November 26 marks the 60th anniversary of a landmark game show that would be the genesis of a long running classic revival that's still on the air today, The Price is Right.
The Price is Right was the creation of a producer who was hired by packagers Mark Goodson and Bill Todman to develop new shows, Bob Stewart. He would also create the original To Tell the Truth and Password, which would also be landmark shows.
The show was hosted by Bill Cullen, who was also a panelist on another Goodson-Todman hit show I've Got a Secret and the announcer was NBC staff voice Don Pardo, who was best known for the phrases "It could be yours if the price is right" and when mentioning the name of the company of the prize, he would say "Price authority..."
The game was a lot different from what viewers see today on CBS. In the original version, four contestants sat behind tote machines (manufactured by the American Totalizer Company) and made their bid on the featured item. After the first round of bidding, a contestant could bid or freeze. That led to the studio audience shouting "Higher! Lower! Freeze!" After the bids were in the price was revealed and the contestant who came the closest without going over would win the item. If all the contestants overbid, nobody won the prize.
Frequently, a bell would ring after a contestant won a prize that indicated that he/she won a bonus prize. The bonuses came from Stewart's imagination and they included a ferris wheel, a live peacock to go with a color TV, bit parts in TV shows and a mile of hot dogs. One bonus prize was an elephant and it inspired a Simpsons episode when Bart won an elephant in a radio contest.
Several rounds of bidding continued and the contestant who won the most in prizes would return on the next show as champion. Home viewers would also get a chance to send in their bids on showcases with the post card that comes close to the total price of the showcase without going over would be the winner.
The Price is Right was a hit in daytime for NBC and it would also be popular in prime time. It was a premise that home viewers could identify with and that was shopping that enabled them to play along. But in 1963, the ratings began to slip and the network cancelled the show. But lo and behold, the show would return without interruption as ABC picked up the show and aired it in daytime as well as prime time.
When the show moved to ABC, a couple of changes took place. The first was a celebrity guest who played for a home viewer or a member of the studio audience. Second, because Pardo was under contract to NBC, he couldn't continue as announcer so the producers needed to replace him and they did with Johnny Gilbert. Gilbert also served as a substitute host for Cullen on June 19, 1964.
It was also in 1964 that Stewart would leave Goodson-Todman to start his own production company. It would also be a shark jump for the show as it lost its creative force. But by the middle of 1965, the show had run its course and on September 3, 1965, The Price is Right was cancelled by ABC. It would be replaced by a talk show titled The Young Set that would last only 15 weeks before giving way to two new game shows, Supermarket Sweep and the first from Chuck Barris that would be a hit The Dating Game.
In the aftermath of The Price is Right's cancellation, Stewart would hire Cullen to host his first game show Eye Guess that debuted on January 3, 1966. Pardo would go on to announce other shows on NBC, including the original Jeopardy with Art Fleming and a show that would become his longest running stint Saturday Night Live. Gilbert would go on to announce many game shows and his voice is still heard today at the age of 92 on the current version of Jeopardy with Alex Trebek.
As for The Price is Right, it would return to television after seven years on September 4, 1972 in a totally overhauled version after Goodson felt the old format was no longer viable. It would become television's longest running game show that was first hosted by Bob Barker and now under the guidance of Drew Carey that still draws high ratings to this day. But 60 years ago, The original Price is Right would be the birth of a game show classic.
Saturday, November 26, 2016
Elk River Elks Run Away With Class AAAAA State Title
The best way to describe Saturday's Class AAAAA championship game would be to quote the title of a 1964 song by the Mankato group The Gestures "Run Run Baby" because that's all Nicholas Rice did as he scored three touchdowns and ran for 242 yards to lead the Elk River Elks to a 42-14 win over the Spring Lake Park Panthers at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
It was the first state title for the Elks in their 125 year football history in their second trip to the Prep Bowl. Their last trip came in 1990 when they lost to the Anoka Tornadoes in the Class AA final.
Sam Gibas would score Elk River's only first quarter touchdown as he dashed into the end zone from 60 yards. The Elks took a 7-0 lead.
Sherrod Kphan would begin the second quarter scoring for the Elks with a 50 yard touchdown run. Then it was Rice's turn to fry the Panther defense as he ran like he was headed up Highway 169 as he scored his first two touchdowns. The first came from 48 yards and the second was a 54 yard sprint. Elk River led at halftime 27-0.
There would be no shutout for the Elks in the third quarter as the Panthers erased the yellow zero from the giant US Bank Stadium scoreboard on Nick Robinson's one yard touchdown run. Rice would reach the end zone a third time, scoring from 49 yards to give Elk River a 34-7 lead.
Even the Elk River reserves got into the box score as Noah Weege, who replace Blake Hills at quarterback, scored on a 30 yard keeper touchdown. Zachary Ojile also kept the ball for a touchdown, scoring from four yards with 1:07 left to play.
The Elks did not attempt a single pass in the Class AAAAA final. In addition to rice's 242 yards, Sam Gibas ran 11 times for 105 yards. The Panthers were led by Mark Buley's 11 carries for 118 yards.
Former Minnesota Golden Gopher and Indianapolis Colt Ben Utecht sang the National Anthem prior to the start of the game.
Elk River concluded their season with a record of 13-0 and Spring Lake Park ended the season at 12-1. The last time Elk River had an undefeated season was 1947.
It was the first state title for the Elks in their 125 year football history in their second trip to the Prep Bowl. Their last trip came in 1990 when they lost to the Anoka Tornadoes in the Class AA final.
Sam Gibas would score Elk River's only first quarter touchdown as he dashed into the end zone from 60 yards. The Elks took a 7-0 lead.
Sherrod Kphan would begin the second quarter scoring for the Elks with a 50 yard touchdown run. Then it was Rice's turn to fry the Panther defense as he ran like he was headed up Highway 169 as he scored his first two touchdowns. The first came from 48 yards and the second was a 54 yard sprint. Elk River led at halftime 27-0.
There would be no shutout for the Elks in the third quarter as the Panthers erased the yellow zero from the giant US Bank Stadium scoreboard on Nick Robinson's one yard touchdown run. Rice would reach the end zone a third time, scoring from 49 yards to give Elk River a 34-7 lead.
Even the Elk River reserves got into the box score as Noah Weege, who replace Blake Hills at quarterback, scored on a 30 yard keeper touchdown. Zachary Ojile also kept the ball for a touchdown, scoring from four yards with 1:07 left to play.
The Elks did not attempt a single pass in the Class AAAAA final. In addition to rice's 242 yards, Sam Gibas ran 11 times for 105 yards. The Panthers were led by Mark Buley's 11 carries for 118 yards.
Former Minnesota Golden Gopher and Indianapolis Colt Ben Utecht sang the National Anthem prior to the start of the game.
Elk River concluded their season with a record of 13-0 and Spring Lake Park ended the season at 12-1. The last time Elk River had an undefeated season was 1947.
Rochester Lourdes Eagles Regain Class AAA State Title
After a year's hiatus from The Prep Bowl, the Rochester Lourdes Eagles returned to the Class AAA championship game and got two touchdowns from Jake Groteboer that included the game winner with :25 left to play which led them to a 42-35 win over the St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders Saturday afternoon at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
It was the fourth state title for the Eagles and their first since 2014 in their 12th trip to state.
In the first quarter, Carter Greguson set the tables for Rochester Lourdes by intercepting an Isaac Tietz pass and the Eagles cashed in with an 11 yard touchdown pass from Noah Hillman to Matthew Ustby to put them ahead 6-0.
The second quarter went back and forth like traffic going down the West St. Paul section of Robert St. The Crusaders would strike first on a 31 yard touchdown pass from Tietz to Garett Maag. Greguson would play a big role in the Eagles next score as he picked up his second interception and scored on a 24 yard run up the middle. Mike Stern would score for St. Croix Lutheran on a two yard run with 1:29 left in the first half. Both teams would tally in the first half's final minute. Greguson would score his second touchdown on a 30 yard pass from Hillman with :35 to go for the Eagles and the Crusaders would end the half with a one yard touchdown run from Daniel Rust. The halftime score was all even at 21.
The score would stay tied in the third quarter as both teams would score a touchdown. Rochester Lourdes got their score that started when Chol Angok recovered a St. Croix Lutheran fumble and finished with Groteboer's second touchdown, an eight yard run. Rust would score his second touchdown as time expired in the third quarter on a four yard run. It was 28-28 at the end of the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Hillman also excelled on defense, intercepting Tietz's pass at the Eagle one yard line. He would later put Rochester Lourdes ahead with a 66 yard keeper touchdown. The Crusaders would tie the game at 35 as Rust scored his third touchdown on a 37 yard run with 5:29 left in regulation time. Would there be a championship overtime game since the Class AA final in 2014? Not according to Eagle head coach Mike Kesler's trickery. Hillman threw a completion to Ed Caples, who lateraled to Pat Leary and Leary threw to Greguson and he was brought down at the Crusader five yard line. On the next play, Greguson scored the eventual game winning touchdown. St. Croix Lutheran had a chance tosend the game into overtime or go for the win but Tietz fumbled and it was recovered by Angok to clinch the win.
Hillman was 12 for 16 for 270 yards and had 102 rushing yards for the Eagles. Greguson caught five passes for 127 yards. The Crusaders were led by Rust's 17 carries for 134 yards and Stern had 23 carries for 109 yards.
Rochester Lourdes ended their season with a 13-0 record and St. Croix Lutheran concluded their season at 12-1.
It was the fourth state title for the Eagles and their first since 2014 in their 12th trip to state.
In the first quarter, Carter Greguson set the tables for Rochester Lourdes by intercepting an Isaac Tietz pass and the Eagles cashed in with an 11 yard touchdown pass from Noah Hillman to Matthew Ustby to put them ahead 6-0.
The second quarter went back and forth like traffic going down the West St. Paul section of Robert St. The Crusaders would strike first on a 31 yard touchdown pass from Tietz to Garett Maag. Greguson would play a big role in the Eagles next score as he picked up his second interception and scored on a 24 yard run up the middle. Mike Stern would score for St. Croix Lutheran on a two yard run with 1:29 left in the first half. Both teams would tally in the first half's final minute. Greguson would score his second touchdown on a 30 yard pass from Hillman with :35 to go for the Eagles and the Crusaders would end the half with a one yard touchdown run from Daniel Rust. The halftime score was all even at 21.
The score would stay tied in the third quarter as both teams would score a touchdown. Rochester Lourdes got their score that started when Chol Angok recovered a St. Croix Lutheran fumble and finished with Groteboer's second touchdown, an eight yard run. Rust would score his second touchdown as time expired in the third quarter on a four yard run. It was 28-28 at the end of the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Hillman also excelled on defense, intercepting Tietz's pass at the Eagle one yard line. He would later put Rochester Lourdes ahead with a 66 yard keeper touchdown. The Crusaders would tie the game at 35 as Rust scored his third touchdown on a 37 yard run with 5:29 left in regulation time. Would there be a championship overtime game since the Class AA final in 2014? Not according to Eagle head coach Mike Kesler's trickery. Hillman threw a completion to Ed Caples, who lateraled to Pat Leary and Leary threw to Greguson and he was brought down at the Crusader five yard line. On the next play, Greguson scored the eventual game winning touchdown. St. Croix Lutheran had a chance tosend the game into overtime or go for the win but Tietz fumbled and it was recovered by Angok to clinch the win.
Hillman was 12 for 16 for 270 yards and had 102 rushing yards for the Eagles. Greguson caught five passes for 127 yards. The Crusaders were led by Rust's 17 carries for 134 yards and Stern had 23 carries for 109 yards.
Rochester Lourdes ended their season with a 13-0 record and St. Croix Lutheran concluded their season at 12-1.
Mpls. North Polars Win Class A Championship
The Minneapolis North Polars bounced back from last year's Class A final loss to the Minneota Vikings thanks to an offensive and defensive touchdown from Taylor Johnson that led them to a xxxx win over the Rushford-Peterson Trojans Saturday at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
The Polars won their first state football title in their sixth trip to the state tournament and became the first school from the Minneapolis City Conference to win a state football championship since Washburn in 1977.
It took only the second play from scrimmage for the Trojans to open the scoring. Noah Carlson broke through the offensive line and surged 74 yards to give Rushford-Peterson a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Taylor Johnson showcased his talents on both sides of the football. He would score a pair of touchdowns. The first came on a 13 yard pass from Azerick Rodgers near the right sideline to put the Polars in front 8-7. The second came off a Carlson fumble that the junior recovered and scored a 56 yard touchdown. Carlson shook off the turnover and hauled in an 11 yard pass from Landon Skalet that barely got inside the pylon. Mpls. North led at halftime 16-14.
The Polars capped a 14 play drive that took 6:28 off the third quarter clock when sophomore Kehyan Porter went up the middle for an eight yard touchdown run. Mpls. North led 22-14 at the end of the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Polars put the finishing touches on their first state title when Rodgers on fourth and goal fired a 13 yard touchdown pass to Corleon Powell.
Nazir El Amin was the leading rusher for Mpls. North with 11 carries for 70 yards. Carlson led the Rushford-Peterson rushing attack with 27 carries for 161 yards.
The Polars end their season with a 13-0 record and the Trojans conclude their season with a record of 12-2.
The Polars won their first state football title in their sixth trip to the state tournament and became the first school from the Minneapolis City Conference to win a state football championship since Washburn in 1977.
It took only the second play from scrimmage for the Trojans to open the scoring. Noah Carlson broke through the offensive line and surged 74 yards to give Rushford-Peterson a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Taylor Johnson showcased his talents on both sides of the football. He would score a pair of touchdowns. The first came on a 13 yard pass from Azerick Rodgers near the right sideline to put the Polars in front 8-7. The second came off a Carlson fumble that the junior recovered and scored a 56 yard touchdown. Carlson shook off the turnover and hauled in an 11 yard pass from Landon Skalet that barely got inside the pylon. Mpls. North led at halftime 16-14.
The Polars capped a 14 play drive that took 6:28 off the third quarter clock when sophomore Kehyan Porter went up the middle for an eight yard touchdown run. Mpls. North led 22-14 at the end of the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Polars put the finishing touches on their first state title when Rodgers on fourth and goal fired a 13 yard touchdown pass to Corleon Powell.
Nazir El Amin was the leading rusher for Mpls. North with 11 carries for 70 yards. Carlson led the Rushford-Peterson rushing attack with 27 carries for 161 yards.
The Polars end their season with a 13-0 record and the Trojans conclude their season with a record of 12-2.
Friday, November 25, 2016
It's State Title Number Ten for Totino-Grace Eagles
For the second time this season, it was a "Battle of the Eagles" that was highlighted by Gaylor Flomo's two touchdowns that included the game winner with 5:28 left to play to lead Totino-Grace to a 28-20 win over Eden Prairie in the Class AAAAAA championship game Friday night at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
It was the 10th state title for the Fridley based school in their 26th trip to the state tournament. It was also a rematch of the season opener on September 1 where Totino-Grace held off Eden Prairie 17-14.
Eden Prairie would score the only touchdown of the first quarter as Kyle Connolly fielded a punt and scampered down the field like he was headed for Highway 212 and scored on an 86 yard return.
It looked like there would be no scoring in the second quarter. Totino-Grace got deep in Eden Prairie territory and Flomo scored on a one yard run with :11 left in the half. Both teams would head to the locker room with the halftime score even at seven.
Defense would prevail for Eden Prairie in the third quarter when Devionne Young sacked Totino-Grace quarterback Kyle Halverson. On the offensive end of the football, sophomore quarterback Cole Kramer threw a 28 yard touchdown pass to Connolly to put Eden Prairie ahead 14-7.
On to the fourth quarter. Could Eden Prairie avenge the early season loss to Totino-Grace? Not on a cold November night in downtown Minneapolis. Totino-Grace got a break when a fourth and one situation resulted in a first down due to an encroachment penalty against Eden Prairie. Halverson made the most of the opportunity and threw a two yard touchdown pass to Rocky Kreuser to even the game at 14. Flomo would score his second touchdown from one yard to put Totino-Grace ahead and they would get the ball back on a fumble recovery by Shawn Pryzbilla. Ivan Burlak would score from two yards to clinch the state title. Eden Prairie would tally on the game's final drive as Carlos Williams scored on a seven yard run just as the clock hit zero.
Burlak led Totino-Grace with 161 rushing yards on 24 carries. Connolly led Eden Prairie with sven completions for 109 yards.
Totino-Grace ended their season with a 13-0 record and Eden Prairie finished with an 11-2 record.
It was the 10th state title for the Fridley based school in their 26th trip to the state tournament. It was also a rematch of the season opener on September 1 where Totino-Grace held off Eden Prairie 17-14.
Eden Prairie would score the only touchdown of the first quarter as Kyle Connolly fielded a punt and scampered down the field like he was headed for Highway 212 and scored on an 86 yard return.
It looked like there would be no scoring in the second quarter. Totino-Grace got deep in Eden Prairie territory and Flomo scored on a one yard run with :11 left in the half. Both teams would head to the locker room with the halftime score even at seven.
Defense would prevail for Eden Prairie in the third quarter when Devionne Young sacked Totino-Grace quarterback Kyle Halverson. On the offensive end of the football, sophomore quarterback Cole Kramer threw a 28 yard touchdown pass to Connolly to put Eden Prairie ahead 14-7.
On to the fourth quarter. Could Eden Prairie avenge the early season loss to Totino-Grace? Not on a cold November night in downtown Minneapolis. Totino-Grace got a break when a fourth and one situation resulted in a first down due to an encroachment penalty against Eden Prairie. Halverson made the most of the opportunity and threw a two yard touchdown pass to Rocky Kreuser to even the game at 14. Flomo would score his second touchdown from one yard to put Totino-Grace ahead and they would get the ball back on a fumble recovery by Shawn Pryzbilla. Ivan Burlak would score from two yards to clinch the state title. Eden Prairie would tally on the game's final drive as Carlos Williams scored on a seven yard run just as the clock hit zero.
Burlak led Totino-Grace with 161 rushing yards on 24 carries. Connolly led Eden Prairie with sven completions for 109 yards.
Totino-Grace ended their season with a 13-0 record and Eden Prairie finished with an 11-2 record.
BSM Red Knights Lose Floyd Gain Class AAAA State Title
When Benilde-St. Margaret's lost their leading running back Ricky Floyd to an injury in the first quarter, it was Liam Ford who picked up the slack as he ran for two touchdowns and made an interception with 1:26 left to play to lead the Red Knights to a 31-28 win over the Winona Winhawks Friday night in the Class AAAA championship game at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
It was the first state football title for the St. Louis Park based school in its fourth trip to state.
The Winhawks almost got the early lead when Alex Franzwa's 67 yard run. But the Red Knights defense kept Winona out of the end zone when they stopped them at the four yard line. BSM would go in front 3-0 on Alex Houlihan's 31 yard field goal with :52 left in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the lead went back and forth like a pendulum on a grandfather clock. The Winhawks scored first on Riley Hostetter's 37 yard touchdown pass to Dakota Matthees. The Red Knights regained the lead on a 31 yard touchdown pass from Will Whitmore to Matt Brooks. It was now Winona's turn to reach the end zone as Hostetter threw another 37 yard touchdown pass, this time to Dan Jonsgaard. BSM got scoring help from their defense when John Whitmore intercepted Hostetter for a 64 yard pick six. The Winhawks took the lead on Hostetter's third touchdown pass of the game. This time his target was Jonah Boelter as he hauled in a 45 yard pass. Winona led 21-17 at the half.
BSM would vault back into the lead in the third quarter on Ford's two yard touchdown run on fourth and two. The Red Knights would go into the fourth quarter with a 28-24 lead.
The orange and black clad fans from Winona got good news in the fourth quarter when Matthees gave the Winhawks the lead on his second 37 yard touchdown reception that came from Terrell Hall. The Red Knights would forge ahead on Ford's 24 yard touchdown run with 4:50 left in regulation time. Could Winona bring their first title trophy down the Mississippi River? The answer would be no as Ford intercepted Bostetter's pass with 1:26 left to clinch the championship.
Ford led BSM with 18 carries for 81 yards. Matthees led Winona with three receptions for 97 yards.
The Winahwks ended their season with a record of 11-2 and the Red Knights finished 10-3
It was the first state football title for the St. Louis Park based school in its fourth trip to state.
The Winhawks almost got the early lead when Alex Franzwa's 67 yard run. But the Red Knights defense kept Winona out of the end zone when they stopped them at the four yard line. BSM would go in front 3-0 on Alex Houlihan's 31 yard field goal with :52 left in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the lead went back and forth like a pendulum on a grandfather clock. The Winhawks scored first on Riley Hostetter's 37 yard touchdown pass to Dakota Matthees. The Red Knights regained the lead on a 31 yard touchdown pass from Will Whitmore to Matt Brooks. It was now Winona's turn to reach the end zone as Hostetter threw another 37 yard touchdown pass, this time to Dan Jonsgaard. BSM got scoring help from their defense when John Whitmore intercepted Hostetter for a 64 yard pick six. The Winhawks took the lead on Hostetter's third touchdown pass of the game. This time his target was Jonah Boelter as he hauled in a 45 yard pass. Winona led 21-17 at the half.
BSM would vault back into the lead in the third quarter on Ford's two yard touchdown run on fourth and two. The Red Knights would go into the fourth quarter with a 28-24 lead.
The orange and black clad fans from Winona got good news in the fourth quarter when Matthees gave the Winhawks the lead on his second 37 yard touchdown reception that came from Terrell Hall. The Red Knights would forge ahead on Ford's 24 yard touchdown run with 4:50 left in regulation time. Could Winona bring their first title trophy down the Mississippi River? The answer would be no as Ford intercepted Bostetter's pass with 1:26 left to clinch the championship.
Ford led BSM with 18 carries for 81 yards. Matthees led Winona with three receptions for 97 yards.
The Winahwks ended their season with a record of 11-2 and the Red Knights finished 10-3
Caledonia Warriors Cruise to Class AA Championship
The Goergen family was ready for action Friday as Andrew and Alex scored two touchdowns apiece to lead the Caledonia Warriors walloped the Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles 61-12 in the Class AA championship game at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
It was the second consecutive state title and eighth overall for the southeast Minnesota school. It was also the 11th time in 14 games that Caledonia as scored more than 40 points.
In the first quarter the combination of Owen King and Jordan Burg connected for the Warriors first two touchdowns. The first was a 17 yard completion and the second came after King was pressured by the Eagle defense and came through with a 39 yard touchdown pass to Burg. But the junior quarterback was not done yet. King lofted a 23 yard pass to Andrew Goergen and he reached the end zone to give Caledonia a 20-0 lead.
The Warriors would add three more touchdowns in the second quarter. The first would come following Ben McCabe's 78 yard punt return that would result in King's fourth touchdown pass of the game, a three yard strike to Andrew Goergen. McCabe would also factor into to the Caledonia scoring equation with a one yard touchdown run. Then it was Alex Goergen's turn to score as he hauled in a 13 yard pass from King and it was a 40-0 Warrior halftime lead.
McCabe would score Caledonia's first two touchdowns of the third quarter. On his first, he would go around right end and score from four yards. He would score his third touchdown of the game on a 10 yard run. Eden Valley-Watkins wouldn't let their trip down Highway 55 go for naught as Reese Jansen fired a 31 touchdown pass to Matt Schindler and it was 54-7 Warriors at the end of the third quarter.
Both teams would enter the end zone in the fourth quarter. Caledonia would score on Alex Goergen's one yard touchdown run. Back up quarterback Jack Bates got his turn in the US Bank Stadium spotlight for Eden Valley-Watkins with a 55 yard touchdown pass to Ethan Moore.
King completed 17 of 25 passes for 328 yards and Sam Barthel had three completions for 16 yards to lead the Warriors. The Eagles were led by Jansen who ha 12 of 30 completions for 117 yards and ran nine times for 72 yards.
Caledonia concludes their season with a 14-0 record and Eden Valley-Watkins finishes with a record of 11-2.
At halftime, Bob Meslow, the Minnesota State High School League supervisor of football officials was honored for his 41 years of service to the league. Meslow is retiring after this season.
It was the second consecutive state title and eighth overall for the southeast Minnesota school. It was also the 11th time in 14 games that Caledonia as scored more than 40 points.
In the first quarter the combination of Owen King and Jordan Burg connected for the Warriors first two touchdowns. The first was a 17 yard completion and the second came after King was pressured by the Eagle defense and came through with a 39 yard touchdown pass to Burg. But the junior quarterback was not done yet. King lofted a 23 yard pass to Andrew Goergen and he reached the end zone to give Caledonia a 20-0 lead.
The Warriors would add three more touchdowns in the second quarter. The first would come following Ben McCabe's 78 yard punt return that would result in King's fourth touchdown pass of the game, a three yard strike to Andrew Goergen. McCabe would also factor into to the Caledonia scoring equation with a one yard touchdown run. Then it was Alex Goergen's turn to score as he hauled in a 13 yard pass from King and it was a 40-0 Warrior halftime lead.
McCabe would score Caledonia's first two touchdowns of the third quarter. On his first, he would go around right end and score from four yards. He would score his third touchdown of the game on a 10 yard run. Eden Valley-Watkins wouldn't let their trip down Highway 55 go for naught as Reese Jansen fired a 31 touchdown pass to Matt Schindler and it was 54-7 Warriors at the end of the third quarter.
Both teams would enter the end zone in the fourth quarter. Caledonia would score on Alex Goergen's one yard touchdown run. Back up quarterback Jack Bates got his turn in the US Bank Stadium spotlight for Eden Valley-Watkins with a 55 yard touchdown pass to Ethan Moore.
King completed 17 of 25 passes for 328 yards and Sam Barthel had three completions for 16 yards to lead the Warriors. The Eagles were led by Jansen who ha 12 of 30 completions for 117 yards and ran nine times for 72 yards.
Caledonia concludes their season with a 14-0 record and Eden Valley-Watkins finishes with a record of 11-2.
At halftime, Bob Meslow, the Minnesota State High School League supervisor of football officials was honored for his 41 years of service to the league. Meslow is retiring after this season.
Grand Meadow Superlarks Super Again
Christopher Bain was the bane of the Cleveland Clipper defense, rushing for 278 yards and scoring four touchdowns to lead the Grand Meadow Superlarks to a 41-21 win in the Nine Man championship game Friday at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
It was the fourth consecutive state title for Grand Meadow and the Superlarks 50th straight win. Grand Meadow is the first school to win four state titles in a row since Caledonia from 2009-12 and the third school in state history to reach 50 straight wins. The other two schools are Stephen-Argyle Central with 76 from 2003-08 and Minneapolis Washburn with 60 from 1966-73.
Now to the game. The Superlarks struck first as Brenn Olson threw a 24 yard touchdown pass to Wes Ojulu. Bain would put Grand Meadow ahead by 14 when he went around left end and scored n a 11 yard run. The Clippers got on the scoreboard following Carter Kopet's 59 yard touchdown pass to Austin Plonsky. It would be 14-7 Superlarks at the end of the first quarter.
Both teams would tally in the second quarter. Grand Meadow scored on Bain's second touchdown, a three yard run up the middle. Cleveland would respond as Kopet, a starter since eighth grade, fired a 61 yard touchdown pass to freshman Jamal Zishka. The Superlarks led 20-14 at halftime.
The third quarter would begin in a grand way for Grand Meadow. Bain got the hand off from Olson and ran like he was headed toward I-90, scoring from 78 yards. The senior running back would also reach the end zone for the fourth time, going up the middle from seven yards. Kopet would record his third touchdown pass, throwing a one yard completion to Evan Koppelman. The Superlarks led 34-21 after three quarters.
Grand Meadow would solidify their lead on Olson's seven yard keeper touchdown and that would be the only scoring in the fourth quarter.
Kopet completed 22 of 34 passes for 238 yards for Cleveland. Plonsky caught nine passes for 117 yards. In the total yardage department,Grand Meadow outgained Cleveland 468-320.
The Superlarks concluded their season 14-0 and the Clippers finished with a 13-1 record.
It was the fourth consecutive state title for Grand Meadow and the Superlarks 50th straight win. Grand Meadow is the first school to win four state titles in a row since Caledonia from 2009-12 and the third school in state history to reach 50 straight wins. The other two schools are Stephen-Argyle Central with 76 from 2003-08 and Minneapolis Washburn with 60 from 1966-73.
Now to the game. The Superlarks struck first as Brenn Olson threw a 24 yard touchdown pass to Wes Ojulu. Bain would put Grand Meadow ahead by 14 when he went around left end and scored n a 11 yard run. The Clippers got on the scoreboard following Carter Kopet's 59 yard touchdown pass to Austin Plonsky. It would be 14-7 Superlarks at the end of the first quarter.
Both teams would tally in the second quarter. Grand Meadow scored on Bain's second touchdown, a three yard run up the middle. Cleveland would respond as Kopet, a starter since eighth grade, fired a 61 yard touchdown pass to freshman Jamal Zishka. The Superlarks led 20-14 at halftime.
The third quarter would begin in a grand way for Grand Meadow. Bain got the hand off from Olson and ran like he was headed toward I-90, scoring from 78 yards. The senior running back would also reach the end zone for the fourth time, going up the middle from seven yards. Kopet would record his third touchdown pass, throwing a one yard completion to Evan Koppelman. The Superlarks led 34-21 after three quarters.
Grand Meadow would solidify their lead on Olson's seven yard keeper touchdown and that would be the only scoring in the fourth quarter.
Kopet completed 22 of 34 passes for 238 yards for Cleveland. Plonsky caught nine passes for 117 yards. In the total yardage department,Grand Meadow outgained Cleveland 468-320.
The Superlarks concluded their season 14-0 and the Clippers finished with a 13-1 record.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
2016 Prep Bowl Preview Part Two
After previewing the four Prep Bowl championship games on Friday in Part One, here's a preview of the three finals that will take place on Saturday, November 26.
The day's festivities begin at 10 AM as the Rushford-Peterson Trojans battle the Minneapolis North Polars. The Trojans return to the state tournament for the first time since 2008 and their first state title since 2006. Rushford-Peterson has an outstanding running back in Noah Carlson who has reached the end zone 39 times. They also have a sophomore quarterback in Landon Skalet who has thrown for 19 touchdowns. He is the future of the Trojan football program. As for the Polars, they return to the Prep Bowl after losing in last year's Class A final to the Minneota Vikings. Though they lost their quarterback Tyler Johnson to graduation and a successful season with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Mpls. North has a bunch of talented athletes including Isaac Johnson and Azerick Rodgers. Could this be the year Mpls. North become the first Minneapolis City Conference school to win a state football title since Washburn in 1977? It could be their year.
In the 1 PM game, it will be the Rochester Lourdes Eagles facing the perennial Class AAA power the St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders. The Eagles have gone through the bracket like traffic heading up Highway 52 as they shut out Jackson County Central 30-0 in the quarterfinals and dismantling Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton in the semifinals 43-21. They will face a Crusader team that has had only one game where they have scored less than 34 points and it was in the Class AAA quarterfinals when they beat the Belle Plaine Tigers 32-21. St. Croix Lutheran is led by junior running back Michael Stern who ran for 257 yards and three touchdowns, including and 88 yard run to open the semifinal game against the defending champion Pierz Pioneers. Head coach Carl Lemke has had some outstanding teams have taken championship hardware back to West St. Paul. This is a team that has the talent and speed for another possible state title.
Concluding the 2016 Prep Bowl is the Class AAAAA title game that features a couple of run oriented teams, the Elk River Elks and the Spring Lake Park Panthers. The Elks are playing in their first championship game since 1990 when they lost to the Anoka Tornadoes 19-14. Elk River has a solid backfield duo in Nicholas Rice and Sam Gibas who have combined for 43 touchdowns this season. They will go up against a tough Spring Lake Park defense that is anchored by Jackson Dahl who has 109 tackles in 2016. On the offensive side of the ball, the Panthers have an outstanding option quarterback in Zachary Ojile who has ran for 14 touchdowns and passed for five. It should be a very interesting game as well as a quick one because pass plays may be rare.
So there's the 2016 Prep Bowl Preview. No need to bring your winter coat and shiver in the cold weather because the Prep Bowl begins its maiden voyage at US Bank Stadium.
The day's festivities begin at 10 AM as the Rushford-Peterson Trojans battle the Minneapolis North Polars. The Trojans return to the state tournament for the first time since 2008 and their first state title since 2006. Rushford-Peterson has an outstanding running back in Noah Carlson who has reached the end zone 39 times. They also have a sophomore quarterback in Landon Skalet who has thrown for 19 touchdowns. He is the future of the Trojan football program. As for the Polars, they return to the Prep Bowl after losing in last year's Class A final to the Minneota Vikings. Though they lost their quarterback Tyler Johnson to graduation and a successful season with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Mpls. North has a bunch of talented athletes including Isaac Johnson and Azerick Rodgers. Could this be the year Mpls. North become the first Minneapolis City Conference school to win a state football title since Washburn in 1977? It could be their year.
In the 1 PM game, it will be the Rochester Lourdes Eagles facing the perennial Class AAA power the St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders. The Eagles have gone through the bracket like traffic heading up Highway 52 as they shut out Jackson County Central 30-0 in the quarterfinals and dismantling Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton in the semifinals 43-21. They will face a Crusader team that has had only one game where they have scored less than 34 points and it was in the Class AAA quarterfinals when they beat the Belle Plaine Tigers 32-21. St. Croix Lutheran is led by junior running back Michael Stern who ran for 257 yards and three touchdowns, including and 88 yard run to open the semifinal game against the defending champion Pierz Pioneers. Head coach Carl Lemke has had some outstanding teams have taken championship hardware back to West St. Paul. This is a team that has the talent and speed for another possible state title.
Concluding the 2016 Prep Bowl is the Class AAAAA title game that features a couple of run oriented teams, the Elk River Elks and the Spring Lake Park Panthers. The Elks are playing in their first championship game since 1990 when they lost to the Anoka Tornadoes 19-14. Elk River has a solid backfield duo in Nicholas Rice and Sam Gibas who have combined for 43 touchdowns this season. They will go up against a tough Spring Lake Park defense that is anchored by Jackson Dahl who has 109 tackles in 2016. On the offensive side of the ball, the Panthers have an outstanding option quarterback in Zachary Ojile who has ran for 14 touchdowns and passed for five. It should be a very interesting game as well as a quick one because pass plays may be rare.
So there's the 2016 Prep Bowl Preview. No need to bring your winter coat and shiver in the cold weather because the Prep Bowl begins its maiden voyage at US Bank Stadium.
Monday, November 21, 2016
2016 Prep Bowl Preview Part One
After two years at TCF Bank Stadium, the 2016 Prep Bowl will be back inside at the new US Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis. In the first of a two part preview, here are the championship games that will be played on Friday, November 25.
The first championship game at US Bank Stadium will be the Nine Man title game as the three time champion Grand Meadow Superlarks and the Cleveland/Immanuel Lutheran Clippers at 10 AM. The Superlarks have had another super season as they extended their winning streak to 49 games. Grand Meadow has a strong running back tandem in Christopher Bain and Zach Myhre who have scored a combined total of 54 touchdowns this season. They could face one of their toughest tests in the Clippers, led by junior quarterback Carter Kopet. In the semifinal game against Cromwell-Wright, he threw three touchdown passes, two to his fellow junior Austin Plonsky. It should be a dandy of a game as the Superlarks look to become the third team in state history to win 50 consecutive games, joining Stephen-Argyle Central and Minneapolis Washburn.
The 1 PM game is the Class AA championship as the defending champion Caledonia Warriors battle the Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles. Both teams won decisively in their semifinal contests. The Warriors blasted the Barnesville Trojans 55-20 and the Eagles took care of the Maple River Eagles 46-13. Caledonia's high powered offense has scored more than 40 points in 10 of their 13 games this season. They are led by junior quarterback Owen King, who is also a member of the Warrior basketball team. The Warriors have won six state titles. Can they make it number seven?
At 4 PM is the Class AAAA final that features the Winona Winhawks and the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights. The Winhawks return to the Prep Bowl for the first time since 1987 while the Red Knights make their first quest for a state title. Winona came from behind in the semifinals to beat the Rocori Spartans. Their path to an unbeaten season was blocked by the Mankato West Scarlets. Benilde-St. Margaret's got into their first title game thank's to the outstanding running game of Ricky Floyd. He rushed for 273 yards and scored three touchdowns in the semifinal game against the unbeaten Marshall Tigers. In the quarterfinals against the Cloquet Lumberjacks, Floyd rushed for 227 yards, giving him a total of 500 rushing yards in the tournament. The offensive line needs to give Floyd running room and shut down the Winhawk defense in order to bring their first state championship trophy back to St. Louis Park.
Wrapping up the first day of championship games will be the Class AAAAAA championship at 7 PM between the Eden Prairie Eagles and the Totino-Grace Eagles. It has all the makings of a classic match up with two programs that have combined for a total of 17 state titles with Totino-Grace winning nine and Eden Prairie eight. The first "Battle of the Eagles" took place on September 1 with Totino-Grace on top 17-14. If you can make it to only one game on Friday, take time out from your Black Friday shopping and come see two great programs in action en route to yet another state title. You won't be disappointed and you'll get your $14 worth seeing many talented athletes in action.
In Part Two, a look at Saturday's title games.
The first championship game at US Bank Stadium will be the Nine Man title game as the three time champion Grand Meadow Superlarks and the Cleveland/Immanuel Lutheran Clippers at 10 AM. The Superlarks have had another super season as they extended their winning streak to 49 games. Grand Meadow has a strong running back tandem in Christopher Bain and Zach Myhre who have scored a combined total of 54 touchdowns this season. They could face one of their toughest tests in the Clippers, led by junior quarterback Carter Kopet. In the semifinal game against Cromwell-Wright, he threw three touchdown passes, two to his fellow junior Austin Plonsky. It should be a dandy of a game as the Superlarks look to become the third team in state history to win 50 consecutive games, joining Stephen-Argyle Central and Minneapolis Washburn.
The 1 PM game is the Class AA championship as the defending champion Caledonia Warriors battle the Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles. Both teams won decisively in their semifinal contests. The Warriors blasted the Barnesville Trojans 55-20 and the Eagles took care of the Maple River Eagles 46-13. Caledonia's high powered offense has scored more than 40 points in 10 of their 13 games this season. They are led by junior quarterback Owen King, who is also a member of the Warrior basketball team. The Warriors have won six state titles. Can they make it number seven?
At 4 PM is the Class AAAA final that features the Winona Winhawks and the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights. The Winhawks return to the Prep Bowl for the first time since 1987 while the Red Knights make their first quest for a state title. Winona came from behind in the semifinals to beat the Rocori Spartans. Their path to an unbeaten season was blocked by the Mankato West Scarlets. Benilde-St. Margaret's got into their first title game thank's to the outstanding running game of Ricky Floyd. He rushed for 273 yards and scored three touchdowns in the semifinal game against the unbeaten Marshall Tigers. In the quarterfinals against the Cloquet Lumberjacks, Floyd rushed for 227 yards, giving him a total of 500 rushing yards in the tournament. The offensive line needs to give Floyd running room and shut down the Winhawk defense in order to bring their first state championship trophy back to St. Louis Park.
Wrapping up the first day of championship games will be the Class AAAAAA championship at 7 PM between the Eden Prairie Eagles and the Totino-Grace Eagles. It has all the makings of a classic match up with two programs that have combined for a total of 17 state titles with Totino-Grace winning nine and Eden Prairie eight. The first "Battle of the Eagles" took place on September 1 with Totino-Grace on top 17-14. If you can make it to only one game on Friday, take time out from your Black Friday shopping and come see two great programs in action en route to yet another state title. You won't be disappointed and you'll get your $14 worth seeing many talented athletes in action.
In Part Two, a look at Saturday's title games.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
It's on to Prep Bowl for BSM Red Knights
If you didn't make the trip to Lindstrom to see the Benilde-St.Margaret's Red Knights rout Cloquet in last Friday's Class AAAA football quarterfinals you didn't have far to go to see Ricky Floyd score three touchdowns and rush for 273 yards to lead BSM to a 44-34 win over the unbeaten Marshall Tigers Thursday evening in the Class AAAA semifinals at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
The Tigers, who scored more than 50 points in five of their 11 games, got the early lead on a 63 yard punt return by Ryan VanMoer. Marshall would go up by 13 as Trey Lance threw a nine yard touchdown pass to Reece Winkelman. The Red Knights would get on the board as Floyd looked like he was headed for the light rail station as he ran for an 81 yard touchdown. The Tigers led 13-7 at the end of the first quarter.
BSM would open the second quarter as they lined up in the Wildcat formation and Alex Houlihan got the direct snap from center and scored on a 13 yard keeper touchdown for the lead. Lance would put Marshall back in the lead when Lance threw a 63 yard touchdown pass to Nick Ektaniphong. The Red Knights would strike again :13 later on Peyton James' 93 yard kickoff return. The Tigers concluded the first half scoring on a one yard touchdown run from Zac Almjeld with :19 left to even the score at 28.
It looked like Floyd would open the second half scoring for BSM but the touchdown was called back due to an illegal block in the back. But number 23 in the red and white jersey would redeem himself and go down the right sideline for a 34 yard touchdown run. The Red Knights added two more points as Braeden Fitzgerald tackled Jefferson Lee V in the end zone for a safety. Quarterback Will Whitmore scored on a one yard keeper as time expired and the Red Knights led 44-28 at the end of three quarters.
Could Marshall stage a rally and send its orange and black clad fans back to southwest Minnesota happy? They did add another touchdown, the second of the game for Ektaniphong as he hauled in a 41 yard pass from Lance and it was all the Tigers could do against a tough BSM defense.
Lance was 17 for 35 for 275 yards and Ektaniphong caught six passes for 150 yards.
The Red Knights improved their record to 9-3 and will face the Winona-Rocori winner for the Class AAAA championship on Friday, November 25 at 4 PM at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The Winona-Rocori game is set for Friday, November 18 at 4:30 PM, also at US Bank Stadium.
Marshall finished their season with a record of 11-1.
The Tigers, who scored more than 50 points in five of their 11 games, got the early lead on a 63 yard punt return by Ryan VanMoer. Marshall would go up by 13 as Trey Lance threw a nine yard touchdown pass to Reece Winkelman. The Red Knights would get on the board as Floyd looked like he was headed for the light rail station as he ran for an 81 yard touchdown. The Tigers led 13-7 at the end of the first quarter.
BSM would open the second quarter as they lined up in the Wildcat formation and Alex Houlihan got the direct snap from center and scored on a 13 yard keeper touchdown for the lead. Lance would put Marshall back in the lead when Lance threw a 63 yard touchdown pass to Nick Ektaniphong. The Red Knights would strike again :13 later on Peyton James' 93 yard kickoff return. The Tigers concluded the first half scoring on a one yard touchdown run from Zac Almjeld with :19 left to even the score at 28.
It looked like Floyd would open the second half scoring for BSM but the touchdown was called back due to an illegal block in the back. But number 23 in the red and white jersey would redeem himself and go down the right sideline for a 34 yard touchdown run. The Red Knights added two more points as Braeden Fitzgerald tackled Jefferson Lee V in the end zone for a safety. Quarterback Will Whitmore scored on a one yard keeper as time expired and the Red Knights led 44-28 at the end of three quarters.
Could Marshall stage a rally and send its orange and black clad fans back to southwest Minnesota happy? They did add another touchdown, the second of the game for Ektaniphong as he hauled in a 41 yard pass from Lance and it was all the Tigers could do against a tough BSM defense.
Lance was 17 for 35 for 275 yards and Ektaniphong caught six passes for 150 yards.
The Red Knights improved their record to 9-3 and will face the Winona-Rocori winner for the Class AAAA championship on Friday, November 25 at 4 PM at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The Winona-Rocori game is set for Friday, November 18 at 4:30 PM, also at US Bank Stadium.
Marshall finished their season with a record of 11-1.
Monday, November 14, 2016
2016 Class AAAA Football Semifinal Preview
Football fans can come in from the cold because the state football semifinals and Prep Bowl games will be played at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis starting on Thursday, November 17.
Also on the 17th, is the first Class AAAA semifinal that features the unbeaten Marshall Tigers and the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights at 4:30 PM.
When you think of Marshall and high school sports, it's very likely their outstanding girls teams in volleyball and basketball. But in 2016, it's the guys turn to shine in the Tiger spotlight as the football team goes for their first championship berth. This season, Marshall has had a high powered offense that has scored more than 50 points in five of their 11 games. The only game where the Tigers didn't score at least 40 points was in the Section 2 final as they beat the perennial power Hutchinson Tigers 17-14.
Marshall got a solid game from their running back Jefferson Lee V, who scored four touchdowns and rushed for 139 yards in a 40-7 rout of the Fridley Tigers. Lee has 1,802 yards this season and the junior has broken the 100 yard plateau in all but one game. It was September 9 against Waseca, when he was held to 54 yards. He is the key to the game for Marshall as well as their defense which has given more than 20 points in only one game this season, the Section 2 semifinal against the Faribault Falcons. They will need to slow down Ricky Floyd and the Red Knight offense.
Benilde-St. Margaret's avenged last year's exit against the Becker Bulldogs in last years Class AAAA quarterfinals with a 42-7 clubbing of the Cloquet Lumberjacks. It was also a big night for Floyd who scored four touchdowns and ran for 227 yards. Floyd will need to have a big night against a very tough Marshall defense and the Red Knights also could use a big game for quarterback Will Whitmore, who is capable of running the option offense.
The winner advances to the Prep Bowl on Friday, November 25 against the winner of the Winona-Rocori game that will be played on Friday, November 18 at 4:30 PM. The Winona Winhawks continue their quest for their first Prep Bowl trip since 1987 following a 24-0 shut out of the top ranked South St. Paul Packers in the quarterfinals.
Looking at the Rocori Spartans, they were the third seed in Section 8 and earned their trip to the state tournament by beating Little Falls, Detroit Lakes and a team that they beat on September 9 41-21, the Willmar Cardinals. Rocori ousted their Spartan counterpart Orono 30-7 in the quarterfinals. Connor Schoberg threw three touchdown passes to Derek Thompson. Thompson had his best game of the season with 157 receiving yards, his first 100 yard game since the September 30 loss to the Alexandria Cardinals when he had 110 yards and a touchdown.
Can Rocori rock US Bank Stadium and continue their drive for their first Class AAAA state title since 2011? It's all part of three exciting days of semifinal football in Minnesota.
Also on the 17th, is the first Class AAAA semifinal that features the unbeaten Marshall Tigers and the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights at 4:30 PM.
When you think of Marshall and high school sports, it's very likely their outstanding girls teams in volleyball and basketball. But in 2016, it's the guys turn to shine in the Tiger spotlight as the football team goes for their first championship berth. This season, Marshall has had a high powered offense that has scored more than 50 points in five of their 11 games. The only game where the Tigers didn't score at least 40 points was in the Section 2 final as they beat the perennial power Hutchinson Tigers 17-14.
Marshall got a solid game from their running back Jefferson Lee V, who scored four touchdowns and rushed for 139 yards in a 40-7 rout of the Fridley Tigers. Lee has 1,802 yards this season and the junior has broken the 100 yard plateau in all but one game. It was September 9 against Waseca, when he was held to 54 yards. He is the key to the game for Marshall as well as their defense which has given more than 20 points in only one game this season, the Section 2 semifinal against the Faribault Falcons. They will need to slow down Ricky Floyd and the Red Knight offense.
Benilde-St. Margaret's avenged last year's exit against the Becker Bulldogs in last years Class AAAA quarterfinals with a 42-7 clubbing of the Cloquet Lumberjacks. It was also a big night for Floyd who scored four touchdowns and ran for 227 yards. Floyd will need to have a big night against a very tough Marshall defense and the Red Knights also could use a big game for quarterback Will Whitmore, who is capable of running the option offense.
The winner advances to the Prep Bowl on Friday, November 25 against the winner of the Winona-Rocori game that will be played on Friday, November 18 at 4:30 PM. The Winona Winhawks continue their quest for their first Prep Bowl trip since 1987 following a 24-0 shut out of the top ranked South St. Paul Packers in the quarterfinals.
Looking at the Rocori Spartans, they were the third seed in Section 8 and earned their trip to the state tournament by beating Little Falls, Detroit Lakes and a team that they beat on September 9 41-21, the Willmar Cardinals. Rocori ousted their Spartan counterpart Orono 30-7 in the quarterfinals. Connor Schoberg threw three touchdown passes to Derek Thompson. Thompson had his best game of the season with 157 receiving yards, his first 100 yard game since the September 30 loss to the Alexandria Cardinals when he had 110 yards and a touchdown.
Can Rocori rock US Bank Stadium and continue their drive for their first Class AAAA state title since 2011? It's all part of three exciting days of semifinal football in Minnesota.
Friday, November 11, 2016
BSM Red Knights Clobber Cloquet Lumberjacks
It was a cold Friday night in Lindstrom as Ricky Floyd heated up the Benilde-St. Margaret's offense by scoring four touchdowns and rushing for 225 yards to lead the Red Knights to a 42-7 rout of the Cloquet Lumberjacks in the Class AAAA state quarterfinals at Chisago Lakes High School.
Floyd scored his first touchdown on the Red Knights opening drive, going around left guard and scoring from seven yards. He would reach the end zone a second time with 2:09 left in the first quarter and BSM led 14-0.
Though the Red Knights began the second quarter with two straight penalties that put them first and all the way to Taylor's Falls, they would eventually go up by 21 on their next drive as Floyd, who had 325 rushing yards in the Section 5AAAA against Holy Angels, scored another two yard touchdown.
In the third quarter, it was Floyd who would score his fourth touchdown on a 31 yard pass from quarterback Will Whitmore. But it wasn't "The Ricky Floyd Show" in the Class AAAA quarterfinals on this frigid Friday night. Give credit to the Red Knight defense as Braeden Fitzgerald intercepted a pass from Cloquet quarterback Tim Pokornowski and scored a 57 yard touchdown to put BSM ahead by 35.
Going to the fourth quarter as the Red Knights would increase their lead to 42 on a three yard left side keeper touchdown by Will Whitmore. The Lumberjacks made sure there would be no shutout when Pokornowski threw a 29 yard touchdown pass to Mitchell Gerlach with :07.6 left in the game.
BSM improved their record to 8-3 and will play the unbeaten Marshall Tigers in the Class AAAA semifinals on Thursday, November 17 at 4:30 PM at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The Tigers secured a semifinal berth by flushing the Fridley Tigers 40-7.
Cloquet ended their season with a record of 7-4.
Floyd scored his first touchdown on the Red Knights opening drive, going around left guard and scoring from seven yards. He would reach the end zone a second time with 2:09 left in the first quarter and BSM led 14-0.
Though the Red Knights began the second quarter with two straight penalties that put them first and all the way to Taylor's Falls, they would eventually go up by 21 on their next drive as Floyd, who had 325 rushing yards in the Section 5AAAA against Holy Angels, scored another two yard touchdown.
In the third quarter, it was Floyd who would score his fourth touchdown on a 31 yard pass from quarterback Will Whitmore. But it wasn't "The Ricky Floyd Show" in the Class AAAA quarterfinals on this frigid Friday night. Give credit to the Red Knight defense as Braeden Fitzgerald intercepted a pass from Cloquet quarterback Tim Pokornowski and scored a 57 yard touchdown to put BSM ahead by 35.
Going to the fourth quarter as the Red Knights would increase their lead to 42 on a three yard left side keeper touchdown by Will Whitmore. The Lumberjacks made sure there would be no shutout when Pokornowski threw a 29 yard touchdown pass to Mitchell Gerlach with :07.6 left in the game.
BSM improved their record to 8-3 and will play the unbeaten Marshall Tigers in the Class AAAA semifinals on Thursday, November 17 at 4:30 PM at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The Tigers secured a semifinal berth by flushing the Fridley Tigers 40-7.
Cloquet ended their season with a record of 7-4.
Eye Guess was Bob Stewart's First Game Show Success
In 1964, Bob Stewart left Goodson-Todman Productions to become an independent packager. His first game show for his own company would debut in January, 1966 titled Eye Guess.
On January 3, 1966, NBC replaced a short-lived Art James game show Fractured Phrases with Eye Guess. The show would air for 25 minutes, due to a five minute newscast that would run before the network's long running hit Concentration. Back then, there were four news updates that NBC would air throughout the daytime schedule. They would air at 10:25 AM, 12:55 PM, 1:55 PM, and 4:25 PM> All times were Eastern time.
Eye Guess was hosted by Stewart's long-time friend Bill Cullen. Cullen was coming off the cancellation of another Stewart creation that ran for nine years and whose revival is TV's longest running game show The Price is Right.
The game was a comedic twist on the rebus game that was hosted by Hugh Downs. Two rounds were played. In each round, the contestants studied the board that contained the answers to the questions Cullen would ask. There were eight numbers and an "Eye Guess" space in the middle of the board and after several seconds, the answers would be covered.
Cullen would then ask a question to the first contestant. Instead of giving the answer, they would call the number or "Eye Guess" if they thought it wasn't on the board. Correct answers in the first round were worth 10 points, 20 in the second. If a contestant got five correct answers in a row, he/she won a bonus prize. However,an incorrect number forfeited control to their opponent and that's where the humor came in from a wrong answer.
The first player to score 100 points won the game and got to go to the "Risk Board" . Throughout the show's three year run, there were three bonus games. The first was a contestant had to match the name of a celebrity to the spouse on the board. If all the answers were correct, the contestant won a new car.
The second and longest running bonus round featured the board that had seven prizes and a "Stop" card. A contestant picked a number. If it was a prize, they won the prize. But if the "Stop" was behind the number, the game was over. If all seven prizes were picked, the grand prize would also be a car.
The third would come in show's final season that also had a format change. Instead of points, contestants won prizes for each correct answer with seven needed for a win. The bonus round was also altered to where a contestant had to find seven "Go" signs before hitting the "Stop" and if successful, a new car was won.
The show's theme song for the majority of the run was "Sugar Lips" by Al Hirt.
Eye Guess ran in the 10 AM slot from January to December 1966 until it was moved to 12:30 PM in January 1967, following NBC's hit quiz show Jeopardy. The show would get high ratings and was still going strong until a new NBC daytime head decided to revamp its game show lineup. On September 26, 1969, Eye Guess was one of four shows cancelled along with another Stewart game Personality and also You Don't Say and Match Game.
The key to Eye Guess' success was a simple format that home viewers could play along with and Cullen's ease in guiding the show and injecting humor when a contestant chose a wrong answer. It's a shame that a show like Eye Guess hasn't been revived to this day. Sony, which owns the rights to Stewart's shows, needs to find the right host and stick with the format. In 1966, Eye Guess was the show that put Stewart on the map as a game show producer.
On January 3, 1966, NBC replaced a short-lived Art James game show Fractured Phrases with Eye Guess. The show would air for 25 minutes, due to a five minute newscast that would run before the network's long running hit Concentration. Back then, there were four news updates that NBC would air throughout the daytime schedule. They would air at 10:25 AM, 12:55 PM, 1:55 PM, and 4:25 PM> All times were Eastern time.
Eye Guess was hosted by Stewart's long-time friend Bill Cullen. Cullen was coming off the cancellation of another Stewart creation that ran for nine years and whose revival is TV's longest running game show The Price is Right.
The game was a comedic twist on the rebus game that was hosted by Hugh Downs. Two rounds were played. In each round, the contestants studied the board that contained the answers to the questions Cullen would ask. There were eight numbers and an "Eye Guess" space in the middle of the board and after several seconds, the answers would be covered.
Cullen would then ask a question to the first contestant. Instead of giving the answer, they would call the number or "Eye Guess" if they thought it wasn't on the board. Correct answers in the first round were worth 10 points, 20 in the second. If a contestant got five correct answers in a row, he/she won a bonus prize. However,an incorrect number forfeited control to their opponent and that's where the humor came in from a wrong answer.
The first player to score 100 points won the game and got to go to the "Risk Board" . Throughout the show's three year run, there were three bonus games. The first was a contestant had to match the name of a celebrity to the spouse on the board. If all the answers were correct, the contestant won a new car.
The second and longest running bonus round featured the board that had seven prizes and a "Stop" card. A contestant picked a number. If it was a prize, they won the prize. But if the "Stop" was behind the number, the game was over. If all seven prizes were picked, the grand prize would also be a car.
The third would come in show's final season that also had a format change. Instead of points, contestants won prizes for each correct answer with seven needed for a win. The bonus round was also altered to where a contestant had to find seven "Go" signs before hitting the "Stop" and if successful, a new car was won.
The show's theme song for the majority of the run was "Sugar Lips" by Al Hirt.
Eye Guess ran in the 10 AM slot from January to December 1966 until it was moved to 12:30 PM in January 1967, following NBC's hit quiz show Jeopardy. The show would get high ratings and was still going strong until a new NBC daytime head decided to revamp its game show lineup. On September 26, 1969, Eye Guess was one of four shows cancelled along with another Stewart game Personality and also You Don't Say and Match Game.
The key to Eye Guess' success was a simple format that home viewers could play along with and Cullen's ease in guiding the show and injecting humor when a contestant chose a wrong answer. It's a shame that a show like Eye Guess hasn't been revived to this day. Sony, which owns the rights to Stewart's shows, needs to find the right host and stick with the format. In 1966, Eye Guess was the show that put Stewart on the map as a game show producer.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
2016 State Class AAAA Football Tournament Preview
One thing that will be guaranteed in this year's state Class AAAA football tournament is that there will be a new champion since the Becker Bulldogs championship reign was ended by the Big Lake Hornets in the Section 6 semifinals. Here's a preview of the Class AAAA quarterfinals that will be played on Friday, November 11.
In the upper bracket, the top ranked and unbeaten South St. Paul Packers head down I-494 to face the Winona Winhawks at East Ridge. The Packers are in their fifth tournament and lost in last year's championship game to Becker. They will face a Winona team that came up three points short of an unbeaten season, losing 42-39 to the Mankato West Scarlets on October 19. It's also the first trip to state for the Winhawks since they lost to Moorhead in the 1987 Class AA final 13-7. It could be a real test for the Packers.
Two unlikely teams will battle in the second quarterfinal game at Husky Stadium on the St. Cloud State University campus. The Rocori Spartans, seeded third in Section 8 and the Orono Spartans who were seeded third in Section 6. Rocori held off the surprising Willmar Cardinals, who upset the top seeded Fergus Falls Otters in the semifinals and Orono kept the Zimmerman Thunder from making the trip up Highway 10 in the Section 6 semifinals. Who will emerge in "The Battle of the Spartans/"
Over in the lower bracket, the Fridley Tigers return to the state tournament for the second straight year. Last year, the Tigers lost in the quarterfinals to the South St. Paul Packers. Fridley hopes to continue their quest for their first state football title since 1990. However, they will face another team with a Tiger nickname, unbeaten Marshall ant Burnsville High School. Marshall beat perennial power Hutchinson to return to the state tournament. It should be an interesting match up.
The final game of the day takes place at Chisago Lakes High School in Lindstrom as the Cloquet Lumberjacks square off with the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights. The Lumberjacks advanced with a win over the Princeton Tigers in the Section 7 finals and embark on their quest to US Bank Stadium 40 years after losing in the Class AA final to White Bear Lake in overtime at Parade Stadium in Minneapolis. The Red Knights return to state for the second straight year and need an outstanding game from running back Ricky Floyd. In the Section 5 final, BSM was down 9-0 and scored 30 unanswered points to clinch a berth in the state tournament. Floyd reached the end zone four times and rushed for 325 yards. The Red Knights will Also have to play solid defense to advance to US bank Stadium on Thursday, November 17.
That's the quarterfinal lineup for Class AAAA. It should be an interesting Friday night of high school football.
Friday, November 4, 2016
BSM Red Knights Win Section 5AAAA Football Title
After a lackluster start, the Benilde-St. Margaret's offense shifted into overdrive as Ricky Floyd scored four touchdowns to lead the Red Knights to a 44-29 win over the Holy Angels Stars in the Section 5AAAA football championship game Friday night in St. Louis Park.
The Red Knights would fumble on their first drive and went three and out on their next two series. The Stars would shine early when quarterback Joseph Heinbold scored on a 25 yard keeper. Holy Angels led 6-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Conor McGarry would boot a 20 yard field goal to put the Stars ahead by nine. But the BSM offense would come to life like Frosty the Snowman when quarterback Will Whitmore threw a 60 yard touchdown pass to Floyd who beat a pair of Stars defenders to put the Red Knights on the board. BSM would vault ahead on Alex Houlihan's 18 yard field goal to give them a 10-9 halftime lead.
Defense would also prevail for the Red Knights as they began the second half scoring following a fumble by Heimbold that was recovered in the end zone by Patrick Kalb for a touchdown. Floyd would make two more trips to the end zone in the third quarter, scoring a 12 yard left side touchdown and on a 49 yard run with :08 to go. It would be a 30-9 BSM lead.
Fans looking for a lot of scoring would get their wish in the fourth quarter that started when Heimbold ended the Red Knights 30 unanswered points run with a nine yard keeper touchdown. The Holy Angels defense made a contribution to the scoring on Peter Laird's interception of Whitmore that would cut the lead to eight. BSM would counter :19 later as Floyd ran like he was headed for 26th St. and scored a 67 yard touchdown. Holy Angels would not go away just yet. Heimbold would score his third touchdown of the game on a 23 yard keeper. The Red Knights would clinch their second straight trip to state on Whitmore's two yard keeper touchdown.
BSM improved their record to 7-3 and will take on the Cloquet Lumberjacks in the Class AAAA quarterfinals Friday, November 11 at 7 PM at Chisago Lakes High School in Lindstrom. Holy Angels, who upset the top seeded Mound-Westonka Whitehawks last Saturday concluded their season with a record of 4-6.
The Red Knights would fumble on their first drive and went three and out on their next two series. The Stars would shine early when quarterback Joseph Heinbold scored on a 25 yard keeper. Holy Angels led 6-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Conor McGarry would boot a 20 yard field goal to put the Stars ahead by nine. But the BSM offense would come to life like Frosty the Snowman when quarterback Will Whitmore threw a 60 yard touchdown pass to Floyd who beat a pair of Stars defenders to put the Red Knights on the board. BSM would vault ahead on Alex Houlihan's 18 yard field goal to give them a 10-9 halftime lead.
Defense would also prevail for the Red Knights as they began the second half scoring following a fumble by Heimbold that was recovered in the end zone by Patrick Kalb for a touchdown. Floyd would make two more trips to the end zone in the third quarter, scoring a 12 yard left side touchdown and on a 49 yard run with :08 to go. It would be a 30-9 BSM lead.
Fans looking for a lot of scoring would get their wish in the fourth quarter that started when Heimbold ended the Red Knights 30 unanswered points run with a nine yard keeper touchdown. The Holy Angels defense made a contribution to the scoring on Peter Laird's interception of Whitmore that would cut the lead to eight. BSM would counter :19 later as Floyd ran like he was headed for 26th St. and scored a 67 yard touchdown. Holy Angels would not go away just yet. Heimbold would score his third touchdown of the game on a 23 yard keeper. The Red Knights would clinch their second straight trip to state on Whitmore's two yard keeper touchdown.
BSM improved their record to 7-3 and will take on the Cloquet Lumberjacks in the Class AAAA quarterfinals Friday, November 11 at 7 PM at Chisago Lakes High School in Lindstrom. Holy Angels, who upset the top seeded Mound-Westonka Whitehawks last Saturday concluded their season with a record of 4-6.
2016 Section 5AAAA Football Championship Preview
Friday night is a big night for high school football throughout Minnesota as many state tournament berths will be decided including the Section 5AAAA title between the Holy Angels Stars and the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights in St. Louis Park.
The Stars, seeded fourth in the section, pulled off the upset in the semifinals with a 35-24 win over the top seeded Mound-Westonka Whitehawks. Jack Anderson scored four touchdowns for Holy Angels and rushed for 237 yards, including a 74 yard kickoff return in the second quarter. Defense was also a factor as the Stars held the Whitehawks top running back Isaiah Cherrier to 53 yards.
The key to the game for Holy Angels will be their running game. In addition to Anderson, the Stars also use Joseph Heimbold. He had a career game against the Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars with 240 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns.
As for the Red Knights, more euphoria could come to their red and white clad fans after the girls soccer team won their fourth Class A state championship Thursday afternoon against the Mankato West Scarlets. The defending Section 5AAAA champions set the pace early in the semifinals with a 34 point first quarter to rout the Richfield Spartans 55-14. Senior running back Ricky Floyd ran for three touchdowns and 106 yards.
BSM comes into the section final with a record of 6-3, with two of their losses coming against the teams that will play for the Section 5AAAAA title the Cooper Hawks and the Spring Lake Park Panthers. The Red Knights almost upset the Panthers but lost in an overtime thriller on a touchdown from Zachary Ojile.
The Red Knights key to the game will be to get a strong running game from Floyd and also to play strong defense.
It's going to be a clear night with the temperature in the high 50s. Game time is 7 PM.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Former Austin Packer Basketball Coach Haddorff Passes Away
Former Austin High School boys basketball coach Oscar Haddorff died October 25 in Northfield, MN at the age of 86.
Before Haddorff began his long career at the home of the George A. Hormel company, he played college basketball at Hamline University. He was a member of the 1949 NAIA national championship team where one of his teammates would go on to greater success in the NBA with the Minneapolis Lakers and would later be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA. His name, Vern Mikkelsen. He was also a part of Hamline's 1951 NAIA title team that was inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1977.
Haddorff began his teaching career in St. Charles, MN in 1952 and taught for two years. He would serve the next two years in the Armed forces. Following his return to civilian life in 1956, he would serve as an assistant coach to Ove Berven at Austin High School, where he would be part of four Packer teams that would play in the state tournament.
In 1958, Austin would win their first state title since 1946, beating the Brainerd Warriors 68-63. The Packers would return to state the following season but the championship trophy went to the Wayzata Trojans who have not been to a state tournament in 57 years.
Haddorff was also part of the 1960 state final where the Packers lost in the finals to tiny Edgerton. In Berven's final season in 1963, the Packers returned to Minneapolis but the state title was won by the Marshall Tigers.
In 1964, Haddorff would take over the Packers from Bervan and lead them to their lone state tournament appearance under his tutelage in 1972. It was the second year of the two class tournament and Austin advanced to the Class AA championship but came up short against the Mounds View Mustangs 62-54.
Haddorff would continue to coach the Packers until he stepped down in 1978, turning over the program to his brother-in law, Howie Strey. Strey would keep the winning tradition in the southern Minnesota city as he took the packers to the Class AA finals in 1981, losing to the Anoka Tornadoes and return to the St. Paul Civic Center the following season.
As for Haddorff, he would continue to teach biology until he retired in 1991. He was part of a successful boys basketball program that was built by Bervan, the namesake of the Austin High School gym and continued the winning tradition after his retirement. He was inducted into the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1999.
Before Haddorff began his long career at the home of the George A. Hormel company, he played college basketball at Hamline University. He was a member of the 1949 NAIA national championship team where one of his teammates would go on to greater success in the NBA with the Minneapolis Lakers and would later be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA. His name, Vern Mikkelsen. He was also a part of Hamline's 1951 NAIA title team that was inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1977.
Haddorff began his teaching career in St. Charles, MN in 1952 and taught for two years. He would serve the next two years in the Armed forces. Following his return to civilian life in 1956, he would serve as an assistant coach to Ove Berven at Austin High School, where he would be part of four Packer teams that would play in the state tournament.
In 1958, Austin would win their first state title since 1946, beating the Brainerd Warriors 68-63. The Packers would return to state the following season but the championship trophy went to the Wayzata Trojans who have not been to a state tournament in 57 years.
Haddorff was also part of the 1960 state final where the Packers lost in the finals to tiny Edgerton. In Berven's final season in 1963, the Packers returned to Minneapolis but the state title was won by the Marshall Tigers.
In 1964, Haddorff would take over the Packers from Bervan and lead them to their lone state tournament appearance under his tutelage in 1972. It was the second year of the two class tournament and Austin advanced to the Class AA championship but came up short against the Mounds View Mustangs 62-54.
Haddorff would continue to coach the Packers until he stepped down in 1978, turning over the program to his brother-in law, Howie Strey. Strey would keep the winning tradition in the southern Minnesota city as he took the packers to the Class AA finals in 1981, losing to the Anoka Tornadoes and return to the St. Paul Civic Center the following season.
As for Haddorff, he would continue to teach biology until he retired in 1991. He was part of a successful boys basketball program that was built by Bervan, the namesake of the Austin High School gym and continued the winning tradition after his retirement. He was inducted into the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1999.
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