eden Valley-Watkins W 27-6 Receiving: JCC – Meyer-Andre 1-9, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted W 69-0 Storm 2-19, Meium-Bretrud 1-60-1. PRZ Melrose W 51-7 – Kowalczyk 3-61-1, Leidenfrost 2-52-1, Maple Lake W 28-7 Algarin 2-37.

Section Playoffs Defense St. Cloud Cathedral W 57-14 Tackles: JCC – Sam Dunker 8, Parker Minnewaska Area W 48-0 Benda 6, Levi Lindley 6. PRZ – MaverAlbany W 42-22 ick Kowalczyk 9, Aaron Hayes 9, Blake State Playoffs Kowalczyk 8.

Perham W 58-16 Sacks: PRZ – Zachary Traut 1.0.

Jackson County Central W 20-14 Interceptions: JCC – Jack Brinkman.

Dassel-Cokato TBD

In the fourth quarter, the for 29 yards and a touchPierz defense stepped down on nine carries “It was a up when the Huskies and Meium-Bratrud were driving and ran for 36 yards on tremendous high faced 4th and 1 on eight carries. Voss school football game. the Pierz 24. But completed four Truly one that our team Preston Veith passes for 87 stuffed the run yards, including and community will and the Pioneers the big score to never forget.” got the ball back Meium-Bratrud. with 3:52 and a S c h o m Dan Saehr, Pierz chance to take the mer threw for lead.

150 yards and two Head Coach And that is exacttouchdowns on 7-forly what they did when 10 passing. Kowalczyk Schommer hit Leidenfrost on caught three passes for 61 a slant and he took it to the house for yards and a TD and also rushed for a the 18-14 lead. team-leading 86 yards. Algarin caught Jackson County Central dominattwo passes for 37 yards and also ed in time of possession at 29:15 to rushed for 48 yards and a touchdown.

Pierz’s 18:45. They also outgained the “Our guys really stepped up and Pioneers on offense 308 yards to 299. came up with some big plays in the “It truly was an instant classic and second half to climb back into the we were very fortunate to move on,” game,” said Saehr. said Saehr. Dassel-Cokato is a very The Pierz/Dassel-Cokato Class well coached team. They have a numAAA match up has all the makings of ber of athletes and good team speed. another instant classic.

They beat some very good teams to “We are very excited to be playget to this game.” ing in this game,” said Saehr. “It The Huskies rushed for 221 yards should be a lot of fun for both teams led by Bradley Buhl Jr. who rushed for and communities.”

109 yards on 33 carries. Voss rushed

Pierz’s Brandon Stuckmayer pushes Jackson County Central’s Nathnaiel Post out of bounds during action.

16

November 29, 2019

Let’s Play Football

– CLASS AAA –

www.letsplayfootballmn.com

Dassel-Cokato charges into finals

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football Dassel-Cokato 24, Annandale 14 Dassel-Cokato might be the biggest surprise out of any team to reach the Prep Bowl. But they may also be getting a little help from a former teammate.

Two years ago Jacob MacDonald, who wore #34 and was an up and coming player for the Chargers, tragically passed away as a sophomore from a peanut allergic reaction. Not only was MacDonald a good football player, he was a great teammate and all around great kid.

Now, he is an inspiration.

“The team is inspired playing for their friend and teammate,” said Chargers head coach Ryan Weinandt. “The whole situation has really given the kids a calm about them. They don’t overreact or panic in game situations because they have been through much larger challenges in life.”

Dassel-Cokato defeated Annandale 24-14 Nov. 16 after they lost to the Cardinals 28-20 just a few weeks prior in their final regular season game. It was the second loss of the season they avenged to get to where they are. In week six they lost to Litchfield 29-28, but defeated them in the section semifinals 56-28.

The season has been marked by adversity, but as coach Weinandt points to, this team can handle pretty much anything thrown their way. They suffered several key injuries early on in the season and have played in six games decided by one touchdown or less. Collin Asplin suffered a hand in-

PHOTOS BY JASON BARUM

Dassel-Cokato’s Eli Gillman leaped over the line of scrimmage to start his game-ending 87-yard run that helped seal the win for the Chargers.

such good teams throughout the seajury the third day of practice and didn’t son.” return until second week of playoffs.

Against Annandale they pounded Joel Selseth was a wide receiver and the ball on the ground for 226 the team ran a spread offense, yards, led by Eli Gillbut after he was injured man’s 141 yards the team moved to “We finally got all and three toucha wishbone ofof our guys healthy the second downs. Gillfense. Sanders round of playoffs and now are really man got the Asplin was playing well. It helps we play such scoring gothree catchgood teams throughout the season.” ing when he es shy of the capped off a school record Ryan Weinandt, Dassel-Cokato 14-play 93-yard for receptions Head Coach drive with a 3-yard but was moved to touchdown run. Sandquarterback this seaers Asplin kicked the extra son. point for a 7-0 lead.

“He is really our key to making The Chargers took a 14-0 lead things happen,” said Weinandt. “We when Beau Nelson blocked an Annanfinally got all of our guys healthy the dale punt that was recovered by Devan second round of playoffs and now are Campbell at the Annandale 15-yard really playing well. It helps we play line. A couple plays later Gillman ran in his second score of the night and Asplin booted another extra point for the 14-0 lead.

They added a field goal on their next possession, a 27-yarder by Asplin, for a 17-0 lead.

Annandale then scored a huge touchdown to stay within reach with 3:39 left in the half. Lucas Bachel capped off an 11-play 67-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. Lauren Meidinger kicked the extra point to pull within 10 at 17-7.

It took nine minutes into the second half before Annandale found the end zone again. Rogan Kuser scored on a 4-yard run, and another extra point by Meidinger made it a 3-point 17-14 contest.

But the Charger defense didn’t give up anymore, despite Annandale gaining 380 yards of total offense.

Both Bachel and Kuser each ran for Joel Selseth closes in on an Annandale runner. more than 100 yards and Annandale quarterbacks passed for 122 yards.

The defense made a key stop towards the end of the first half on a 4th and 7 play to turn the ball over on their own 17-yard line.

Gillman scored his third touchdown of the game when he broke free from his own 13-yard line for an 87yard score with just 1:28 to play. That proved to be the nail in the coffin as Annandale could only get to midfield before turning the ball over on downs as time expired.

The Chargers will play Pierz in the Class AAA title game.

‘They really have no weakness,” said Weinandt. “They are super athletic and very fast and physical. They have been through this the past few years and we know they have a great program.”

Sanders Asplin kicks one of his two extra points on the day.

But Dassel-Cokato has overcome challenges before. And they know they always have Jacob MacDonald helping them along the way.

“We have an awesome group of kids,” said Weinandt, “and they are really believing in each other and making a run because of it. They are finding a way to win.”

SCORING:

Dassel-Cokato Annandale

7-10-0-7 – 24 0-7-7-0 – 14

SCORING SUMMARY 1st Quarter DC – Eli Gillman 3 yd run (Sanders Asplin KICK) 2nd Quarter DC – Eli Gillman 4 yd run (Asplin KICK) DC – Asplin 23 yd field goal ANN – Lucas Bachel 1 yd run (Lauren Meidinger KICK) 3rd Quarter ANN – Rogan Kuser 4 yd run (Meidinger KICK) 4th Quarter DC – Gillman 87 yd run (Asplin KICK)

7-0 14-0 17-0 17-7 17-14 24-14

STATISTICS Passing: DC – Sanders Asplin 0-4-0-0.

ANN – Carson Gagnon 6-11-66-0, Landon Jones 5-14-58-0, Bryce Fobbe 1-1-3-0.

Rushing: DC – Eli Gillman 17-141-3, Sanders Asplin 13-50, Josh Deboer 6-34, Cole Evjen 1-1. ANN – Lucas Bachel 17107, Rogan Kuser 24-101, Gagnon 4-22, Alan Luna 5-23.

Receiving: ANN – Luna 6-57, Brady Spaulding 2-31, Hawkin Miller 3-36, Kuser 1-3.

Defense Tackles: DC – Joel Selseth 8, Beau Nelson 8. ANN – Brett Honsey 7, Miller 6.

Sacks: DC – Collin Asplin 1.0. AN – Logan Purcell 1.0.

Dassel-Cokato (10-3) Game By Game Opponent Score Little Falls W 28-0 Holy Family Catholic W 33-0 Princeton W 20-14 New London-Spicer L 26-20 Glencoe-Silver Lake W 28-21 OT Litchfield L 29-28 Watertown-Mayer W 40-0 Annandale L 28-20 Section Playoffs Rockford W 50-12 Litchfield W 56-28 Providence Academy W 26-13 State Playoffs Cannon Falls W 26-22 Annandale W 24-14 Pierz TBD

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9-MAN

South Ridge 8 Mountain-Iron Buhl 32 Mountain-Iron Buhl 42 Hancock

Renville County West 20

Hancock Hancock

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Win-E-Mac 48

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2019 STATE FOOTBALL BRACKETS

BOLD

CLASS A

33 BOLD

Deer River G-F-W

BOLD

6

Browerville-Eagle Valley 7 Browerville-Eagle Valley 33 Underwood 8

Class A Champion Ada-Borup 0

Warren-Oslo-Alvarado 6

Ada-Borup 20 Mountain Lake Area

Grand Meadow 12

Blooming Prairie Blooming Prairie

42

Mountain Lake Area 45

Blooming Prairie

Mountain Lake Area 42

41

Springfield 20

CLASS AA

Paynesville Area 56

CLASS AAA

Annandale 33 Annandale 14

Paynesville Area 32 Esko 13

Moose Lake/Willow River 8 Minneapolis North

Blue Earth 20

Dassel-Cokato

Dassel-Cokato 26

Dassel-Cokato 24

Minneapolis North 44 Cannon Falls 22

Minneapolis North 26 Osakis 6

Pierz 58

Class AA Champion Barnesville 12

Good luck to all the teams!

Barnesville 28 Caledonia 56 Caledonia

43

Pipestone Area 14

CLASS AAAA

SMB Wolfpack 48

Spring Lake Park

CLASS AAAAA

2

SMB Wolfpack

Perham 16 Pierz Waseca 21 Jackson County Central Jackson County Central 31

CLASS AAAAAA

Shakopee 7

Lakeville North

Class AAAA Champion

Elk River

Rosemount 7

58

Class AAAAA Champion

Wayzata 38

Elk River 16

Rocori 48

Rocori

Class AAAAAA Champion Wayzata 28

Moorhead 55

Rocori 35

Champlin Park

Champlin Park 31

Mahtomedi 7

Delano 7

9

Champlin Park 34

Chaska 34

Fridley 14

Centennial 21 St. Thomas Academy

Owatonna 0

Wayzata Lakeville 38

St. Thomas Academy 53

Winona 24 St. Thomas Academy 21

14

Chaska

Chaska 35

Hutchinson 16

Winona 24

Pierz 20

Lakeville North 21

Coon Rapids 14

Chisago Lakes 29 Hutchinson 52

Class AAA Champion

Coon Rapids 14

SMB Wolfpack 22

Simley 14

56

12

Win-E-Mac 6

Caledonia

November 29, 2019

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– CLASS AAAA –

Close-knit Spartans “Steil” semifinal from Winona

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football Rocori 48, Winona 24 If fans see kids getting off the team bus with colored hair and wearing Canadian tuxedos, they’ll know it’s the kids from Rocori.

This close-knit group has advanced all the way to the Prep Bowl after a convincing 48-24 win over Winona in Class AAAA state semifinal action Nov. 15.

Rocori head coach James Herberg knew this was a close-knit bunch this past summer. While on a trip with his wife to California, Herberg received pictures from his players jumping around and swimming in Herberg’s new above ground pool.

“They had just finished a strength and conditioning session and texted pic-

SCORING:

Rocori 7-0-20-21—48 Winona 7-7-3-7—24 SCORING SUMMARY 1st Quarter ROC – Jack Stiel 1 yd run (Christian Rodriguez KICK) 7-0 WIN – Aaron Witt 21 Yd fumble ret (Bryan Cassellius KICK) 7-7 2nd Quarter WIN – Jackson Nibbelink 15 yd run (Cassellius KICK) 14-7 3rd Quarter ROC – Brady Linn 23 yd run (Rodriguez KICK) 14-14 ROC – Steil 1 yd run (Rodriguez KICK) 21-14 ROC – Steil 7 yd run 27-14 WIN – Cassellius 32 yd FG 27-17 4th Quarter ROC – Steil 17 yd run (Rodriguez KICK) 34-17 WIN – Nibbelink 4 yd run (Cassellius KICK) 34-24 ROC – Steil 44 yd run (Rodriguez KICK) 41-24 ROC – Linn 1 yd run (Rodriguez KICK) 48-24 STATISTICS Passing: ROC – Jack Steil 8-12-134-0.

WIN – Jackson Nibbelink 17-27-225-0-3.

Rushing: ROC – Steil 19-174-5, Brady Linn 17-100-2, Luke Humbert 5-23, Carter Thelen 3-4. WIN – Trevor Pomeroy 16-70, Nibbelink 10-47-2, Sam Kanne 1-4, Dominic Davis 2-7.

Receiving: ROC - Jayden Philippi 3-66, Andrew Anderson 2-22, Colton Baumgarten 2-39, Tucker Haakonson 1-7.

Defense Tackles: ROC – Camdyn Bauer 8, Humbert 5, Haakonson 5, Isaac Massman 5.

WIN – Aaron Witt 10, Austin Mlynczak 8, Garrit Wollan 6.

Rocori (10-2) Game By Game

tures of the fun they were having,” he said. “That made me realize we had a tight-knit group of kids that really cared about each other.”

Flash-forward to Nov. 15 and that group found themselves facing undefeated Winona at 11-0. Rocori, meanwhile, had suffered two losses already on the season, a 14-12 loss to Becker and a 3620 loss to Hutchinson. And it looked like Winona had the upper hand in the first half, leading 14-7.

“But then we probably played our best half of football,” said Herberg.

PHOTOS BY JASON BARUM The Spartans exploded for 41 points Rocori quarterback Jack Steil reaches across the goal line to score one of his five on their way to the 48-24 win. rushing touchdowns on the day.

Rocori quarterback Jack Steil scored four of his five rushing touchdowns in champion St. Paul Academy/Minnehaha Rocori returned seven players on the second half, and the Rocori defense Academy/Blake (SMB), who is coming offense and eight on defense from last did it’s part to help seal the win. Steil off a narrow win over Hutchinson year’s squad. They will look to utilize scored on runs of 1, 7, 17 to earn a return trip to the that experience in the title tilt. They also and 44 yards. The Spartitle game. They also have a strong community behind them.

“It’s been truly tans also got a pair of possess four of the top They received a police escort out of special and a very cool rushing touchdowns prospects in the entown on their way to the semifinal game from Brady Linn. experience for the kids.” tire state, something against Winona.

Steil finished with Coach Herberg is “Moms were standing on the corJames Herberg, 174 yards on 19 rushgreatly aware of. ners holding signs and business owners es and Linn rushed for “We keep telling were sticking their heads out as we drove Rocori Head Coach 100 yards on 14 carries. our kids they have a down Main Street showing their support, While the runners did their bunch of Division 1 athletes Herberg said. “It’s been truly special and part, Herberg credits the line for on their team, but we have to be a very cool experience for the kids.” theirs. the team that plays the team game,” HerWith that kind of send off, one can “Our offensive line played their best berg said. “Hopefully we can embrace only imagine the reception they will regame,” he said. that as football is the ultimate team sport ceive if they are able to beat SMB for the Now Rocori will face the arduous and that’s what it will take for us to comstate championship. task of playing defending Prep Bowl pete.”

Winona’s Dayne Gamoke gives a stiff arm to a Rocori defender. Rocori receiver Colton Baumgarten hauls in a pass as Winona’s Austin Mlynczak defends.

Opponent Score Fergus Falls W 23-0 Big Lake W 30-13 Hutchinson L 36-20 Delano W 27-7 Willmar W 42-0 Becker L 14-12 Brainerd W 12-6 St. Cloud Apollo W 34-0 Section Playoffs Grand Rapids W 30-0 Detroit Lakes W 14-6 State Playoffs Delano W 35-7 Winona W 48-24 SMB TBD Members of the Rocori team saluted their fans following their win and advancement into the Class 4A Prep Bowl.

22

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– CLASS AAAA –

Wolfpack looks to repeat

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football SMB 22, Hutchinson 16 Jalen Suggs has been making plays all season long when he needed to most. Thursday, Nov. 14 was no different. In a 16-16 game, Suggs completed a pass to Savion Robinson for a 14yard touchdown strike to give the SMB Wolfpack a 22-16 victory and put them back into the Class AAAA Prep Bowl.

Suggs, considered the top prospect in the state, completed 6-of-7 passes on that final drive, finishing the game 16for-27 for 209 yards and three touchdowns.

Hutchinson opened the scoring when Tyler Schiller scored on a 3-yard run. They converted on their two-point try for an 8-0 lead.

SMB tied it when Suggs hit Kaden Johnson on a 12-yard TD pass. Suggs completed another pass to Judah Thomas for the two-point conversion and an 8-8 tie at the half.

SMB went ahead in the third quarter when Suggs found Judah Thomas on a 24-yard score. Suggs and Tony Avilia-Tovalin connected on the twopoint conversion to make it 16-8.

But Hutchinson responded with just over five minutes to play when Russell Corrigan scored on a 15-yard run. Schiller connected with Ethan Beffert on a two-point pass to tie the game.

That set up SMB’s final drive,

capped by Suggs’ completion to Savion Robinson.

SMB missed the two-point conversion, but were able to force a fumble on Hutchinson’s last-ditch attempt.

SMB had a similar win against Benilde-St. Margaret’s in the section finals where they used a last-minute drive to win 36-30.

The Wolfpack have now won 25 straight. Last season they defeated Willmar 44-18 in the title game. This year they will face Rocori (10-2).

SCORING:

SMB 0-8-0-14—22 Hutchinson 0-8-0-8—16 SCORING SUMMARY 1st Quarter No Scoring 2nd Quarter HUT – Tyler Schiller 3 yd run (Russell Corrigan pass to Ethan Beffert) 8-0 SMB – Jalen Suggs 12 yd pass to Kaden Johnson (Suggs pass to Judah Thomas) 8-8 3rd Quarter No Scoring 4th Quarter SMB – Suggs 24 yd pass to Thomas (Juggs pass to Tony Avila-Tovalin) 16-8 HUT – Russell Corrigan 15 yd run (Schiller pass to Beffert) 16-16 SMB – Suggs pass to Savion Robinson 22-16

FILE PHOTO BY NICK WOSIKA

Jalen Suggs, shown here in a pre-season practice, leads his Wolfpack back to the title game in 4A. STATISTICS Passing: SMB – Jalen Suggs 16-27-2093-2. HUT – Russell Corrigan 5-8-84-0-2.

Rushing: SMB – Suggs 18-113. HUT – Tyler Schiller 25-128-1, Corrigan 14-52-1, Hayden Jensen 6-40.

Receiving: SMB – Kaden Johnson 3-561, Dewayne Givens 2-36, Judah Thomas 4-39-1, Devin Casadecalvo 1-9, Savion Robinson 1-14, Terry Lockett 4-49, Ty Lockett 1-8. HUT – Sam Rensch 1-9, Schiller 2-44, Ethan Beffert 1-30, Colin Nagel 1-1.

Defense Tackles: SMB – Tommy Stolpestad 13, Trevon Howard 11, Toby Jacobson 9. HUT – Hayden Jensen 9, Tristan Hoppe 6.

SMB Wolfpack (12-0) Game By Game Opponent Score Columbia Heights W 35-7 Spectrum W 51-16 St. Croix Lutheran W 40-7 Providence Academy W 28-6 Bloomington Kennedy W 49-8 Richfield W 48-0 Mound Westonka W 20-3 St. Paul Central W 45-0 Section Playoffs Mound Westonka W 20-3 Benilde-St. Margaret’s W 36-30 State Playoffs Chisago Lakes Area W 48-29 Hutchinson W 22-16 Rocori TBD

– CLASS AAAAA –

Hawks soar to Prep Bowl

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football Chaska 34, Coon Rapids 14 Chaska got out to an early lead against Coon Rapids in the state semifinals Nov. 15 at U.S. Bank Stadium and never looked back as they soared to the Class 5A title game where they will face St. Thomas Academy.

The Hawks (11-1) used a balanced attack and a stingy defense, allowing the Cardinals just 250 yards of total offense while racking up 382 of their own.

They scored in the first quarter when quarterback Grif Wurtz connected with Nic Snuggerud on a 96-yard play. Snuggerud booted the extra point for a 7-0 lead.

Hawks running back Stevo Klotz added onto the score with the first of his two touchdowns on the night. Klotz marched in from 36 yards out and another Snuggerud kick made it a 14-0 game.

Snuggerud, who has quite the leg, then booted a 52-yard field goal for a

17-0 lead at halftime.

Coon Rapids made it 17-6 when David Geebil capped off a drive with a 6-yard run. But Klotz answered with a 6-yard TD. Snuggerud would add

SCORING:

Coon Rapids 0-0-6-8-14 Chaska 7-10-7-10—34 SCORING SUMMARY 1st Quarter CHA – Grif Wurtz 96 yd pass to Nic Snuggerud (Snuggerud KICK) 7-0 2nd Quarter CHA – Stevo Klotz 36 yd run (Snuggerud KICK) 14-0 CHA – Snuggerud 52 yd FG 17-0 3rd Quarter CR – David Geebil 5 yd run 17-6 CHA – Klotz 6 yd run (Snuggerud KICK) 24-6 4th Quarter CHA – Snuggerud 23 yd FG 27-6 CHA – Matthew Kuntz 3 yd run (Snuggerud KICK) 34-6 CR – Jake Van Hulzen 2 yd run (Van Hulzen pass to Sonny Thao) 34-14

another field goal and Matthew Kuntz would also score to lead the Hawks.

The Cardinals added a late touchdown on a Jake Van Hulzen touchdown.

STATISTICS Passing: CR – Jake Van Hulzen 18-28143-0-2. CHA - Grif Wurtz 7-12-151-1-1.

Rushing: CR – Van Hulzen 13-46-1, David Geebil 7-29-1, Myles taylor 2-24, Jordan Doe 2-8. CHA – Stevo Klotz 15-103-2, Matthew Kuntz 21-66-1, Wurtz 7-28, Marcus Holasek 5-19, Dewandis Youmans 3-8, Colden Dodds 1-6.

Receiving: CR - Geebil 2-23, Doe 8-67, Avont Shannon 2-18, Sonny Thao 6-35.

CHA – Snuggerud 4-119, Jamal Akons 1-28, Patrick Fontaine 1-7.

Defense Tackles: CR – Jordan Nolan 12, Antonio Manos 9, Geebil 6, Ryan Kouri 6, CHA – Michael Brown 7, Adam Ouska 7, Kage Montoya 6, Ben Courneya 5, Nick Stanger 5.

Interceptions: CHA – Montoya 2.

Snuggerud finished with four extra points, two field goals and a touchdown reception while snagging four balls for 119 yards. Wurtz threw for 151 yards and Klotz ran for 103 yards.

Chaska (11-1) Game By Game

Opponent St. Louis Park Chanhassen Orono Robbinsdale Armstrong Apple Valley Bloomington Jefferson Waconia St. Thomas Academy Section Playoffs Waconia Mankato West State Playoffs Mahtomedi Coon Rapids St. Thomas Academy

Score W 23-0 W 28-7 W 38-7 L 32-14 W 21-0 W 56-15 W 20-0 W 20-0 W 38-14 W 21-0 W 35-7 W 34-14 TBD

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– CLASS AAAAA –

Let’s Play Football

November 29, 2019

23

Cadets keep marching along The team has posted five shutouts and are led up front by Garrison Solliday. Linebacker Ben Reppenhagen is a two-year starter and team captain, and defensive back Steve Betts helps St. Thomas Academy 53, lead the defensive unit.

Elk River 16 Offensively, the team had to reOn the back of the St. Thomplace most guys, but many have as Academy’s player’s jerseys is the stepped in to fill the holes. word “brotherhood.” “(Running back) Danny McFadIt signifies what the Cadets footden has stepped in and done a great ball program is all about. job for us, and right tackle Jackson STA has a rich tradition when it Smith was hurt the past two years but comes to football. Many fathers and has done a great job for us,” O’Brien uncles of the kids on the team once said. pulled on the Cadet jersey back in the The Cadets rushed for six touchday. downs against Elk River, led by Mc“We remind our kids each day that Fadden’s three scores and 130 yards it’s not their program, it’s the school’s on just 11 carries. Joe Deyak rushed program,” said Cadet head coach Dan just twice for 86 yards and a touchO’Brien. “We play for the brotherdown and Caleb Zweifel rushed four hood.”

PHOTOS BY JASON BARUM times for 97 yards and St. Thomas AcadElk River’s Myles Gordon makes a nice sideline grab, but it wasn’t enough as St. a score. Love Adeemy is yet another “We remind our kids Thomas rolled to the 5A win. bayo also ran team that came each day that it’s not their They know they will have their seven times for up just short a program, it’s the school’s program. hands full when they get their rematch 30 yards and a SCORING: year ago lookWe play for the brotherhood.”

St. Thomas Acdemy 8-16-22-7—53 against Chaska (11-1). touchdown. ing to get back Elk River 0-8-0-8—16 “We didn’t compete and ChasM c to the Prep Dan O’Brien, ka was fantastic on that night,” noted Fadden also Bowl finals St. Thomas Academy SCORING SUMMARY O’Brien. “They beat us on the line of caught two for a chance to 1st Quarter Head Coach scrimmage on both sides of the ball passes for 87 be champions.

STA – Danny McFadden 32 yd run and were the clear winner.” yards and quarterThey took one (McFadden RUN) 8-0 That was then, and this is now. back Baker Reding commore step with a convincing 2nd Quarter “Our goal is to be more competipleted four passes, one of them a 3953-16 win over Elk River in the semiER – Joe Nordstrom 11 yd run tive against them this time,” O’Brien yard TD to Deyak. finals to advance to play Chaska, the (Carter Otto RUN) 8-8 said. “We know what we are up STA reached 500 yards in total ofteam that gave them their only loss.

STA – Love Adebayo 3 yd run against.” fense and held the Elks to 210.

Last season the Cadets lost to (Jamie Smith RUN) 16-8 Owatonna 14-3 in the finals. They deSTA – McFadden 1 yd run feated Owatonna this year in the state (McFadden RUN) 24-8 quarterfinals 21-0.

3rd Quarter “Finishing second in state to OwaSTA – McFadden 48 yd run 30-8 tonna last year has really set the bat STA – Joe Deyak 67 yd run high for this team,” said O’Brien.

(Deyak PASS to Trajan Kaeppe) 38-8 The kids worked really hard last year STA – Baker Reding 39 yd pass and didn’t win so we learned that you to Deyak (Adebayo RUN) 46-8 4th Quarter have to continue to work even harder STA – Caleb Zweifel 85 yd run as there are some really good football (Gabe Sirek KICK) 53-8 programs we had to play to get back ER – Beau Ruby 5 yd run here.”

(Albis Almanzar RUN) 53-16 The Cadets graduated 17 players off of last year’s squad and bring back STATISTICS just two starters on offense and three Passing: STA – Baker Reding 4-8-13on defense. It is obvious they have a 1, Joe Deyak 1-2-7-0. ER – Beau Ruby reload rather than rebuild mantra.

1-2-18.

“Defense has been our strength Rushing: STA – Danny McFadden 11this year,” said O’Brien. “John Spring130-3, Deyak 2-86-1, Caleb Zweifel 4-97er, our defensive coordinator, has done 1, Love Adebayo 7-30-1, Reding 2-17. ER STA’s Danny McFadden rushed for three touchdowns. a great job with our kids.”

– Joe Nordstrom 19-95-1, Ryan Wilson 9-28, Trinity Blood 3-25, Carter Otto 7-19, Micah Olson 1-7.

Receiving: STA – McFadden 2-87, Deyak 1-39-1. ER – Otto 1-18.

Defense Tackles: STA – Ben Reppenhagen 12, Jamie Smith 10, Stephen Betts 10.

ER – Tony Kutzer 11, Elijah Bicek 6, Rahim Avery 6.

Sacks: STA – Simon Kotok 2.0.

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

STA’s Love Adebayo gets the pitch during their win over Elk River. Adebayo rushed for 30 yards and a touchdown.

St. Thomas Academy (11-1) Game By Game Opponent Score Coon Rapids W 34-0 Henry Sibley W 55-6 Mahtomedi W 38-0 Apple Valley W 28-0 Hastings W 35-21 Park-Cottage Grove W 35-0 Hill-Murray W 40-3 Chaska L 20-0 Section Playoffs Park-Cottage Grove W 49-0 Apple Valley W 28-7 State Playoffs Owatonna W 21-0 Elk River W 53-16 Chaska TBD

24

November 29, 2019

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Sartell Sabres celebrate 25 Year Anniversary of 1994 Class A Title

Players from Sartell’s championship team 25 years ago celebrate after their victory over Northfield.

by MIKE SONNTAG

Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football

The 2019 Prep Bowl represents the 25th Anniversary of Sartell’s epic 24-21 Class A Football Championship over Northfield.

Sartell was ranked number one all season in Class A, but the first half was all Northfield. Northfield’s Drew Wilson scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with 7:09 remaining in the second quarter to give the Raiders a 7-0 lead. On Sartell’s next possession, Sartell’s Tom Stark fumbled and Northfield recovered on the Sartell 36 yard line. Northfield quarterback Nick Holden connected with Jeff Otte for a 35 yard touchdown pass and Northfield led 14-0 at halftime. Not only was Sartell trailing 14-0, they were being outgained 136-42 and held to just 2 first downs.

“We had played some good

teams like Melrose and Sauk Centre during the season, but we had never been in that position,” Sartell’s Adam Herbst recalled. Herbst was a wide receiver for Sartell and tallied 3 receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown in the game.

Dean Taylor was Sartell’s head coach, with Roger Trobec his Defensive Coordinator and John Ross his Offensive Coordinator.

“Our coaches were not yellers,” Herbst said. “They knew how hard we worked and they just asked us if this was the legacy we wanted to leave, and I remember it being very motivating.”

Paul Trobec, who played running back and linebacker for Sartell, expanded on the halftime question the coaches asked of their legacy.

“For many of us, the dream of winning the Prep Bowl began when many of the seniors from the 1994 team were eighth graders during Sartell’s 1990 runner-up finish in

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the Prep Bowl to Fridley,” Paul said.

In 1990 Sartell was led by Craig Sauer who played for the University of Minnesota and went on to an NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons.

“Myself, Tom Stark and Ross Lang were ball boys for that 1990 team, and we started talking then that we had to get back to the dome and finish what they started,” Paul added.

“After losing in the section final to Albany our junior season, we all got in the weight room and trained through St. Cloud Orthopedics Run and Chute program and we worked like dogs with desire to get to the dome senior year,” Paul remembers.

Northfield received the kickoff to start the second half but the Sartell defense forced them to punt. Herbst gave Sartell great field position by returning the punt to Northfield’s 24 yard line. On the first offensive play of the second half for Sartell, senior running back Tom Stark took a toss sweep around the right side and ran it into the end zone from 24 yards out to put Sartell on the board at 14-7.

On Sartell’s next offensive drive, quarterback Jeff Muntifering hit Herbst on a slant route which resulted in a 66 yard touchdown to tie the game at 14-14. Stark then plunged in the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the game to give Sartell their first lead of the game 21-14 with 11:09 left to play.

Stark finished the game with 13 carries for 82 yards and 2 TD. Northfield lined up to punt at their own 47 yard line on a 4th and

PHOTO SUBMITTED

3 with 3:41 left in the game, but Northfield snapped to the up-back Matt Petricka who faked out everyone including the referees and TV cameramen and took it untouched 53 yards to the end zone for the tying score.

Defensive Coordinator Roger Trobec also referenced the 1990 game in discussing the fake punt.

“I learned a lot that first trip to the dome,” Roger said. “We lost our best player (Sauer) to injury and we really did not have a backup plan. I made a point to make sure I had a backup player prepared for any situation, and I was prepared for the fake punt.”

Roger then laughed and said, “But they pulled it off any way and it was a great call.”

The game appeared headed for overtime after Sartell’s Scott Mader punted the ball to Northfield’s 2-yard line with just over a minute to go in regulation. After stopping Northfield on three straight runs, Sartell forced Northfield to punt with 24 seconds to play. Northfield’s short punt gave Sartell a chance with the ball inside the 35 yard line. After a 7 yard pass completion from Muntifering to Herbst, Mader came on to the field for a 38yard field goal attempt with 0:13 left in the game. Mader proceeded to drill the kick and give Coach Taylor and the Sartell Sabres their first state title.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years,” Roger said. “They were a great group of kids and answered the question of how they wanted their team to be remembered.”

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November 29, 2019

25

– CLASS AAAAAA –

Trojans, Vasser gallop into finals

PHOTO BY JASON BARUM

Wayzata advances to the Prep Bowl as the lone unbeaten team in Class 6A.

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football Wayzata 28, Lakeville South 14 Christian Vasser probably needed a good soak after the Trojans’ 28-14 win over Lakeville South in the state semifinals Nov. 15. After all, the senior running back carried the ball 44 times for 269 yards to help lead Wayzata to the 6A Prep Bowl.

“He runs the heck out of the ball,” said Wayzata head coach Lambert Brown. “He’s worked hard all year.

Teams have to keep their eye on him.”

Vasser has averaged more than 160 yards per game and this one was no different. Out of the team’s 54 offensive plays, they handed the ball to him 81 percent of the time.

But it was Lakeville South who opened the scoring when Willie Bastyr scored on a 43-yard run. John Olson booted the extra point for a 7-0 lead.

But the Trojans answered when Vasser capped off a drive with a 2-yard score.

Peter Melquist tied it with the extra point and that’s how the first quarter ended.

The Trojans took the lead a minute into the second quarter when Thomas Schmidt scored on a 3-yard run to cap off a 10-play 68-yard drive.

The big play of the game came midway through the second quarter when Lakeville South fumbled on Wayzata’s 1-yard line and Trojan Sam

Robertson recovered in the end zone, short cuts,” he said. “They make sure giving Wayzata the ball at their own everyone is doing the right things and 20. have had a bunch of players who Twelve plays and 80 have taken on leaderyards later, Vasser ship roles.”

“There are a lot of scored with 12 Wayzata will good teams in our league and seconds to go face Champlin our kids have really risen to the in the half for Park in the 6A a 21-7 lead.

Prep Bowl. challenge week in and week out.”

Wa y z a t a “They’re Lambert Brown, Wayzata kept the moa very good Head Coach mentum into the football team,” second half where said Brown. “They Vasser scored his third are going to present TD of the game on a 6-yard some challenges for us and run. Melquist drilled his fourth extra really spread us out. Their quarterback point of the night for a 28-7 lead. is playing his best football right now The Cougars scored a late and their defensive line and linebackthird-quarter touchdown when Reid ers are very good and make a lot of Patterson hit George Brekke on a 35plays. It will be a great challenge.” yard score. Both teams held each other Wayzata (12-0) scoreless in the final frame.

Game By Game Wayzata now has a chance to play Opponent Score for their fourth state championship in Blaine W 19-0 the past 15 seasons. They won titles in Edina W 34-15 2005, 2008 and 2010. They enter the Prior Lake W 14-10 Prep Bowl undefeated at 12-0.

St. Michael-Albertville W 28-18 “We feel like we play a really stiff Eden Prairie W 17-7 schedule,” said Coach Brown. “There Minnetonka W 38-3 are a lot of good teams in our league Shakopee W 14-7 and our kids have really risen to the Burnsville W 34-6 challenge week in and week out.”

State Playoffs Accountability and leadership Eagan W 35-7 have been the hallmarks of this year’s East Ridge W 56-20 Trojan squad.

Centennial W 38-21 “During the offseason our coachLakeville South W 28-14 es really noticed how these kids held Champlin Park TBD each other accountable and don’t take

SCORING:

Lakeville South 7-0-7-0—14 Wayzata 7-14-7-0—28 SCORING SUMMARY 1st Quarter LS – Willie Bastyr 43 yd run (John Olson KICK) 7-0 WAY – Christian Vasser 2 yd run (Peter Melquist KICK) 7-7 2nd Quarter WAY – Thomas Schmidt 3 yd run (Melquist KICK) 14-7 WAY –Vasser 4 yd run (Melquist KICK) 21-7 3rd Quarter WAY- Vasser 6 yd run (Melquist KICK) 28-7 LS – Reid Patterson 35 yd pass to George Brekke (Olson KICK) 28-14 4th Quarter No Scoring STATISTICS Passing: LS – Reid Patterson 6-13-102-1.

WAY – Thomas Schmidt 7-11-118-0.

Rushing: LS – Riley Haglund 14-76, Willie Bastyr 8-70-1, John Shabaz 9-34, Patterson 7-17. WAY – Vasser 44-269, Schmidt 1-4, Julian Diedrich 1-7, Malaki Jackson 1-4.

Receiving: LS – George Brekke 2-81-1, Shabaz 3-14, Hank English 1-7. WAY – Jacob Wildermuth 5-86, Luke Bodine 1-30, Vasser 1-2.

Defense Tackles: LS – Brekke 9, Nick Austin 8, Daniel Attoh 8. WAY – Drew Berkland 9, Anthony Ukofia 8, Casey Winterer 8.

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November 29, 2019

Let’s Play Football

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– CLASS AAAAAA –

Is third time a charm for the Rebels?

20 and uncharacteristically had three turnovers. They still had a chance to win when they went for two at the end of the game, but didn’t convert.

Champlin Park 31, “It was a good opportunity to talk Lakeville North 21 to the team and get them refocused, Champlin Park’s 31-21 win over not to turn the ball over and trust we Lakeville North in the Class 6A semihave a good defense,” said Keenan. finals will put them in the Prep Bowl The Rebels took a 21-0 lead on for the third time. They have Lakeville North, who closed yet to win a champithe lead to 21-14. It onship, meaning stayed that way “We have been the third time inside of five telling the guys they have hopes to be a minutes to go a chance to be the best team charm. in the contest in school history.”

“We have when Chambeen telling plin’s Noah Nick Keenan, Champlin Park the guys they Vogelpohl made Head Coach have a chance to a key 32-yard field be the best team in goal for a 24-14 lead, school history,” said Chammaking it a two-possession plin Park head coach Nick Keenan. game.

The Rebels (11-1) lone loss came With 3:45 to go, Lakeville North to Centennial in Week 3. They lost 21opted to go for it on 4th and 12 from their own 42, but Lakeville star Raja Nelson’s pass was incomplete, giving Champlin the ball. After being SCORING: stifled on two consecutive runs, RebLakeville North 0-7-7-7—21 el quarterback Jaice Miller was able Champlin Park 7-14-0-10—31 to break free and score on a 3rd and 9 play from the 41 for a 30-14 lead.

SCORING SUMMARY Vogelpohl’s extra point made it 31-14.

1st Quarter It was Miller’s third touchdown of the CP – Jaice Miller 56 yd pass to Brock day. He connected with Brock John Johnson (Noah Vogelpohl KICK) 7-0 son on a 56-yard score and also ran for 2nd Quarter two touchdowns.

CP – Miller 3 yd run Nelson was able to punch one (Vogelpohl KICK) 14-0 in with about a minute to go, but by CP – Shawn Shipman 10 yd run then it was too late and the Rebels ad (Vogelpohl KICK) 21-0 vanced.

LN – Raja Nelson 14 yd run Miller finished 20-for-32 passing (Preston Fisk KICK) 21-7 for 277 yards, a touchdown and two 3rd Quarter LN – Nelson 10 yd run interceptions. He also ran 13 times for (Fisk KICK) 21-14 37 yards and two scores. Shawn Ship4th Quarter man scored the other Rebels TD and CP – Vogelpohl 32 yd field goal 24-14 finished with 58 yards on 18 carries.

CP – Miller 41 yd run Johnson led all receivers with eight (Vogelpohl KICK) 31-14 catches for 108 yards. Dom Witt had LN – Nelson 1 yd run (Fisk KICK) 31-21 four catches for 76 yards.

Nelson led the way for Lakeville STATISTICS North with 170 yards on 31 carries. He Passing: LN – Raja Nelson 2-16-31-0-1. completed two passes for 31 yards and Jaice Miller 20-32-277-1-2. threw an interception.

Rushing: LN – Nelson 31-170-3, Gavin Now the rebels turn their focus to Schraufnagel 4-41, Logan Freeburg 14Wayzata, the lone unbeaten team in 49. CP – Shawn Shipman 18-58-1, Miller 6A. 13-37-1.

“They play a tough schedule so Receiving: LN – Freeburg 1-22, Keaton they are battle tested,” said Keenan.

Mohs 1-9. CP – Brock Johnson 8-109, “They execute well on offense and Dom Witt 4-76, Evan Hammonds 4-70, we’re going to have to do well up Kemar Graham 1-11, Shipman 2-8. front. They have a really good QB Defense who is great at the play action and they Tackles: LN – Nick Mines 7, Ryan have a big running back who runs beMudgett 6, Landon Carter 6. CP – Obi tween the tackles.”

Evuleocha 14, Devon Moore 11.

Sacks: LN – Andrew Wyatt 2.0, Nick Mines 1.0. CP – Noah Link 1.0.

Interceptions: LN – Raja Nelson, Isaiah Curtis. CP – Devon Moore.

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

Champlin Park (10-1) Game By Game Opponent Score East Ridge W 22-19 Blaine W 28-17 Centennial L 21-20 Osseo W 24-0 Anoka W 45-8 Rosemount W 17-14 Totino-Grace W 12-7 Maple Grove W 31-15 State Playoffs Prior Lake W 16-7 Rosemount W 34-7 Lakeville North W 31-21 Wayzata TBD

FILE PHOTOS BY JASON BARUM

Champlin Park quarterback Jaice Miller, shown above in the rebels’ win over Rosemount, can do it with his arm and his legs.

Jeff Walsh makes a nice tackle in Champlin’s playoff win over Rosemount.

The Rebels have some weapons of their own. Johnson’s TD catch was his ninth on the season to go with 746 yards.

“He’s made some unbelievable

Jaice Miller reaches for the end zone in Champlin’s playoff victory over Rosemount.

catches for us,” said Keenan. “When Jaice gets in trouble he finds Brock and makes plays.”

Defensively the rebels have three players who have stood out this season: linebacker Obi Evuleocha, strong safety Devan Moore and defensive tackle Noah Link.

“Obi is a stud and getting some Division 1 looks,” said Keenan. “This is only his third year playing football.

He is so athletic and strong. He really stands out.”

Keenan said Moore is a tough no-nonsense kid.

“This is just his first year playing football. We have asked a lot of him and he’s made some unbelievable plays.”

Link has 11 sacks on the season.

Now only one game stands between the Rebels and being the best team in school history.

“We know we can play with anyone,” said Keenan. “The kids are embracing this opportunity.”

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Let’s Play Football

November 29, 2019

Johnnies win wild one to advance in NCAA Tourney

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – In the aftermath of his team’s 51-47 first-round playoff victory over Aurora (Ill.) Saturday afternoon, Saint John’s University senior cornerback Chris Harris (Lake Elsinore, Calif.) readily acknowledged there was not much left in the tank.

“I’m drained,” he said. “But these are the kind of games you live for as a competitor. They did a really good job.

Their quarterback is a really talented guy. He played a great game.”

Indeed, Aurora University junior Gavin Zimbelman, who entered play leading all divisions of NCAA in passing touchdowns with 51, gave the Johnnies all they could handle and more.

He finished 39 of 58, passing for 432 yards and six touchdowns as his team built leads of as much as 13 points in the third quarter and nine in the fourth.

The eighth-ranked Johnnies (101 overall) did not lead until a 9-yard touchdown run by senior running back Kai Barber (Minneapolis, Minn./ Totino-Grace) put them on top 35-34 with 7:45 to play in the third quarter.

But Zimbelman and Aurora retook the lead late in the quarter, and expanded their margin to 47-38 when the quarterback connected with freshman Brock Harner on a 9-yard touchdown pass with 8:26 remaining in the game.

The Spartans finished with 531 yards in total offense, by far the most Saint John’s has surrendered all season.

In fact, the 294 yards Aurora piled up in the first half alone exceeded the totals the Johnnies had allowed in all but two games during the regular season.

“We knew they were a well-coached football team,” said Saint John’s head coach Gary Fasching, whose team advances to meet No. 12 Chapman (Calif.) in the second round next Saturday.

“And they made life rough on us. I know a lot of people thought this was going to be an easy game. But watching film on them during the week, we could tell they were a very good football team.”

There were eye-popping offensive numbers on both sides. The Johnnies finished with 559 yards of total offense and senior quarterback Jackson Erdmann (Rosemount, Minn.) made enough plays to make sure the hole never got too deep for his team.

He finished 30 of 42 passing for 481 yards and four touchdowns, crossing the 10,000-yard passing mark in his collegiate career and breaking SJU’s single-season passing mark in the process.

Sophomore wide receivers Ravi Alston (Lake Elsinore, Calif./Vista Murrieta) and T.J. Hodge (Miami, Fla./ Doral Academy) finished with 216 and 103 yards respectively, and each had a touchdown catch.

Barber’s 1-yard touchdown run with 1:49 to play erased a two-point deficit and put SJU on top by four.

“As a quarterback, I love to throw the ball,” Erdmann said. “And we had a lot of dudes making plays out there. It was a lot of fun.”

But Aurora still had a chance to end the amusement. Zimbelman and the Spartans’ offense took the ball all the way to the Johnnies’ 30-yard line on the game’s final drive. But Harris tackled senior Colton Jewell at the 22-yard line after an 8-yard completion as time expired.

Erdmann elite once again Erdmann’s performance was one for the record books, as his 481 yards are second in single-game SJU history.

Erdmann now holds the top four passing games in SJU history, and surpassed 400 yards for the fifth time in his career.

Mr. 10,000 Erdmann needed 49 yards to sur-

PHOTO SUBMITTED

St. John’s players celebrate after a touchdown in their Nov. 16 win over Rose-Hulman. pass 10,000 career passing yards, and he did much more than that. Erdmann now has 10,432 career yards, 306 away from breaking Alex Kofoed’s (2004-07) SJU and MIAC record of 10,737 yards.

Single-season record Erdmann is also SJU’s new record holder for passing yards in a season with 3,833, which surpassed the old record of 3,489 yards set by Tom Linnemann ‘00 in 2000.

Better late than never After some early-season difficulties on special teams, the Johnnies converted when it counted. With 12:41 left in the fourth quarter, junior Colin Kummer (Hastings, Minn.) split the uprights on a 28-yard field goal, the Johnnies’ first of the season. Kummer is also 21for-23 on extra points this season.

Kai when it counts Barber scored three second-half touchdowns and gained 88 yards on 15 carries. Barber’s first touchdown, a nineyard scamper, gave SJU its first lead at 35-34 with 7:45 to play in the third quarter. Barber found the end zone from two yards out to cut SJU’s deficit to 4745 with 5:47 to play and his one-yard touchdown run with 1:49 remaining proved to be the game-winning score.

200 through the air Alston recorded career highs with 12 receptions and 216 yards, and caught a 12-yard touchdown from Erdmann with 1:51 into the second quarter. He may have saved the game for SJU with his 14-yard reception on fourth-andfour from the Aurora 37-yard line with the Johnnies down 47-38 in the fourth quarter. Alston surpassed 1,000 yards on the season and now leads the Johnnies in receptions (64), yards (1,106) and touchdowns (9).

Another 100-yard receiver Hodge also surpassed 100 yards receiving as he finished with 103 yards on seven catches for his fifth 100-yard game of the season. He got the Johnnies on the board in the second half as he hauled in a 44-yard pass from Erdmann with 12:29 to play in the third quarter.

Key defensive plays An early interception by Harris may have been the difference in Saturday’s shootout. On Aurora’s second drive, Harris picked off a deep throw by Aurora on the SJU 3-yard line. It was the only drive in the first half in which the Spartans failed to score. Harris now leads the team with seven interceptions, the most by a Johnnie since Bobby Fischer ‘13 did it in 2012. Harris also blocked an extra point after Aurora scored to open the second half.

Combined points Saturday’s 98 combined points tied

the most in program history, with the previous game being SJU’s 98-0 win over St. Scholastica on Sept. 2, 2017.

The game also set an SJU record for combined points in a playoff game, surpassing the 91 points scored in last year’s first round win over Martin Luther (847). The Division III record for points in a playoff game was set by next Saturday’s opponent, as Chapman defeated Linfield (Ore.) 68-65 in three overtimes.

First-round success With the win, SJU improved to 19-4

27

in the first round of the NCAA playoffs, including a 15-1 record in Collegeville.

See you Sept. 5 SJU recently signed a two-year deal with Aurora to play non-conference games in the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

The deal was signed before Saturday’s game was determined. The Spartans will return to Collegeville next season for the home opener Sept. 5, followed by a showdown in Illinois in 2021.

UNIVERSAL ATHLTEIC

GEAR UP FOR FOOTBALL 7127 WASHINGTON AVE S 952.942.8525

28

November 29, 2019

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Let’s Play Football

Minnesota Prep Bowl History 2018 AAAAAA AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A 9-Man

Lakeville North, Eden Prairie 28-21 Owatonna, St. Thomas Academy 14-3 SMB, Willmar 44-18 Rochester Lourdes, Fairmont 24-7 Caledonia, Barnesville 21-0 BOLD, Mahnomen/Waubun 22-21 Spring Grove, Mountain Lake Area 40-18

2017 AAAAAA AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A 9-Man

Eden Prairie, Minnetonka 38-17 Owatonna, Elk River 63-26 Academy of Holy Angels, Cloquet 14-0 Pierz, St. Croix Lutheran 34-21 Caledonia, Pipestone Area 57-6 Minneota, Wabasso 28-13 Spring Grove, Nevis 32-0

2016 AAAAAA AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A 9-Man

Totino Grace, Eden Prairie 28-20 Elk River, Spring Lake Park 42-14 Benilde-St. Margaret, Winona 31-28 Rochester Lourdes, St. Croix Lutheran 42-35 Caledonia, Pipestone Area 40-0 Minneota, MPLS North 35-18 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 AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A 9-Man

Eden Prairie, Totino Grace 28-27 Mankato West, Simley 42-19 Becker, DeLaSalle 24-6 Rochester Lourdes, New London Spicer 35-14 Holdingford, BOLD 20-18 (2OT) Minneota, Dawson-Boyd 28 -14 Grand Meadow, Edgerton-Ellsworth 48-0

2013 AAAAAA AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A 9-Man

Eden Prairie, Rosemount 28-7 Owatonna, Brainerd 24-0 Hutchinson, Academy of Holy Angels, 49-7 St. Croix Lutheran, New London-Spicer 48-44 Chatfield, *Minneota/Lincoln HI 17-7 Mahnomen, Dawson-Boyd 46-13 Grand Meadow, Underwood 28-6

2012 AAAAAA AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A 9-Man 2011 AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A 9-Man

2010 AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A 9-Man 2009 AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A 9-Man

Eden Prairie, Lakevile North 28-7 Totino-Grace, Owatonna 49-21 Hutchinson Holy Family Catholic 67-7 Blue Earth, Rochester Lourdes 30-7 Caledonia, *Moose Lake/Willow River 25-22 Mahnomen, Bethlehem Academy 20-14 Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley, Grand Meadow 40-22 Eden Prairie, Wayzata 13-3 Rocori/Cold Spring, Bemidji 17-10 St. Croix Lutheran, Fairmont 34-32 Caledonia, *Moose Lake/Willow River 27-0 Dawson-Boyd, Mahnomen 35-20 *Edgerton/Ellsworth, *Wheaton/Herman-Norcross 36-28 Wayzata, Rosemount 31-14 Totino-Grace, Fridley Rogers 34-14 Rochester Lourdes Holy Family Catholic, Victoria 41-13 Caledonia Triton, Dodge Center 28-7 New Ulm Cathedral, Barnesville 19-13 Cromwell, Lanesboro 49-42 Cretin-Derham Hall, Eden Prairie 16-5 Totino-Grace, Sartell-Saint Stephen 45-7 New London-Spicer, Glencoe-Silver Lake 28-21 Moose Lake/Willow River, Waterville-Elysian-Morristown 33-22 Minneota, Adrian 42-21 Stephen-Argyle, Nicollet 37-22

2008 AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A 9-Man

Wayzata, Blaine 27-7 Mankato West, Northfield 33-14 Glencoe-Silver Lake, DeLaSalle 42-21 Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg, Royalton 33-22 Caledonia, Luverne 47-7 Houston, Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley 22-16

2007 AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A 9-Man

Eden Prairie, St.Paul Cretin 50-21 Totino Grace, Mahtomedi 14-8 Glencoe-Silver Lake, DeLaSalle 56-20 Caledonia, Luverne 14-7 Goodhue, Adrian 28-7 Stephen-Argyle, Waubun 43-21

2006 AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A 9-Man

Eden Prairie, Lakeville South 21-14 Totino Grace, St. Thomas Academy 40-25 Glencoe-Silver Lake, Becker 42-20 Triton, Luverne 70-21 Rushford-Peterson, New Ulm Cathedral 20Stephen-Argyle, Wheaton 42-15

2005 AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A 9-Man

Wayzata, Cretin-Derham Hall 28-24 Mahtomedi, Holy Angels 27-26 OT Becker, Albany 28-0 Eden Valley-Watkins, Caledonia 21-16 Springfield, Goodhue 21-16 Stephen-Argyle, Cromwell 45-15

2004 AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A 9-Man

Minnetonka, Wayzata 23-14 Totino-Grace, Sartell-St. Stephen 27-6 East Grand Forks, Becker 31-14 Pierz, Eden Valley-Watkins 39-14 Rushford-Peterson, Otter Tail Central 20-6 Stephen-Argyle, Bertha-Hewitt 25-6

2003 AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A 9-Man

Lakeville, Hastings 34-9 Totino-Grace, Hutchinson 57-13 Glencoe-Silver, Delano 21-0 Breck, Kingsland 51-14 Goodhue, Medford/El Shaddai 20-8 Stephen-Argyle, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 7

2002 AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A

9-Man 2001 AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A 9-Man 2000 AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A 9-Man 1999 AAAAA AAAA AAA

Eden Prairie, Champlin Park 21-0 Mankato West, Mahtomedi 17-7 Plainview/Elgin-Millville, Glencoe-Silver Lake 24-21 Kingsland, Spring Valley Norwood-Young America 35-7 Rushford-Peterson, Mountain Lake/Butterfield-Odin 14-7 Verndale, Nicollet 21-14 Hastings, Blaine 28-9 Detroit Lakes, Mankato East 36-34 Jackson County, Central Becker 42-7 Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, Windom Area 27-20 McLeod West, Brownton Pillager 30-22 Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, Ada-Borup 37-7 Eden Prairie, Cretin-Derham Hall, St. Paul 24-14 Cambridge-Isanti, Saint Thomas Academy 24-14 Glencoe-Silver Lake, Albany 21-0 Triton, Dodge Center *Otter Tail Central 31-12 Sleepy Eye Public, Warren-Alvarado-Oslo 13-12 Westbrook-Walnut Grove, Cromwell 42-20

A 9-Man

Cretin-Derham Hall, St. Paul Hastings 42-21 Mankato West, Cambridge-Isanti 35-28 De LaSalle, Minneapolis Saint Michael-Albertville 28-7 Waterville-Elysian-Morristown West Central Area, Barrett 34-0 Cook County, Grand Marais LeCenter 14-6 Stephen-Argyle, Nicollet 18-8

1998 AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A 9-Man

Woodbury, Champlin Park 28-7 Hutchinson, Owatonna 21-20 Foley, Jackson County Central 21-7 Mahnomen B O L D, Olivia 27-26 Cook County, Grand Marais Adrian 15-8 Cromwell, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, 40-22

AA

1997 AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A 9-Man

Eden Prairie, Blaine 32-28 Northfield, Detroit Lakes 28-0 Albany, Jackson County Central 55-7 Pelican Rapids, Waterville-Elysian-Morristown 34-32 Cook County, Grand Marais Adrian 13-12 Verndale, Cromwell 18-12

1996 AA A B C 9-Man

Eden Prairie, Blaine 23-22 Mora, Northfield 7-3 Breck School, Golden Valley Windom Area 24-7 Chatfield, Hawley 12-7 Cromwell, Verndale 46-44

Source:

1994 AA A B C 9-Man

Anoka, Alexandria 34-7 Sartell, Northfield 24-21 Triton, Dodge Center Becker 40-21 Chatfield, Red Lake Falls 34-14 Kittson Central, Hallock Verndale 36-16

1983 AA A B C 9-Man

Coon Rapids, Bloomington Jefferson 34-31 Hutchinson, Park Rapids 36-14 Jordan, Breckenridge 27-0 Southland, Adams Bird Island-Lake Lillian 28-0 Silver Lake, Norman County West/Climax 27-12

1995 AA A B C 9-Man

Stillwater Area, Rochester Mayo 31-7 Detroit Lakes, Saint Peter 30-15 Kingsland, Spring Valley Breckenridge 22-3 Chatfield, Hawley 12-6 Cromwell, LeRoy-Ostrander 26-18

1982 AA A B C 9-Man

Stillwater, Owatonna 34-27 Brooklyn Center, East Grand Forks 30-8 LeCenter, Mahnomen 12-6 Truman, Belgrade 16-14 Westbrook, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, 34-12

1981 AA A B C 9-Man

Rosemount, Moorhead 40-14 Saint Peter, Hermantown 18-14 Holdingford, Pine Island 39-0 Medford, Clarkfield 33-28 Argyle, Starbuck 31-19

1980 AA A B C 9-Man

Burnsville, Cambridge 23-6 Crookston, Pipestone 32-6 Mahnomen, Austin Pacelli 34-0 Bird Island-Lake Lillian, Mountain Lake 20-7 Hoffman-Kensington, Toivola-Meadowlands 18-14

1979 AA A B C 9-Man

Columbia Heights, Richfield 8-3 Rochester Lourdes, Apple Valley 22-6 Gaylord, Mahnomen 15-6 Bird Island-Lake Lillian, Harmony 34-6 Russell, Toivola-Meadowlands 17-14

1978 AA A B C 9-Man

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

1977 AA A B C 9-Man

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

1976 AA A B C 9-Man

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

1975 AA A B C 9-Man

Stillwater, Richfield 20-17 Saint Thomas Academy, Saint Peter 21-14 Gaylord, Onamia 14-13 Esko, Karlstad 62-0 Ruthton, Audubon 42-20

1993 AA A B C 9-Man

Apple Valley, Rochester John Marshall 29-7 Detroit Lakes, Northfield 21-14 Saint Cloud Cathedral, Zumbrota-Mazeppa 28-6 Mahnomen, Minneota 43-23 Chokio-Alberta, LeRoy-Ostrander 35-0

1992 AA A B C 9-Man

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

1991 AA A B C 9-Man

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

1990 AA A B C 9-Man

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

1989 AA A B C 9-Man

Burnsville, Stillwater 21-7 Albany, Totino-Grace, Fridley 41-32 Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop, Perham 27-15 Waterville-Elysian, Mahnomen 14-7 St. Clair, Albrook 47-12

1988 AA A B C 9-Man

Blaine, Cretin-Derham Hall 25-24 Lakeville, Staples-Motley 35-28 Breckenridge, Morris 21-7 Minneota, Rushford 42-28 Hallock ,Stewart 35-24

1987 AA A B C 9-Man

Moorhead, Winona 13-7 Cambridge, Lakeville 28-14 Granite Falls, Ely 43-20 Minneota, Grand Meadow 27-7 Silver Lake, Verndale 30-14

1986 AA A B C 9-Man

Apple Valley, Osseo 35-6 Cambridge, Stewartville 24-0 Watertown-Mayer, Granite Falls 29-6 Minneota, Sherburn-Dunnell 52-19 Argyle, Silver Lake 32-7

1985 AA A B C 9-Man

Burnsville, Apple Valley 27-21 New Prague, Mora 16-12 Jackson, Mahnomen 26-20 Glyndon-Felton, Zumbrota 38-14 Westbrook, Norman County West 45-18

1984 AA A B C 9-Man

Stillwater, Burnsville 36-33 Hutchinson Centennial, Circle Pines 32-7 Granite Falls, Breckenridge 13-7 Harmony, Glyndon-Felton 20-14 Norman County West, Silver Lake 37-20

1974 AA A B C 9-Man 1973 AA

Rochester John Marshall, Bloomington Jefferson 41-19 Alexandria ,Chaska 26-7 New Prague, Caledonia 41-12 Battle Lake, Bird Island 34-26 (2 OT) Lake Benton, Fisher 36-6

A B C 9-Man

Rochester John Marshall, Saint Paul Harding 25-0 Eveleth, Willmar 28-18 New Prague, Appleton 13-7 Gaylord, Holdingford 29-6 Lake Benton, Brandon 50-12

1972 AA A B C 9-Man

Minneapolis Washburn, Moorhead 26-6 Burnsville, Sauk Centre 46-19 Mountain Iron, Dassel-Cokato 54-6 Gaylord, Preston 26-6 Rothsay, Cotton 64-12

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Cadet Football Tackle Cancer fundraiser nets nearly $17,500 for Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn. – Saint Thomas Academy announced that its community raised $17,326 through the Cadet Football Tackle Cancer fundraiser. The Cadets hosted Tackle Cancer night at its home game on Friday, Sept. 20, against the Apple Valley Eagles. Funds were raised through sales of t-shirts to nearly everyone in attendance and treat bags, sponsorships from businesses and donations from fans at the game. Luminary bags purchased for $5 each in honor or memory of someone with cancer lit up the walkways around the stadium.

Prior to the game, the Cadets remembered Mike Wright ‘82, who passed away earlier this year from cancer, with a moment of silence and his family participating in the honorary coin toss. Mike was the son of Mike Wright ‘56, brother of Adam Wright ‘96, father of Mike Wright ‘20, and uncle of Matthew Card ‘22, Ben Reppenhagen ‘20 and A.J. Card ‘18.

Molly Fenlon, whose son is a senior football player, led the committee responsible for the successful fundraiser.

She said the committee aimed to create a festive atmosphere at the evening’s game as well as help students understand the far-reaching effects of cancer on individuals, families and a community.

“It was neat to see the kids get engaged in the cause,” Fenlon said. “Tackle Cancer opened their eyes more to cancer and compelled the kids to help raise money because it’s the right thing to do – it’s what men do.”

For the Cadets, they need only to look to their head coach, Dan O’Brien, to know the toll cancer takes. O’Brien’s

son, Casey, a promising young athlete, was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer when he was 13. Casey has had multiple surgeries and countless rounds of chemotherapy through four bouts with the deadly disease. Today, Casey is cancer-free and a sophomore, walk-on placeholder for the University of Minnesota Gopher Football team. Against the odds, he fulfilled his dream of playing Big Ten football when he took his first snap on Oct. 19 against Rutgers University.

The Minnesota Coaches Football Association encourages high school and college football teams across the state to host a Tackle Cancer fundraiser during one home game each season.

The proceeds from Tackle Cancer benefit the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund, which supports the cancer community in Minnesota by funding research, prevention, treatment and other programs relating to the cancer community’s needs. One researcher who has received funding from Tackle Cancer proceeds is the University of Minnesota’s Dr. Branden Moriarty, who specializes in pediatric cancers and has devoted more than 12 years to studying osteosarcoma, the cancer that Casey O’Brien has faced repeatedly. The two were the subject of a KARE-11 feature.

As of Nov. 5, 2019, 100 of the 175 schools that participated in Tackle Cancer this fall have contributed nearly $250,000 to the Randy Shaver Cancer Fund, according to the organization. It predicts this year’s contributions will bring the cumulative total of Tackle Cancer fundraisers to $2 million since 2012.

Roseann Shaver of the Randy Shav-

The Saint Thomas Academy Cadets hosted Tackle Cancer night at its home game on Sept. 20 against the Apple Valley Eagles and raised $17,326 through sales of t-shirts and treat bags, sponsorships from businesses and donations from fans at the game. er Cancer Fund said, “What a wonderful effort in support of Minnesota’s Cancer community! Tackle Cancer has infused funding into our state by providing large research grants, added community outreach programs within the state of Minnesota and improved cancer technology at various hospitals. We can’t express in words how grateful we are to live in a community that believes in helping one another.”

About Saint Thomas Academy Founded in 1885, Saint Thomas Academy is an all-male, college preparatory, Catholic, military/leadership

school committed to preparing young men to succeed in college and in life.

The Academy challenges its students in grades 6-12 to excel academically, spiritually, morally and physically in and out of the classroom. It is fully accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS); a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Minnesota Association of Independent Schools (MAIS), and the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States (AMCSUS). For more information, please visit www.cadets.com.

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Star-Studded “Minnesota Sports Awards” to feature Star Tribune’s Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame inductees Gala event on Dec. 11 will include numerous award winners plus 2019 Hall of Fame inductees such as Randall McDaniel, John Randle, Lindsay Whalen and more MINNEAPOLIS – The six-member 2019 class of the Star Tribune Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame will be featured as part of the 3rd annual Minnesota Sports Awards on Dec. 11.

The awards gala, presented by Sports Minneapolis, will take place at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot and showcase top athletes and coaches from around the state. In addition, the Minnesota Sports Moment of the Year will be revealed, and former Minnesota Vikings Chief Operating Officer Kevin Warren will be honored with the inaugural Trailblazer Award. The public is welcome to attend and tickets are on sale now.

Sports Minneapolis and Star Tribune Media Co. are partnering to induct six legends into the Star Tribune Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame includes more than 70 inductees, and this year’s honorees are: John Gagliardi – For 60 years,

he was the head coach of the Saint John’s University football team.

During that time, he became the all-time winningest college football coach. Gagliardi ended his coaching career with a 489-138-11 (.775) record and was the first active head coach inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Willard Ikola – A member of three U.S. national teams and a silver medalist at the 1956 Winter Olympics, Ikola is best known for his amazing coaching record of 600140-38 (.796) and winning eight state high school tournament titles at Edina High School.

Randall McDaniel – Regarded as one of the finest offensive linemen in NFL history, McDaniel was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. His career included a streak of 202 consecutive starts and 12 straight Pro

Bowl berths.

Randy Moss – A 2018 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Moss played 14 seasons in the NFL and ended his career with 982 receptions for 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns. He received first-team All-Pro honors four times and was named to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000s.

John Randle – Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings in 1990, Randle became one of the NFL’s most dominant pass rushers. He amassed 137.5 sacks during his 14-year career and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

Lindsay Whalen – One of the top basketball players in Minnesota history, the Hutchinson native led the Gopher women’s team to its first-ever Final Four in 2004. She’s the winningest player in WNBA history, helped the Minnesota Lynx win four

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WNBA titles and won two Olympic gold medals.

On Dec. 11, Sports Minneapolis will also present its first-ever Trailblazer Award. Former Minnesota Vikings Chief Operating Officer and incoming Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren will be honored as the inaugural recipient.

In addition, based on nominations from sports fans from around the state, the winner of the Minnesota Sports Moment of the Year for the 2018-19 season will be announced.

Finalists include: - Henning boys’ basketball wins state championship - Minnesota Duluth captures second straight NCAA men’s hockey title - Minnesota Twins set MLB home run record - Saint John’s upsets St. Thomas in annual football rivalry game The 2019 Minnesota Sports Awards recognize the outstanding sports achievements and community involvement of individuals during the 2018-19 season, many of whom will be on hand for the evening’s awards ceremony (appearances by professional athletes may be subject to change). Created to shine a spotlight on the impact of sports throughout the state, awards will be presented in the following categories: - High School Athletes of the Year (Female/Male) - Collegiate Athletes of the Year (Female/Male) - Professional Athlete of the Year – presented by FOX Sports North - Coach of the Year - Courage Award – presented by TRIA - Trailblazer Award - Minnesota Sports Moment of the Year The public is invited to attend this event which includes a silent auction, dinner and an entertaining awards ceremony featuring athletes, coaches and high-profile Minnesota sports celebrities. Full details can be found at www.minneapolis.org/ sports-minneapolis/events/minnesota-sports-awards and tickets may be purchased online. A portion of the proceeds from the gala event will benefit the United Heroes League.

The 2019 Minnesota Sports Awards, presented by Sports Minneapolis, will be carried live by FOX Sports North across multiple digital platforms and rebroadcast at a later date.

10/15/19 1:47 PM

See details in this issue!

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NFL: Behind the Scenes How to become an NFL ref

by BERNIE KUKAR In the first article a few weeks ago, I tried to give you an idea of how you become an NFL official. This was a question that I was asked a number of times when I was an active official and still on the field. At that time, I was asked to present a description to various groups about the NFL and what it was like to officiate at the highest level of football. These groups consisted of Rotary Clubs, Elks Clubs, Legion Clubs, attorney groups, various church men’s clubs, and others. I would try to give them a behind the scenes look, much like these articles are attempting to do. At the end of my discussion, I would always open it up to questions from the audience. Invariably someone would always ask, “How do you get into something like that?” I hope I answered that question in the last issue. The next question asked would always be, “Once you get there, what do you do to get ready for the season and for each week’s games?” I will address that in this issue.

In preparing for the season during your first year in the league, in my day there was what was known as “The World League of Football.” This league was comprised of six teams in the U.S. and an equal number in Europe and Canada. They were made up of players who did not make the roster of either NFL teams or Canadian League teams – sort of a minor league of football. The NFL used this as a training ground for their new officials as they played by NFL rules and mechanics. This gave the new officials and those that were moving to new positions an opportunity to get acclimated to what goes on in the NFL games.

It was a good head start to the season as the games were always in the spring and early summer, and did not conflict

with the start of NFL training camps and preseason games.

In today’s world, the NFL has a different approach. They use a ‘taxi squad’ for potential officials from the college ranks. The way they find new officials for the NFL is they get recommendations from the various college conferences via their officiating supervisors, and if they meet the NFL’s standards, they are placed on this list and observed by league personnel during their college games. If they meet the standards, they then will be invited to the NFL preseason clinics and invited to NFL preseason games and will be just like another member of the officiating crew by working various games with that crew for probably one half. As openings occur on the NFL staff because of natural attrition, injuries and terminations, these ‘taxi squad’ officials will move into a full time position as an NFL official the following season.

To prepare for the season, you must maintain your physical condition, your mental condition, complete understanding of the NFL rule book, NFL mechanics and NFL philosophies. As I mentioned earlier, these are much different than NCAA topics of the same categories.

After the first year, it’s a little different. I will go through the schedule for the year. First of all, we are not part-time officials like you hear so many times. We are what I like to refer to as ‘full time with other jobs’. The season usually ends with the Super Bowl in early February. We then have the rest of February and part of March off. Preparation for the next season starts in about the third week of March when the various groups start getting together to discuss any possible rule changes for the coming season. We can make our suggestions to the competition committee which makes their

suggestions to the owners at their annual meetings. The owners have the final say of any rule changes for the next season via a vote by all owners.

If they get the approval from a certain percent of their group, that rule will be changed for the coming season. Such was the case this season for including pass interference in the replay system.

Once these changes are in, officials and/or league reps will meet with the various clubs to tell them what they are all about and how they will be officiated. The officials will also get a rules exam that they must complete and send back to the league. The various crews of the officials will then be decided for the coming year and they will generally meet in person or via conference calls with each crew to discuss the same things. That takes us all the way through June and up to the start of the NFL training camps in July.

The preseason games start around the first part of August and the regular season games start the first week after Labor Day. During all those things mentioned, the officials are all working on their physical conditioning as well as new rules discussions, reviews of last season’s games, film reviews, and more to see where they can make improvements in their performance.

So, as you can see, there isn’t much free time away from the games.

During the season to prepare for the next game, I would generally go over the game tape that we would get from the various TV networks that were televising that game as we walked out of the locker room to head for the airport. This would be the same thing that you watched at home. The referee would have to prepare a game report of all fouls, and any other thing he thinks should be on the report, for the league office in New York. This was generally given to the league rep who was at the game. We also get a

complete run down of every play with the clock time on it and a description of the play that occurred with a comment that included what the play was and down and distance for the next play.

For example: time – 12:13 seconds of 1st qtr, 5 yard run from the 30 yd line, 1st -10 at 35, penalty def offside, declined. I would review this report and tape on Mondays. The coaches’ tape, which was a shot from the end zone and the sidelines of every play of the games, were sent to us on Tuesdays for review. If we couldn’t find what we were looking for on the TV tape, we could find it on the coaches’ tape because many times the TV tape would only show what happens around the ball. On Wednesdays, we would get a call from the league office to discuss any discrepancies between what they think versus what I think along with the rest of the crew on fouls, non-fouls, mechanics, etc. Conference calls with other crew members on those topics were on Thursdays, Friday generally was a day off and Saturday was a travel day to get to the next site as well as go over all the things previously mentioned. Also, we would watch replay tapes sent out by the league office as well as our own game tapes that we mentioned earlier.

There is also a training tape that the league sends out to each crew which has excerpts from all the games of interesting plays that occurred the past week. The technology has changed, and all the above tapes are available to each official via computer. Now, of course, the game begins on Sunday and maybe Monday night as well as Thursday night. That is the most fun part – three hours of a truly enjoyable, and financially rewarding experience with some of the greatest guys on the planet!

2005 NFL Europe World Bowl Championship

by Ryan Dutton As teams make the final push towards their State Championship goals, I think back on a championship run that I was able to be a part of. In 2005 I had signed with the Seattle Seahawks of the NFL, after spending the previous season with the Cleveland Browns. NFL Europe was still up and running at this time, and the Seahawks allocated me to Europe to get some more playing time and film as a professional punter. Following training camp in Tampa, Fla., I was drafted by the Amsterdam Admirals and sent overseas to begin the season. The team was housed in a local hotel, which right off the bat is different from the NFL, where most players stay in their own separate housing off site.

Championship caliber teams are those that mesh and come together naturally, players get along and talents seem to just fit to the goals and direction of the team. Players buy in, play for each other, and the coaches can spend their time coaching, strategizing each week to play for the opponent at hand. I can remember how well our

2005 team got along, the time we spent together, and how we enjoyed playing with and for each other. It seemed as if everyone on that team had a chip on their shoulder to prove something, to prove to the team that allocated them they belonged. As I got to know more of the players, I could see they all came from solid backgrounds in regards to football, colleges with good coaches, and that our NFLE coaching staff did a quality job of recruiting and drafting good players and good people!

We had an awesome season rolling through the league that year on our way to a World Bowl showdown with the Berlin Thunder. I was the starting punter and holder for the team, and became very close friends with many of my teammates, ones that I still keep in touch with today. I was also able to learn a lot more about the offensive game and schemes. I played QB in college, and was the emergency QB on the 2005 Admirals, also getting to spend some time in practice as the scout team quarterback when we had a backup QB go down with an injury.

The 2005 World Bowl was up and down to the end. We were leading by six with a few minutes left. I came in

to complete a pooch punt that would pin the Thunder deep in their own end at the four yard line. They drove down the field and on the last play a pass into the end zone was batted down by one of our defensive backs. The team erupted and stormed the field. The stadium was going nuts! I can remember getting one of the Admirals flags and taking it to the corner of the end zone in front of all our fans and waving it with a linebacker who was next to me waving the American flag. I remember the moment I got to hold and raise the World Bowl ball, the trophy for the NFL Europe’s Championship! This was the first football championship that I had been a part of. I remembered thinking how much the work had been worth it, and telling myself to soak up the moment. I also remember watching the replay on TV, seeing ourselves celebrate and enjoy the fruit of our labor. The ring company was on hand in the locker room and fitted everyone for the championship rings that we were to receive, which I still have today and cherish those memories that were created.

Life is about the memories we create, the special moments that ce-

ment in our brains and we can come back to them at any time and they are just as clear as they were the moment it actually happened.Whether it’s in sports or in life, the times when people come together for a common goal and are willing to put the work in, are the times special things happen. When we look at successful teams, in any sport, you will see many of these common characteristics. Athletes that are willing to work hard and together and buy in to the team goals create championship caliber ballclubs. You hear it all the time in press conferences just after championship games, when the coach is asked about his or her team. More often than not you hear how special that team was, how they all bought into the common goal, and how hard they worked overcoming any adversities along the way.

Best of luck to all of those teams pursuing a Minnesota State High School Championship!

Ryan Dutton is a former NFL punter who is now a principal in Groveland, California. He played college football at MSU-Mankato.

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VIKINGS MOnday night stats Photos courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings

Monday Night Bests

Monday Night Record Won 29, Lost 33 (H: 17-9, A: 12-24)

10/26/70 W 13 L.A. Rams 3 9/20/71 W 16 at Detroit * 13 10/25/71 W 10 Baltimore 3 9/18/72 L 21 Washington * 24 10/23/72 L 10 at Chicago 13 11/19/73 L 14 at Atlanta 20 11/11/74 W 28 at St. Louis 24 10/27/75 W 13 at Chicago 9 10/4/76 W 17 Pittsburgh 6 11/29/76 L 16 at San Francisco 20 10/24/77 L 3 at L.A. Rams 35 9/11/78 W 12 Denver (OT) 9 9/25/78 W 24 at Chicago 20 10/15/79 L 7 at N.Y. Jets 14 9/14/81 L 10 Oakland 36 11/2/81 L 17 at Denver 19 11/23/81 L 30 at Atlanta 31 1/3/83 W 31 Dallas 27 12/5/83 L 2 at Detroit 13 10/26/87 W 34 Denver 27 12/19/88 W 28 Chicago 27 10/30/89 L 14 at N.Y. Giants 24 12/25/89 W 29 Cincinnati 21 10/15/90 L 24 at Philadelphia 32 11/11/91 L 17 Chicago 34 11/2/92 W 38 at Chicago 10 10/25/93 W 19 at Chicago 12 10/10/94 W 27 at N.Y. Giants 10 12/26/94 W 21 San Francisco 14 10/30/95 L 6 Chicago 14 12/18/95 L 30 at San Francisco 37 10/28/96 L 13 Chicago 15 12/1/97 L 11 Green Bay 27 10/5/98 W 37 at Green Bay 24 11/8/99 W 27 Dallas 17 12/6/99 L 27 Tampa Bay 24 12/20/99 W 24 Green Bay 20 10/9/00 W 30 Tampa Bay 23 11/6/00 L 20 at Green Bay (OT) 26 11/19/01 W 28 N.Y. Giants 16 1/7/02 L 3 at Baltimore 19 9/20/04 L 16 at Philadelphia 27 11/8/04 L 28 at Indianapolis 31 11/21/05 W 20 at Green Bay 17 9/11/06 W 16 at Washington * 13 10/30/06 L 7 New England 31 12/17/07 W 20 Chicago 13 9/8/08 L 19 at Green Bay * 24 10/6/08 W 30 at New Orleans 27 10/5/09 W 30 Green Bay 23 12/28/09 L 30 at Chicago (OT) 36 10/11/10 L 20 at N.Y. Jets 29 12/13/10 L 3 N.Y. Giants+ 21 12/20/10 L 14 Chicago# 40 11/14/11 L 7 at Green Bay 45 10/21/13 L 7 at N.Y. Giants 23 9/14/15 L 3 at San Francisco * 20 10/3/16 W 24 NY Giants 10 10/31/16 L 10 at Chicago 20 9/11/17 W 29 New Orleans * 19 10/9/17 W 20 at Chicago 17 12/10/18 L 7 at Seattle 21 + Game played at Ford Field in Detroit (scheduled for 12/12/10, moved due to weather-related Metrodome collapse) # Game played at TCF Bank Stadium, U of M

RUSHING ATTEMPTS 31 Chester Taylor 29 Ted Brown 27 Chuck Foreman

at Was., 9/11/06 vs. Dal., 1/3/83 vs. Pit., 10/4/76

RUSHING YARDS 148 Chuck Foreman 127 Dalvin Cook 122 Robert Smith 122 Mewelde Moore

vs. Pit., 10/4/76 vs. N.O., 9/11/17 at G.B., 11/6/00 at G.B., 11/21/05

RUSHING TDs 3 D.J. Dozier 2 Chuck Foreman 2 Adrian Peterson 2 Adrian Peterson

vs. Den., 10/26/87 vs. Pit., 10/4/76 at Chi., 12/28/09 vs. Chi., 12/17/07

LONG RUNS 72 Darrin Nelson 58 Jerick McKinnon 34 Adrian Peterson 33 Dalvin Cook

vs. Den., 10/26/87 @ Chi., 10/9/17 @ G.B., 9/8/08 vs. N.O., 9/11/17

PASSING ATTEMPTS 53 Josh Freeman 48 Tommy Kramer 47 Tommy Kramer 47 Daunte Culpepper

at NYG, 10/21/13 at NYJ, 10/15/79 at Atl., 11/23/81 at Phi., 9/20/04

PASSING COMPLETIONS 37 Daunte Culpepper 28 Tommy Kramer

at Phi., 9/20/04 at NYJ, 10/15/79

PASSING YARDS 442 Randall Cunningham at G.B., 10/5/98 343 Daunte Culpepper at Phi., 9/20/04 330 Tommy Kramer at Atl., 11/23/81 PASSING TDs 4 Tommy Kramer at Atl., 11/23/81 4 Randall Cunningham at G.B., 10/5/98 4 Daunte Culpepper vs. NYG, 11/19/01 PASSER RATING 145.9 Randall Cunningham at G.B., 10/5/98 134.3 Brett Favre vs. G.B., 10/9/09 RECEPTIONS 12 Cris Carter 11 Jake Reed 10 Randy Moss 10 Cris Carter

at S.F., 12/18/95 vs. Chi., 10/28/96 vs. NYG, 11/19/01 vs. NYG, 11/19/01

RECEIVING YARDS 190 Randy Moss 171 Randy Moss 157 Adam Thielen

at G.B., 10/5/98 vs. NYG, 11/19/01 vs. N.O., 9/11/17

RECEIVING TDs 3 Randy Moss

vs. NYG, 11/19/01

LONGEST FGs 53 Ryan Longwell 52 Fred Cox

at N.O., 10/6/08 at Chi., 10/27/75

FGs MADE 5 Rich Karlis 4 Rick Danmeier

vs. Cinn., 12/25/89 vs. Denver, 9/11/78

LONG KICKOFF RETURNS 99t Eddie Payton vs. Oak., 9/14/81 71 Qadry Ismail at S.F., 12/18/95 69 Cordarrelle Patterson at NYG, 10/21/13 LONG PUNT RETURNS 91t Nate Burleson 86t Marcus Sherels

at Ind., 11/8/04 at NYG, 10/21/13

SACKS 4.5 Jared Allen 4.0 Chris Doleman

vs. G.B., 10/5/09 vs. Cin., 12/25/89

INTERCEPTIONS 2 Robert Griffith 2 Jack Del Rio 2 Nate Allen 2 Ed Sharockman

at G.B., 10/5/98 at Chi., 11/2/92 vs. Pit., 10/4/76 vs. Bal., 10/25/71

LONG INTERCEPTION RETURNS 94t Walker Lee Ashley vs. Chi., 12/19/88 84t Jack Del Rio at Chi., 11/2/92 TACKLES 16 Antoine Winfield 15 Jack Del Rio

at Ind., 11/8/04 at NYG, 10/10/94

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GAME OF THE WEEK BROADCAST November 29: Prep Bowl - 6A Final

Tune in for Minnesota Score Radio’s high school football Game of the Week broadcast on AM 1440 in the Twin Cities, online at minnesotascore.com

Games at 7pm except where noted.

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Celebrate all things football

PRESENTED BY

MINNESOTA HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STAR GAME

Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 • U.S. Bank Stadium Featuring the best high school players facing off in the

47th Minnesota High School All Star Game!

KICKOFF 1:05 P.M.* • Youth clinics • Autographs from Vikings Legends and current players • High school marching band performances • Cheer and dance team performances • Plus much more! *Players and time subject to change without notice

MINNESOTA FOOTBALL SHOWCASE TICKETS Adults - $18 • Youth (age 6 - 17) - $8 Kids (5 and under) - FREE All proceeds go to the MFCA and the Tackle Cancer Campaign.

For more info, visit Vikings.com/showcase