While the four boys divisions battle for championship hardware at Ridder Arena and consolation round games are played at the Schwan's Super Rink in Blaine on December 28, the girls portion of the 2017 Schwan Cup High School Hockey Tournament opens in Blaine. Here's a preview of the five girls divisions.
The Gold Division quarterfinals open up with the Rogers Royals facing one of the top Class AA teams in the third ranked Centennial Cougars. The Cougars picked up a key win on December 22 when they beat the top ranked Edina Hornets. The Royals are on a roll, going 4-0-2 in their last six games. It could be one of their toughest tests so far this season.
A couple of top Class A teams battle in the second quarterfinal game as St. Paul United, ranked eighth and 11th ranked Delano/Rockford. SPU, who lost to Blake in the 2017 state Class A final, looks to end a two game losing streak. Delano/Rockford is on a five game winning streak after losing three consecutive games by identical 2-1 margins. With Blake out of Section 5A and into 6AA, Delano/Rockford could be in contention for a trip to St. Paul in February.
Speaking of Blake, the Bears will play in the third quarterfinal game against the hot Andover Huskies. The Bears haven't missed a beat since the became a Class AA school, going unbeaten in 12 games. They could be the new number one team in Class AA following Edina's defeat by Centennial. The Huskies are on a five game winning streak that includes a victory over the Blaine Bengals, a team they lost to November 28 3-2. Can Blake remain unbeaten or will Andover stay hot.
Concluding the quarterfinal session is the tenth ranked team in Class A, the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage and a red hot Holy Family Catholic/Waconia Wildfire team that's won six straight games. Their last two wins have come in overtime, including a 1-0 win against the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights. The Mirage has played a tough schedule that includes losses to Blake, Edina and Breck. It could be an interesting finish to the day's Gold Division quarterfinal play,
In the Silver Division, the only ranked team is the Class A second ranked Thief River Falls Prowlers. Their quarterfinal opponent is Moose Lake/Willow River. They will play either Bloomington Jefferson or Duluth in the semifinals. In the upper bracket, the Mahtomedi Zephyrs battle the Buffalo/Maple Lake Bison and the International Falls Broncos face the Spring Lake Park Panthers who have gone 6-3 since starting the season 0-4.
The lone ranked team in the Bronze Division is the 16th ranked team in Class A, the Totino-Grace Eagles. They will face the Irondale Knights in the quarterfinals who are looking for their first win against a team other than Armstrong/Cooper, who they have defeated twice this season. Here's a team to keep an eye on, the Duluih Marshall Hilltoppers. Last season, they won only seven games with a young team. This season, they are 6-5 after a big 1-0 win over the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage. Rounding out the Bronze Division field are the Minneapolis Novas and Green Bay Area.
There are two girls Open Divisions in this year's tournament. The first is the American Division games will be played on back rinks 6, 7 and 8. The North Metro Stars open quarterfinal play against the Chisago Lakes Wildcats. The second team from the capitol city, the St. Paul Blades will battle the Northern Lakes Lightning. It will be a rematch of the December 9 game that was played in Pequot Lakes where the Lightning beat the Blades 6-3. The Owatonna Huskies face the Marshall Tigers in the third quarterfinal game as the Huskies are on a three game winning streak. Another Big Nine Conference team, the Rochester Mayo Spartans takes on a team from Madison, WI, the Cap City Cougars.
The final division is the Open National, with only four outstate teams and first day action to be played at the Centennial Sports Arena in Circle Pines. The four participants in round robin play will be Arrowhead from Wisconsin, the Luverne Cardinals, the Eveleth-Gilbert Golden Bears and the Fairmont Cardinals.
So there you have it. The fields for both the girls and the boys Schwan Cup High School Hockey Tournaments. The girls finals will be at Ridder Arena on December 30. Plenty of high school hockey over a five day period.
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Thursday, December 21, 2017
2017 Schwan Cup High School Tournament Preview Part One
After the presents are unwrapped and the last carols have been sung, high school hockey fans have a full buffet of action December 26-30 as the 2017 Schwan Cup High School Hockey Tournament takes place at the Schwan's Super Rink in Blaine and at Ridder Arena on the University of Minnesota campus. First up is a preview of the four boys varsity divisions.
There will be a number of top teams competing in the Gold Division at Ridder Arena starting with the Burnsville Blaze facing the fourth ranked team in Class AA the St. Thomas Academy Cadets. The Blaze hasn't been on fire this season with a 1-6 record going into their December 23 meeting with the Prior Lake Lakers. The Cadets have won five straight games since losing their season opener in overtime to the Minnetonka Skippers.
Next up, the Eden Prairie Eagles battle a newcomer to the field the St. Michael-Albertville Knights. The Eagles have felt the graduation loss of Casey Mittelstadt and are off to a 3-3 start. Good news for hockey fans in Wright County, the Knights are off to a hot 5-1 start before their meeting with the North Branch Vikings on the 21st. Their only loss was a 7-0 beating by the Holy Family Catholic Fire.
The day's third game pits the Hill-Murray Pioneers against the fourth ranked Centennial Cougars. The Cougars were on a roll, going 5-0-1 in their first six games until they lost to the Duluth East Greyhounds on December 19. Both the Centennial boys and girls teams are off to hot starts, giving fans in the communities of Circle Pines, Lexington, Lino Lakes and Centerville something to celebrate.
And the moment fans will be waiting for will come around 8 PM when the top two teams in Class AA battle in the day's final game as the top ranked Edina Hornets square off with the second ranked Minnetonka Skippers. It's the first of three battles between the two Lake Conference rivals. The Hornets are unbeaten in eight games while the Skippers have won six in a row since the 2-2 tie with Lakeville North November 25. If you can make it to only one quarterfinal game, come to this one but get there early. The place might be packed.
Looking at the Silver Division, the St. Louis Park Orioles won't be going to Duluth as in the past because they will open up quarterfinal play against the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders. Both teams have a couple of losses against Lake Conference schools. They both lost to Edina while St. Louis Park was beaten by Minnetonka and Cretin-Derham Hall fell to Wayzata. The winner faces either the Breck Mustangs or the Buffalo Bison. The Mustangs are ranked seventh in Class A under new head coach Glen Lang, who replaced the retired Les Larson. In the lower bracket, the top team in Class A the Mahtomedi Zephyrs faces the Mounds view Mustangs and the St. Cloud Apollo Eagles go up against Minneapolis.
Now to the Bronze Division where two ranked Class A teams will be in action. The 14th ranked Northfield Raiders take on the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks with the winner facing the Bloomington Kennedy-Spring Lake Park winner and the 17th ranked St. Paul Academy Spartans facing the Hudson Raiders. Winner gets either Rogers or Mankato East. Is an All-Raider final possible?
Concluding the boys preview is the Open Division as the Pine City Dragons open the quarterfinals against the Simley Spartans. The Waconia Wildcats face off with the Cambridge-Isanti Bluejackets, followed by the Chisago Lakes Wildcats and the Marshall Tigers. Wrapping up the day's festivities is another Tiger team that will come down Highway 169 from Princeton. They will face the third team in this division that's nicknamed the Wildcats, University School of Milwaukee.
Championship games will be played on the 28th at Ridder Arena with consolation and third place games at the Schwan's Super Rink.
Next up; The girls tournament preview.
There will be a number of top teams competing in the Gold Division at Ridder Arena starting with the Burnsville Blaze facing the fourth ranked team in Class AA the St. Thomas Academy Cadets. The Blaze hasn't been on fire this season with a 1-6 record going into their December 23 meeting with the Prior Lake Lakers. The Cadets have won five straight games since losing their season opener in overtime to the Minnetonka Skippers.
Next up, the Eden Prairie Eagles battle a newcomer to the field the St. Michael-Albertville Knights. The Eagles have felt the graduation loss of Casey Mittelstadt and are off to a 3-3 start. Good news for hockey fans in Wright County, the Knights are off to a hot 5-1 start before their meeting with the North Branch Vikings on the 21st. Their only loss was a 7-0 beating by the Holy Family Catholic Fire.
The day's third game pits the Hill-Murray Pioneers against the fourth ranked Centennial Cougars. The Cougars were on a roll, going 5-0-1 in their first six games until they lost to the Duluth East Greyhounds on December 19. Both the Centennial boys and girls teams are off to hot starts, giving fans in the communities of Circle Pines, Lexington, Lino Lakes and Centerville something to celebrate.
And the moment fans will be waiting for will come around 8 PM when the top two teams in Class AA battle in the day's final game as the top ranked Edina Hornets square off with the second ranked Minnetonka Skippers. It's the first of three battles between the two Lake Conference rivals. The Hornets are unbeaten in eight games while the Skippers have won six in a row since the 2-2 tie with Lakeville North November 25. If you can make it to only one quarterfinal game, come to this one but get there early. The place might be packed.
Looking at the Silver Division, the St. Louis Park Orioles won't be going to Duluth as in the past because they will open up quarterfinal play against the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders. Both teams have a couple of losses against Lake Conference schools. They both lost to Edina while St. Louis Park was beaten by Minnetonka and Cretin-Derham Hall fell to Wayzata. The winner faces either the Breck Mustangs or the Buffalo Bison. The Mustangs are ranked seventh in Class A under new head coach Glen Lang, who replaced the retired Les Larson. In the lower bracket, the top team in Class A the Mahtomedi Zephyrs faces the Mounds view Mustangs and the St. Cloud Apollo Eagles go up against Minneapolis.
Now to the Bronze Division where two ranked Class A teams will be in action. The 14th ranked Northfield Raiders take on the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks with the winner facing the Bloomington Kennedy-Spring Lake Park winner and the 17th ranked St. Paul Academy Spartans facing the Hudson Raiders. Winner gets either Rogers or Mankato East. Is an All-Raider final possible?
Concluding the boys preview is the Open Division as the Pine City Dragons open the quarterfinals against the Simley Spartans. The Waconia Wildcats face off with the Cambridge-Isanti Bluejackets, followed by the Chisago Lakes Wildcats and the Marshall Tigers. Wrapping up the day's festivities is another Tiger team that will come down Highway 169 from Princeton. They will face the third team in this division that's nicknamed the Wildcats, University School of Milwaukee.
Championship games will be played on the 28th at Ridder Arena with consolation and third place games at the Schwan's Super Rink.
Next up; The girls tournament preview.
Friday, December 15, 2017
Farmington Tigers Hold Off Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars
The Farmington Tigers made the most of their trip up I-35 and got a game high 20 points from Caden Freetly that led them to a 55-53 win over the host Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars in their home opener Friday night.
It was all Farmington in the early going as the Tigers would start the game on a 12-0 run two three pointers from Adam Weed. The Jaguars would get on the scoreboard with 11:34 in the first half on a basket from Mike Evens. Evens, the son of Jefferson head coach Jeff Evens and grandson of former head coach Jack Evens was the lone starter returning from last year's team and his supporting cast pitched in to get close to the Tigers who got three three pointers from Freetly. Isaiah Watts made a couple of outstanding assists that resulted in scores and the Jaguars trailed at halftime 27-21.
Going to the second half, the Jaguars began to heat up as Charlie Bedor would cut the lead to one when he followed up Evens' missed shot and hit a three pointer. He would hit another three to tie the game and Evens would play solid defense as he forced a Farmington turnover and he would score on a layup to put Jefferson ahead. The lead would switch back and forth a couple of times as the Tigers surged ahead on Freetly's basket and Owen Campbell would hit a three pointer to put the Jaguars back in front. Farmington would regain the lead as they went on a 6-0 run. There would be some life for Jefferson in the final minute as Evens cut the lead to five on a three pointer with :44.6 to play. He would head for the bench after picking up his fifth foul with :20.9 left. Could Jefferson mount a comeback? They had a chance when they were down by two as time expired but the referee informed the scorer's table that the Tigers called time out so time had to be put back on the clock. There would be :00.3 remaining and the Jaguars had a shot at overtime or the win. It didn't happen as Chris Seymore's shot didn't go.
The only other player in double figures for Farmington was Zach Hedquist with 12 points. Evens led Jefferson with 18 points and Bedor added 10, all in the second half.
The Tigers improved their record to 4-1 and return to action on Tuesday, December 19 as they travel to Prior Lake for a 7 PM game against the Lakers. The Jaguars fell to 1-2 and will also be in action on the 19th, heading to Rosemount to face the Irish at 7 PM.
It was all Farmington in the early going as the Tigers would start the game on a 12-0 run two three pointers from Adam Weed. The Jaguars would get on the scoreboard with 11:34 in the first half on a basket from Mike Evens. Evens, the son of Jefferson head coach Jeff Evens and grandson of former head coach Jack Evens was the lone starter returning from last year's team and his supporting cast pitched in to get close to the Tigers who got three three pointers from Freetly. Isaiah Watts made a couple of outstanding assists that resulted in scores and the Jaguars trailed at halftime 27-21.
Going to the second half, the Jaguars began to heat up as Charlie Bedor would cut the lead to one when he followed up Evens' missed shot and hit a three pointer. He would hit another three to tie the game and Evens would play solid defense as he forced a Farmington turnover and he would score on a layup to put Jefferson ahead. The lead would switch back and forth a couple of times as the Tigers surged ahead on Freetly's basket and Owen Campbell would hit a three pointer to put the Jaguars back in front. Farmington would regain the lead as they went on a 6-0 run. There would be some life for Jefferson in the final minute as Evens cut the lead to five on a three pointer with :44.6 to play. He would head for the bench after picking up his fifth foul with :20.9 left. Could Jefferson mount a comeback? They had a chance when they were down by two as time expired but the referee informed the scorer's table that the Tigers called time out so time had to be put back on the clock. There would be :00.3 remaining and the Jaguars had a shot at overtime or the win. It didn't happen as Chris Seymore's shot didn't go.
The only other player in double figures for Farmington was Zach Hedquist with 12 points. Evens led Jefferson with 18 points and Bedor added 10, all in the second half.
The Tigers improved their record to 4-1 and return to action on Tuesday, December 19 as they travel to Prior Lake for a 7 PM game against the Lakers. The Jaguars fell to 1-2 and will also be in action on the 19th, heading to Rosemount to face the Irish at 7 PM.
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Three Straight Wins for Groves Academy Griffins
Last season, the Groves Academy Griffins won three games. Thursday night, they equaled that total as Malik Bodden scored a game high 32 points to lead them to a 73-54 win over the Ogilvie Lions in St. Louis Park.
In two games this week, Bodden has averaged 36 points a game. In Tuesday's win over Hmong Academy, he scored 40 points.
Logan Peterson gave the Lions the early lead with a three pointer :59 into the game. Ogilvie, with their tallest starter 6'1" stayed close to the Griffins as the game was tied six times in the first half. With the score tied at 14, the Lions got hit with a bench technical foul because Antonio Rodriguez was not listed in the scorebook. Usually, the home book is the official book and it didn't list a number 10 thus resulting in free throws for Bodden. He would hit three from the line to put Groves Academy ahead. The Lions would take the lead 23-22 when Colton Tuominen hit a three pointer and it would be the last time the Lions would lead. Bodden would then go on a roll, scoring nine straight points and Max Bilcik would excel on defense with three first half blocks that helped the Griffins lead at halftime 36-29.
Groves Academy would open the second half with seven straight points that began with Nick Maiers hitting a three pointer :15 into the half. Bilcik would also tally on a two handed jam. They would go on an 11-2 with Ogilvie getting a basket from Marshall Barker. But it was Bodden who would help put the game away for the Griffins with nine straight points. He also made an outstanding move that resulted in one of his scores as he got a pass in the frontcourt, went through two Lion defenders and scored on a one handed layup. Both teams would send in their reserves with the game decided.
Bilcik was the only other Groves Academy player in double figures, scoring 11 points. Seth Lindberg led Ogilvie with 17 points. He was the only Lion in double figures.
The Griffins improved their record to 3-1 and return to action on Monday, December 18 at 6 PM against the North Lakes Academy Huskies in Forest Lake. The Lions fell to 1-4 and begin a five game homestand on Friday, December 15 against the Isle Huskies at 7:15 PM.
In two games this week, Bodden has averaged 36 points a game. In Tuesday's win over Hmong Academy, he scored 40 points.
Logan Peterson gave the Lions the early lead with a three pointer :59 into the game. Ogilvie, with their tallest starter 6'1" stayed close to the Griffins as the game was tied six times in the first half. With the score tied at 14, the Lions got hit with a bench technical foul because Antonio Rodriguez was not listed in the scorebook. Usually, the home book is the official book and it didn't list a number 10 thus resulting in free throws for Bodden. He would hit three from the line to put Groves Academy ahead. The Lions would take the lead 23-22 when Colton Tuominen hit a three pointer and it would be the last time the Lions would lead. Bodden would then go on a roll, scoring nine straight points and Max Bilcik would excel on defense with three first half blocks that helped the Griffins lead at halftime 36-29.
Groves Academy would open the second half with seven straight points that began with Nick Maiers hitting a three pointer :15 into the half. Bilcik would also tally on a two handed jam. They would go on an 11-2 with Ogilvie getting a basket from Marshall Barker. But it was Bodden who would help put the game away for the Griffins with nine straight points. He also made an outstanding move that resulted in one of his scores as he got a pass in the frontcourt, went through two Lion defenders and scored on a one handed layup. Both teams would send in their reserves with the game decided.
Bilcik was the only other Groves Academy player in double figures, scoring 11 points. Seth Lindberg led Ogilvie with 17 points. He was the only Lion in double figures.
The Griffins improved their record to 3-1 and return to action on Monday, December 18 at 6 PM against the North Lakes Academy Huskies in Forest Lake. The Lions fell to 1-4 and begin a five game homestand on Friday, December 15 against the Isle Huskies at 7:15 PM.
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Bodden's Big Night Leads Groves Academy Griffins
He wears a white number one on his blue jersey and Tuesday night, Malik Bodden lived up to his number as he scored a game high 40 points to lead the Groves Academy Griffins to a 92-75 win over the Hmong Academy Warriors in St. Louis Park.
Bodden got the Griffins of to a solid start, scoring :36 into the game. He would score Groves Academy's first four points and nine of their first 13. The Warriors would get outstanding three point shooting from Joey Zhong and Alex Yang. Alex Yang and Larry Mohamed would trade three pointers but the Griffins showed outstanding speed and defense that would increase their lead. Hmong academy would show some life late in the first half when Zhong hit a pair of three pointers to cut the lead to 10. But the Griffins kept the lead in double figures as they led at halftime 55-43.
Both teams got off to a slow start in the second half as there wasn't any scoring until Bodden hit a three pointer 2:12 into the half. Bodden, who had 22 first half points put on an outstanding offensive display and also positioned himself well without the ball. There was a transition play as he went from defense from offense and got open in the front court to receive a pass and he laid it in. It wasn't just Bodden who got most the offensive glory. Bilcik also contributed on defense, blocking a couple of shots and forcing a Warrior turnover. The bright spot off the bench for Hmong Academy was Kyu Yang who hit a couple of three pointers but they couldn't get closer to Groves Academy. They also had to foul late in the game and the Griffins would clinch the win following a pair of late fouls from Tidley Yang.
Other players in double figures for the Griffins were Mohamed with 17 points and Bilcik with 15. Zhong led the Warriors with 23 points. Elijah Vang added 14. Kyu and Tidley Yang scored 13 points apiece.
Groves Academy improved their record to 2-1 and wrap up their four game home stand on Thursday, December 14 as they host the Ogilvie Lions at 7 PM. Hmong Academy lost their third straight game and fell to 0-3. They won't be back in action until Friday, January 5 when they head up I-35 to Forest Lake to face the North Lakes Academy Huskies at 7 PM.
Eight players for the Warriors had the last name Yang. They were not related.
Bodden got the Griffins of to a solid start, scoring :36 into the game. He would score Groves Academy's first four points and nine of their first 13. The Warriors would get outstanding three point shooting from Joey Zhong and Alex Yang. Alex Yang and Larry Mohamed would trade three pointers but the Griffins showed outstanding speed and defense that would increase their lead. Hmong academy would show some life late in the first half when Zhong hit a pair of three pointers to cut the lead to 10. But the Griffins kept the lead in double figures as they led at halftime 55-43.
Both teams got off to a slow start in the second half as there wasn't any scoring until Bodden hit a three pointer 2:12 into the half. Bodden, who had 22 first half points put on an outstanding offensive display and also positioned himself well without the ball. There was a transition play as he went from defense from offense and got open in the front court to receive a pass and he laid it in. It wasn't just Bodden who got most the offensive glory. Bilcik also contributed on defense, blocking a couple of shots and forcing a Warrior turnover. The bright spot off the bench for Hmong Academy was Kyu Yang who hit a couple of three pointers but they couldn't get closer to Groves Academy. They also had to foul late in the game and the Griffins would clinch the win following a pair of late fouls from Tidley Yang.
Other players in double figures for the Griffins were Mohamed with 17 points and Bilcik with 15. Zhong led the Warriors with 23 points. Elijah Vang added 14. Kyu and Tidley Yang scored 13 points apiece.
Groves Academy improved their record to 2-1 and wrap up their four game home stand on Thursday, December 14 as they host the Ogilvie Lions at 7 PM. Hmong Academy lost their third straight game and fell to 0-3. They won't be back in action until Friday, January 5 when they head up I-35 to Forest Lake to face the North Lakes Academy Huskies at 7 PM.
Eight players for the Warriors had the last name Yang. They were not related.
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Groves Academy Griffins Get First Win
The Groves Academy Griffins were to the max Thursday night as Max Bilcik scored a game high 23 points to lead them to an 86-58 win over the Academy for Sciences and Agriculture Eagles in St. Louis Park.
The Griffins came to life like Frosty the Snowman in the first half, starting the game on an 8-0 run. Bilcik began the scoring :22 into the first half, followed by a free throw from Malik Bodden . Larry Mohamed also scored as well as Nick Maiers. Jake Colestock would put the Eagles on the board with a free throw but they went chilly from the field while Groves heated up, going on an 11-0 run. Bilcik would get into foul trouble, picking up his third foul with 10:47 left in the half. Maiers would put on an outstanding shooting display with four first half three pointers that helped Groves Academy lead 44-31 at halftime.
The second half would begin just like the first half though the Griffins would go on an 11-0 run that would end by Colestock. There would be some life for AFSA as Adam Labrie would score four straight points. DeAndre Mason would later score six consecutive points. The night, however belonged to Bilcik as he put on an outstanding display of offense as well as defense. He would block a couple of shots, including one from Colestock. On the offensive side, he had a stretch of five straight points that would help clinch the win.
Other players in double figures for the Griffins were Bodden with 17 points, Maiers with 16 and Hall contributed 11. DeAndre Mason led the Eagles with 21 points. Colestock added 15 points and Labrie scored 10.
Groves Academy improved their record to 1-1 and returns to action on Tuesday, December 12 as they continue their season opening four game home stand against the Hmong Academy Warriors at 6 PM. AFSA fell to 1-2 and will travel to White Bear Lake on Friday, December 8 to face the Liberty Classical Academy Lions at 7:30 PM.
The Griffins came to life like Frosty the Snowman in the first half, starting the game on an 8-0 run. Bilcik began the scoring :22 into the first half, followed by a free throw from Malik Bodden . Larry Mohamed also scored as well as Nick Maiers. Jake Colestock would put the Eagles on the board with a free throw but they went chilly from the field while Groves heated up, going on an 11-0 run. Bilcik would get into foul trouble, picking up his third foul with 10:47 left in the half. Maiers would put on an outstanding shooting display with four first half three pointers that helped Groves Academy lead 44-31 at halftime.
The second half would begin just like the first half though the Griffins would go on an 11-0 run that would end by Colestock. There would be some life for AFSA as Adam Labrie would score four straight points. DeAndre Mason would later score six consecutive points. The night, however belonged to Bilcik as he put on an outstanding display of offense as well as defense. He would block a couple of shots, including one from Colestock. On the offensive side, he had a stretch of five straight points that would help clinch the win.
Other players in double figures for the Griffins were Bodden with 17 points, Maiers with 16 and Hall contributed 11. DeAndre Mason led the Eagles with 21 points. Colestock added 15 points and Labrie scored 10.
Groves Academy improved their record to 1-1 and returns to action on Tuesday, December 12 as they continue their season opening four game home stand against the Hmong Academy Warriors at 6 PM. AFSA fell to 1-2 and will travel to White Bear Lake on Friday, December 8 to face the Liberty Classical Academy Lions at 7:30 PM.
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
West Lutheran Warriors Wallop Groves Academy Griffins
The West Lutheran Warriors came east to St. Louis Park to open the 2017-18 boys basketball season and got a game high 17 points from Brett Vollrath to lead them to a 89-41 win over the Groves Academy Griffins Tuesday night.
The Warriors began the scoring :22 into the game on a basket from Troy Kokkinen. Malik Bodden tied the game for the Griffins before Vollrath's three pointer and Jordan Lauria's inside basket put West Lutheran on a 5-0 run. The Warriors would also go on an 11-0 run as they got a balanced scoring attack that also included a three pointer by Josh Englert. As West Lutheran forged ahead on this cold Tuesday night, there was a bright spot in the first half for Groves Academy when Larry Mohamed hit a pair of three pointers and Max Bilcik would hit one from Highway 100. But the Griffins couldn't get close and the Warriors led at halftime 43-25.
Tommy Warren would begin the second half scoring for the Warriors :28 into the half. Lauria would put them on a 4-0 run as West Lutheran used there speed and outstanding passing to distance them from the Griffins. Groves Academy would get five consecutive points from Bodden but he would foul out as well as Bilcik that would leave the Griffins depleted on offense as the game would eventually go into running time and both teams would get an opportunity to use their reserves.
Ten players would score for West Lutheran. The only players who didn't record a point were Colin Shanahan and Zach Smith. Other player in double figures for the Warriors were Kokkinen with 15, Phillip Ellis with 14 points and Lauria added 12. Bodden was the only Griffin in double figures with a game high 19 points.
West Lutheran begins the season 1-0 and will head to New Ulm on Friday, December 8 to play in the Martin Luther College Tournament against the Minnesota Valley Lutheran Chargers at 6:30 PM. Groves Academy falls to 0-1 and returns to action on Thursday, December 7 as they host the Academy for Science and Agriculture Eagles at 7 PM.
The Warriors began the scoring :22 into the game on a basket from Troy Kokkinen. Malik Bodden tied the game for the Griffins before Vollrath's three pointer and Jordan Lauria's inside basket put West Lutheran on a 5-0 run. The Warriors would also go on an 11-0 run as they got a balanced scoring attack that also included a three pointer by Josh Englert. As West Lutheran forged ahead on this cold Tuesday night, there was a bright spot in the first half for Groves Academy when Larry Mohamed hit a pair of three pointers and Max Bilcik would hit one from Highway 100. But the Griffins couldn't get close and the Warriors led at halftime 43-25.
Tommy Warren would begin the second half scoring for the Warriors :28 into the half. Lauria would put them on a 4-0 run as West Lutheran used there speed and outstanding passing to distance them from the Griffins. Groves Academy would get five consecutive points from Bodden but he would foul out as well as Bilcik that would leave the Griffins depleted on offense as the game would eventually go into running time and both teams would get an opportunity to use their reserves.
Ten players would score for West Lutheran. The only players who didn't record a point were Colin Shanahan and Zach Smith. Other player in double figures for the Warriors were Kokkinen with 15, Phillip Ellis with 14 points and Lauria added 12. Bodden was the only Griffin in double figures with a game high 19 points.
West Lutheran begins the season 1-0 and will head to New Ulm on Friday, December 8 to play in the Martin Luther College Tournament against the Minnesota Valley Lutheran Chargers at 6:30 PM. Groves Academy falls to 0-1 and returns to action on Thursday, December 7 as they host the Academy for Science and Agriculture Eagles at 7 PM.
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Owatonna Huskies Win Class AAAAA Title
The defending Class AAAAA champion Elk River Elks run oriented offense got grounded by a monumental game from Jason Williamson as he scored six touchdowns to lead the Owatonna Huskies to a 63-26 win in the championship game Saturday in the 2017 Prep Bowl at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
It was the second state title for the southern Minnesota school in their seventh trip to state. Their last state title came in the final Prep Bowl game played at the Metrodome in 2013 with a win over the Brainerd Warriors.
Both teams would tally in the first quarter. The Huskies scored on Williamson's 33 yard run. The Elks would reach the end zone following an encroachment penalty that would put them first and goal at the Owatonna five yard line and a one yard touchdown run from Arik Nordenstrom.
The Elks would take the lead on Adam Nelson's 39 yard run :08 into the second quarter. It would be the last time Elk River would be ahead because on the kickoff, Williamson would return the ball 67 yards for a touchdown to put the Huskies ahead. The junior running back would also score on a nine yard run. Owatonna would conclude the first half scoring as Alex Raichle recovered an Elk River fumble and quarterback Abe Havelka scored on a five yard keeper to give the Huskies a 28-14 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, Williamson would open the scoring as he ran down the right side of the field and scored from 43 yards. Defense also played a role for Owatonna when Alex Raichle recovered an Elk River fumble and scored a 29 yard touchdown. Williamson would make his fifth trip to the end zone on a nine yard touchdown run. But lo and behold, the Elks would end the Huskies run of 42 unanswered points as Nelson scampered down the center of the field for a 78 yard touchdown with 1:41 left and Owatonna led 49-20 after the third quarter.
Williamson was not done in the fourth quarter. After a 39 yard gain where he broke through four Elk River tackles, he would score on a five yard run 1:32 into the quarter. The Elks would score their first Prep Bowl touchdown in eight quarters on a passing play as Mitchell Stroh threw a 25 yard touchdown pass to Devon Garrison. The Huskies would also go deep to end the scoring on Havelka's 53 yard touchdown pass to Noah Budach to send the game into running time.
Williamson led the Huskies with 23 carries for 213 yards. He also caught three passes for 54 yards. Nelson led the Elks with 17 carries for 172 yards.
Owatonna ended their season with a 12-1 record and Elk River finished with a record of 11-2.
The attendance for the two day Prep Bowl was 37, 454.
It was the second state title for the southern Minnesota school in their seventh trip to state. Their last state title came in the final Prep Bowl game played at the Metrodome in 2013 with a win over the Brainerd Warriors.
Both teams would tally in the first quarter. The Huskies scored on Williamson's 33 yard run. The Elks would reach the end zone following an encroachment penalty that would put them first and goal at the Owatonna five yard line and a one yard touchdown run from Arik Nordenstrom.
The Elks would take the lead on Adam Nelson's 39 yard run :08 into the second quarter. It would be the last time Elk River would be ahead because on the kickoff, Williamson would return the ball 67 yards for a touchdown to put the Huskies ahead. The junior running back would also score on a nine yard run. Owatonna would conclude the first half scoring as Alex Raichle recovered an Elk River fumble and quarterback Abe Havelka scored on a five yard keeper to give the Huskies a 28-14 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, Williamson would open the scoring as he ran down the right side of the field and scored from 43 yards. Defense also played a role for Owatonna when Alex Raichle recovered an Elk River fumble and scored a 29 yard touchdown. Williamson would make his fifth trip to the end zone on a nine yard touchdown run. But lo and behold, the Elks would end the Huskies run of 42 unanswered points as Nelson scampered down the center of the field for a 78 yard touchdown with 1:41 left and Owatonna led 49-20 after the third quarter.
Williamson was not done in the fourth quarter. After a 39 yard gain where he broke through four Elk River tackles, he would score on a five yard run 1:32 into the quarter. The Elks would score their first Prep Bowl touchdown in eight quarters on a passing play as Mitchell Stroh threw a 25 yard touchdown pass to Devon Garrison. The Huskies would also go deep to end the scoring on Havelka's 53 yard touchdown pass to Noah Budach to send the game into running time.
Williamson led the Huskies with 23 carries for 213 yards. He also caught three passes for 54 yards. Nelson led the Elks with 17 carries for 172 yards.
Owatonna ended their season with a 12-1 record and Elk River finished with a record of 11-2.
The attendance for the two day Prep Bowl was 37, 454.
Pierz Pioneers Pound St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders for Class AAA Title
Reese Kapsner ran for three touchdowns and Jalen Jansen added two more to lead the Pierz Pioneers to a 34-21 win over the St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders 34-21 Saturday afternoon in the Class AAA championship game in the 2017 Prep Bowl at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
It was the third state title for the Pioneers in their 14th trip to state. Last time Pierz won a state championship was 2015 when the Prep Bowl was held at TCF Bank Stadium.
Neither team would score in the first quarter. The Pioneers would break the scoreless tie in the second quarter following a fourth down Crusader fumble that was recovered by Teryl Scholl and Jansen would cash in with a 52 yard touchdown run up the middle. Kapsner would put Pierz up by 14 as he would cut to the left side and score from 38 yards. St. Croix Lutheran would get on the scoreboard as James Chermohorsky ran like he was headed to Chicago Ave. and scored a 58 yard touchdown run. Pierz would wrap up the first half scoring on Jansen's 49 yard run to the right side with 2:52 left and the Pioneers would lead at halftime 21-7.
Following a turnover plagued first half, it looked like the Crusaders would bounce back as quarterback Jonathan Liesener would throw a 21 yard touchdown pass on fourth and goal to Garett Maag, capping a 7:54 drive.
But fumbleitis would be St. Croix Lutheran's undoing in the fourth quarter as Kapsner would go around left end and score from 10 yards and he would recover a Crusader fumble and score his third touchdown of the game on a one yard run. Mike Stern would wrap up the scoring for St. Croix Lutheran on a one yard run.
Pierz was led by Jansen who ran 16 times for 178 yards and Kapsner with 20 carries for 128 yards. St. Croix Lutheran was led by Chermohorsky with 13 rushes for 92 yards.
The Pioneers conclude the season with a 13-0 record and the Crusaders conclude the season with a record of 12-1.
It was the third state title for the Pioneers in their 14th trip to state. Last time Pierz won a state championship was 2015 when the Prep Bowl was held at TCF Bank Stadium.
Neither team would score in the first quarter. The Pioneers would break the scoreless tie in the second quarter following a fourth down Crusader fumble that was recovered by Teryl Scholl and Jansen would cash in with a 52 yard touchdown run up the middle. Kapsner would put Pierz up by 14 as he would cut to the left side and score from 38 yards. St. Croix Lutheran would get on the scoreboard as James Chermohorsky ran like he was headed to Chicago Ave. and scored a 58 yard touchdown run. Pierz would wrap up the first half scoring on Jansen's 49 yard run to the right side with 2:52 left and the Pioneers would lead at halftime 21-7.
Following a turnover plagued first half, it looked like the Crusaders would bounce back as quarterback Jonathan Liesener would throw a 21 yard touchdown pass on fourth and goal to Garett Maag, capping a 7:54 drive.
But fumbleitis would be St. Croix Lutheran's undoing in the fourth quarter as Kapsner would go around left end and score from 10 yards and he would recover a Crusader fumble and score his third touchdown of the game on a one yard run. Mike Stern would wrap up the scoring for St. Croix Lutheran on a one yard run.
Pierz was led by Jansen who ran 16 times for 178 yards and Kapsner with 20 carries for 128 yards. St. Croix Lutheran was led by Chermohorsky with 13 rushes for 92 yards.
The Pioneers conclude the season with a 13-0 record and the Crusaders conclude the season with a record of 12-1.
Seven State Titles for Minneota Vikings
A Southwestern Minnesota Shootout opened up the Saturday session of the 2017 Prep Bowl that featured Isaac Hennen rushing for 291 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Minneota Vikings to a 28-13 win over the Wabasso Rabbits in the Class A championship game at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
It was the seventh state championship and third in the last four years for the Vikings who played in their 14th state tournament.
Isaac Hennen almost gave Minneota the early lead but his touchdown run was called by due to an illegal shift penalty. The Rabbits would strike first as Nick Altermatt blocked Alex Pohlen's punt and Isaac Schmiesing recovered the ball at the Viking two yard line. Two plays later, Cooper Taylor scored on a one yard touchdown run to put Wabasso ahead 7-0.
Cooper Taylor had an opportunity to increase the Rabbits lead with a 40 yard gain but they would lose the ball to the Vikings on downs. It was Isaac Hennen who would reach the end zone from 24 yards to tie the game at seven and that would be the result at halftime.
Minneota would take the lead in the third quarter on Pohlen's one yard keeper touchdown.
Wabasso would tie the game at 13 in the fourth quarter on Kyle Jacobson's one yard touchdown run :37 into the quarter. Could the Rabbits eventually win their first state title? It wouldn't happen as Isaac Hennen went around left end and ran like he was headed to the light rail tracks and scored a 54 yard touchdown to put Minneota in front and he would send the blue and gold faithful home happy scoring a 15 yard touchdown with 2:22 left in the game.
Cooper Taylor led Wabasso with 16 carries for 74 yards.
The Vikings concluded their season with a 14-0 record and the Rabbits with a record of 13-1.
It was the seventh state championship and third in the last four years for the Vikings who played in their 14th state tournament.
Isaac Hennen almost gave Minneota the early lead but his touchdown run was called by due to an illegal shift penalty. The Rabbits would strike first as Nick Altermatt blocked Alex Pohlen's punt and Isaac Schmiesing recovered the ball at the Viking two yard line. Two plays later, Cooper Taylor scored on a one yard touchdown run to put Wabasso ahead 7-0.
Cooper Taylor had an opportunity to increase the Rabbits lead with a 40 yard gain but they would lose the ball to the Vikings on downs. It was Isaac Hennen who would reach the end zone from 24 yards to tie the game at seven and that would be the result at halftime.
Minneota would take the lead in the third quarter on Pohlen's one yard keeper touchdown.
Wabasso would tie the game at 13 in the fourth quarter on Kyle Jacobson's one yard touchdown run :37 into the quarter. Could the Rabbits eventually win their first state title? It wouldn't happen as Isaac Hennen went around left end and ran like he was headed to the light rail tracks and scored a 54 yard touchdown to put Minneota in front and he would send the blue and gold faithful home happy scoring a 15 yard touchdown with 2:22 left in the game.
Cooper Taylor led Wabasso with 16 carries for 74 yards.
The Vikings concluded their season with a 14-0 record and the Rabbits with a record of 13-1.
Friday, November 24, 2017
It's State Title Number 11 For Eden Prairie Eagles
Antonio Montero, the StarTribune's Metro Player of the Year put on a show for the large throng in attendance Friday night as he scored three touchdowns and booted a field goal to lead the Eden Prairie Eagles to a 38-17 win over the Minnetonka Skippers in the Class 6A championship game in the 2017 Prep Bowl at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
It was the 11th state championship for the Mike Grant led Eagles in their 21st trip to state. The game was a rematch of a game played October 13 that the Eagles won 39-21.
Solo Faliniko was an asset in Eden Prairie's first touchdown. He gained 12 yards to set up first and goal at the Minnetonka seven yard line. He reached the end zone on his next carry. It looked like Grant Harstad would score the Eagles net touchdown. But the replay official ruled that he was stopped at the one yard line which would enable Montero to score on a one yard run. The Skippers would get on the scoreboard on a 21 yard field goal from Grant Altman and the Eagles led 14-3 at the end of the first quarter.
Montero would open the second quarter scoring for Eden Prairie with his second one yard touchdown. Aaron Syverson's 33 yard touchdown pass to Owen Freese would trim the Eagles lead to 21-10. Defense would also prevail for Eden Prairie as Kyler Kluge would intercept a Syverson pass. Montero would also excel with his foot as he sent the ball toward the goal posts and it would go over from 42 yards with :44 left in the half. The Skippers had the last possession of the first half so Syverson threw a long pass toward the end zone and Jackson Owens would make a great catch as the clock hit 0:00 and Eden Prairie led 21-17 at halftime.
Running back depth has been the key to the Eagles success and it showed when DJ Johnson ran left side six yards for the lone third quarter touchdown.
Montero would wrap up the scoring and his Eden Prairie football career with a one yard touchdown run. With the game decided late in the fourth quarter. Grant gave the reserve players a chance to shine on the US Bank Stadium turf.
The Eagles ended their season with a 13-0 record and the Skippers finish with a record of 11-2.
It was the 11th state championship for the Mike Grant led Eagles in their 21st trip to state. The game was a rematch of a game played October 13 that the Eagles won 39-21.
Solo Faliniko was an asset in Eden Prairie's first touchdown. He gained 12 yards to set up first and goal at the Minnetonka seven yard line. He reached the end zone on his next carry. It looked like Grant Harstad would score the Eagles net touchdown. But the replay official ruled that he was stopped at the one yard line which would enable Montero to score on a one yard run. The Skippers would get on the scoreboard on a 21 yard field goal from Grant Altman and the Eagles led 14-3 at the end of the first quarter.
Montero would open the second quarter scoring for Eden Prairie with his second one yard touchdown. Aaron Syverson's 33 yard touchdown pass to Owen Freese would trim the Eagles lead to 21-10. Defense would also prevail for Eden Prairie as Kyler Kluge would intercept a Syverson pass. Montero would also excel with his foot as he sent the ball toward the goal posts and it would go over from 42 yards with :44 left in the half. The Skippers had the last possession of the first half so Syverson threw a long pass toward the end zone and Jackson Owens would make a great catch as the clock hit 0:00 and Eden Prairie led 21-17 at halftime.
Running back depth has been the key to the Eagles success and it showed when DJ Johnson ran left side six yards for the lone third quarter touchdown.
Montero would wrap up the scoring and his Eden Prairie football career with a one yard touchdown run. With the game decided late in the fourth quarter. Grant gave the reserve players a chance to shine on the US Bank Stadium turf.
The Eagles ended their season with a 13-0 record and the Skippers finish with a record of 11-2.
Holy Angels Stars Win Class AAAA Championship
Despite committing five turnovers, the Holy Angels Stars still managed to reach the end zone on a touchdown pass from Joseph Heimbold and a run from Thomas Shelstad that propelled them to a 14-0 win over the unbeaten Cloquet Lumberjacks Friday night in the Class AAAA championship in the 2017 Prep Bowl at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
It was the first state title for the Richfield school in their sixth state tournament appearance.
Both teams had trouble reaching the end zone in the first quarter. The Stars lost their first possession on a fumble that was recovered by the Lumberjacks. Cloquet couldn't convert on fourth and five so the ball went back to Holy Angels. There would be good news for the blue clad Stars fans when Heimbold threw a 46 yard touchdown pass to Ryan Mazurek and they would go up 7-0.
The margin would remain at seven the remainder of the first half. Holy Angels would attempt a field goal but an errant snap turned into a pass play for holder Jason Kraus as he completed a pass to Reed Lewis for a first down. The Stars would get another field goal opportunity but Aaron Sanchez's kick bounced off the right upright. Shelstad would score from one yard with :58 left to eventually wrap up the scoring. The Lumberjacks had a chance to get on the scoreboard as Tim Pokornowski had a 19 yard keeper run but his pass on fourth and goal was incomplete.
Shelstad would lead Holy Angels with 15 carries for 91 yards. Tim Pokornowski gained 113 yards on 22 carries.
The Stars wrapped up their season with a 12-1 record and Cloquet ended their year with an identical record of 12-1.
It was the first state title for the Richfield school in their sixth state tournament appearance.
Both teams had trouble reaching the end zone in the first quarter. The Stars lost their first possession on a fumble that was recovered by the Lumberjacks. Cloquet couldn't convert on fourth and five so the ball went back to Holy Angels. There would be good news for the blue clad Stars fans when Heimbold threw a 46 yard touchdown pass to Ryan Mazurek and they would go up 7-0.
The margin would remain at seven the remainder of the first half. Holy Angels would attempt a field goal but an errant snap turned into a pass play for holder Jason Kraus as he completed a pass to Reed Lewis for a first down. The Stars would get another field goal opportunity but Aaron Sanchez's kick bounced off the right upright. Shelstad would score from one yard with :58 left to eventually wrap up the scoring. The Lumberjacks had a chance to get on the scoreboard as Tim Pokornowski had a 19 yard keeper run but his pass on fourth and goal was incomplete.
Shelstad would lead Holy Angels with 15 carries for 91 yards. Tim Pokornowski gained 113 yards on 22 carries.
The Stars wrapped up their season with a 12-1 record and Cloquet ended their year with an identical record of 12-1.
Spring Grove Lions Spring Shutout to Nine Man Title
The Spring Grove Lions got many volt of offensive power from junior quarterback Alex Volz as he threw three touchdown passes and ran one in to lead them to a 32-0 shut out of the Nevis Tigers Friday in the Nine Man championship game of the 2017 Prep Bowl at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
It was the first state title for the southeastern Minnesota school in their third trip to state.
The Lions, with only 26 rostered players got their first touchdown that was set up by Cullen Patterson's 43 yard run and third and one and Volz capped the drive with a 15 yard left side run. Volz would be a factor in the second touchdown when he looked downfield and threw a 28 yard pass to Ethan Matzke with :47 left in the quarter and Spring Grove would lead 14-0.
Luke Schneider opened the second quarter scoring for the Lions, hauling in a 25 yard pass from Volz. Volz would complete a pass to Noah Elton and he broke threw a couple of Tiger tackles to reach the end zone and give Spring Grove a 26-0 halftime lead.
Neither team would tally in the third quarter. The Lions would conclude the scoring on Patterson's six yard touchdown run :24 into the fourth quarter. Nevis couldn't get the ball toward the goal line though quarterback Jack DeWulf would through a 32 yard completion but it was intercepted by Aden Solum.
Volz led Spring Grove with 16 completions in 22 attempts for 196 yards and rushed for112. Jack DeWulf was the bright spot for Nevis, rushing for 110 yards.
The Lions conclude their season 14-0 and the Tigers end their season with a record of 10-3.
It was the first state title for the southeastern Minnesota school in their third trip to state.
The Lions, with only 26 rostered players got their first touchdown that was set up by Cullen Patterson's 43 yard run and third and one and Volz capped the drive with a 15 yard left side run. Volz would be a factor in the second touchdown when he looked downfield and threw a 28 yard pass to Ethan Matzke with :47 left in the quarter and Spring Grove would lead 14-0.
Luke Schneider opened the second quarter scoring for the Lions, hauling in a 25 yard pass from Volz. Volz would complete a pass to Noah Elton and he broke threw a couple of Tiger tackles to reach the end zone and give Spring Grove a 26-0 halftime lead.
Neither team would tally in the third quarter. The Lions would conclude the scoring on Patterson's six yard touchdown run :24 into the fourth quarter. Nevis couldn't get the ball toward the goal line though quarterback Jack DeWulf would through a 32 yard completion but it was intercepted by Aden Solum.
Volz led Spring Grove with 16 completions in 22 attempts for 196 yards and rushed for112. Jack DeWulf was the bright spot for Nevis, rushing for 110 yards.
The Lions conclude their season 14-0 and the Tigers end their season with a record of 10-3.
Monday, November 20, 2017
2017 Prep Bowl Preview Part Two
The 2017 Prep Bowl wraps up on Saturday, November 25 with three championship games at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Here's a preview of the three title games.
10 AM: A pair of southwestern Minnesota teams battle for the Class A championship as the Minneota Vikings battle the Wabasso Rabbits (sometimes referred to as the Wabbits). Though the two towns are 41 miles apart, they didn't play each other in the regular season. The Vikings took home the Class A championship trophy in 2015 and have an experienced quarterback in senior Alex Pohlen. Pohlen has been a part of the Minneota varsity since the eighth grade and also led the team to the 2014 Class A title. Also a key to the Vikings success is running back Isaac Hennen who has reached the end zone 24 times. The Rabbits are led by running back Cooper Taylor who also is a receiver. In the semifinal game against Ada-Borup/Norman county West, he scored a rushing and receiving touchdown. Both teams have high powered offenses so there could be a lot of scoring going on.
1 PM: There could be a lot of red and white clad fans populating US Bank Stadium's purple seats as the two previous Class AAA champions the St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders and the Pierz Pioneers. The Crusaders are the defending Class AAA champions and the Pioneers won the last Class AAA title played at TCF Bank Stadium in 2015. St. Croix Lutheran can pile on the points and they have played only one game this season where they scored less than 40 points. It was a 35-0 over the St. Paul Highland Park Scots on October 7. The Crusaders won a rematch of last year's Class AAA final against Rochester Lourdes in the quarterfinals and routed the Pequot Lakes Patriots in the semifinals. The Pioneers derailed the Proctor Rails in the quarterfinals and the Jordan Hubmen in the semifinals. Both teams run like the thoroughbred horses at Canterbury Park as the Crusaders are led by Mike Stern and the Pioneers have a deep and talent backfield led by Reese Kapsner, Alex funk and Jalen Jansen. Two unbeaten teams. Two outstanding coaches in Carl Lemke of St. Croix Lutheran and Leo Pohlkamp of Pierz. But there can be only one winner and it could come down to one play in the closing moments that could be the clincher for the Class AAA title.
Wrapping up the 2017 Prep Bowl is the Class AAAAA championship between the Owatonna Huskies and the defending champion Elk River Elks. Two disparate offenses will be showcased . The Huskies run a pass oriented attack that's led by senior quarterback Abe Havelka in the semifinal game against the Brainerd Warriors, Havelka completed 21 of 25 passes for 451 yards and seven touchdowns. Alex Raischle and Dalton Kubista accounted for six of Havelka's seven touchdown passes. As for the Elks, it's run run run run baby run as they rrely on a high powered rushing attack and rarely pass. Such was the case last year in the Class AAAAA final against the Spring Lake Park Panthers where all of the yardage was was on the ground. It could be another high scoring affair.
So those are the previews of the seven championship games. Both days have the makings of great Minnesota high school football.
10 AM: A pair of southwestern Minnesota teams battle for the Class A championship as the Minneota Vikings battle the Wabasso Rabbits (sometimes referred to as the Wabbits). Though the two towns are 41 miles apart, they didn't play each other in the regular season. The Vikings took home the Class A championship trophy in 2015 and have an experienced quarterback in senior Alex Pohlen. Pohlen has been a part of the Minneota varsity since the eighth grade and also led the team to the 2014 Class A title. Also a key to the Vikings success is running back Isaac Hennen who has reached the end zone 24 times. The Rabbits are led by running back Cooper Taylor who also is a receiver. In the semifinal game against Ada-Borup/Norman county West, he scored a rushing and receiving touchdown. Both teams have high powered offenses so there could be a lot of scoring going on.
1 PM: There could be a lot of red and white clad fans populating US Bank Stadium's purple seats as the two previous Class AAA champions the St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders and the Pierz Pioneers. The Crusaders are the defending Class AAA champions and the Pioneers won the last Class AAA title played at TCF Bank Stadium in 2015. St. Croix Lutheran can pile on the points and they have played only one game this season where they scored less than 40 points. It was a 35-0 over the St. Paul Highland Park Scots on October 7. The Crusaders won a rematch of last year's Class AAA final against Rochester Lourdes in the quarterfinals and routed the Pequot Lakes Patriots in the semifinals. The Pioneers derailed the Proctor Rails in the quarterfinals and the Jordan Hubmen in the semifinals. Both teams run like the thoroughbred horses at Canterbury Park as the Crusaders are led by Mike Stern and the Pioneers have a deep and talent backfield led by Reese Kapsner, Alex funk and Jalen Jansen. Two unbeaten teams. Two outstanding coaches in Carl Lemke of St. Croix Lutheran and Leo Pohlkamp of Pierz. But there can be only one winner and it could come down to one play in the closing moments that could be the clincher for the Class AAA title.
Wrapping up the 2017 Prep Bowl is the Class AAAAA championship between the Owatonna Huskies and the defending champion Elk River Elks. Two disparate offenses will be showcased . The Huskies run a pass oriented attack that's led by senior quarterback Abe Havelka in the semifinal game against the Brainerd Warriors, Havelka completed 21 of 25 passes for 451 yards and seven touchdowns. Alex Raischle and Dalton Kubista accounted for six of Havelka's seven touchdown passes. As for the Elks, it's run run run run baby run as they rrely on a high powered rushing attack and rarely pass. Such was the case last year in the Class AAAAA final against the Spring Lake Park Panthers where all of the yardage was was on the ground. It could be another high scoring affair.
So those are the previews of the seven championship games. Both days have the makings of great Minnesota high school football.
Sunday, November 19, 2017
2017 Prep Bowl Preview Part One
The scene is set. The pairings for the seven championship games in the 2017 Prep Bowl have been determined as 14 teams head to US Bank Stadium to vie for the championship trophies November 23 and 24. Here's a preview of the seven title games, starting with the four Friday games,
10 AM: If there's any guarantee for Friday's opening Prep Bowl game is that there will be a new Nine Man champion for the first time in five years. The Grand Meadow Superlarks championship reign came to an with a loss to the unbeaten Spring Grove Lions in the Section 1 semifinals. The Lions are led by quarterback Alex Volz who scored four touchdowns in the state semifinal game against the Stephen-Argyle Storm. They will face their toughest test against the Nevis Tigers who scored 42 points in the quarterfinals against North Woods and 44 in the semifinals against Russell-Tyler-Ruthton. Is 46 in the championship possible? it depends on how well the Tigers can solve the Lions defense and how good a game quarterback Jack DeWulf has. He ran for 230 yards and two touchdowns against R-T-R. It could be a high scoring Nine Man final.
1 PM: The two time defending champion Caledonia Warriors go for their third straight title and their 40th straight win against the Pipestone Arrows. It's a rematch of the 2015 Class AA final where the Warriors routed the Arrows 40-0. Caledonia is led by quarterback Owen King, who will play basketball next season at South Dakota State. Pipestone came off a close quarterfinal win against Blue Earth and routed Moose Lake/Willow River in the semifinals. Can the Warriors go for the threepeat?
4 PM: The Holy Angels Stars try to win their first Class AAAA final against the unbeaten Cloquet Lumberjacks. The Stars got past the unbeaten Winona Winhawks in the semifinals 26-22 thanks to quarterback Joseph Heimbold who scored three rushing touchdowns. The Lumberjacks also have a dual threat quarterback in Tim Pokornowski who ran for 249 yards against the South St. Paul Packers in the semifinals. Cloquet is in their eighth state tournament and is also looking for their first state title. Which quarterback will win the ground game and help bring home the championship trophy?
7 PM: Now this sounds familiar. The Eden Prairie Eagles are playing for a state Class 6A championship. The Eagles, in their 21st trip to state go for their 11th title against the rival Minnetonka Skippers. If you plan on attending only one of the Prep Bowl games that day, consider beating the Black Friday crowds and see two outstanding teams battle for the Class 6A title. The two teams met on October 13 with Eden Prairie beating Minnetonka 39-21. The Skippers are going for their first state championship since 2004. It should be an outstanding finish to the Prep Bowl's first day.
Next up. The three Saturday championship games
10 AM: If there's any guarantee for Friday's opening Prep Bowl game is that there will be a new Nine Man champion for the first time in five years. The Grand Meadow Superlarks championship reign came to an with a loss to the unbeaten Spring Grove Lions in the Section 1 semifinals. The Lions are led by quarterback Alex Volz who scored four touchdowns in the state semifinal game against the Stephen-Argyle Storm. They will face their toughest test against the Nevis Tigers who scored 42 points in the quarterfinals against North Woods and 44 in the semifinals against Russell-Tyler-Ruthton. Is 46 in the championship possible? it depends on how well the Tigers can solve the Lions defense and how good a game quarterback Jack DeWulf has. He ran for 230 yards and two touchdowns against R-T-R. It could be a high scoring Nine Man final.
1 PM: The two time defending champion Caledonia Warriors go for their third straight title and their 40th straight win against the Pipestone Arrows. It's a rematch of the 2015 Class AA final where the Warriors routed the Arrows 40-0. Caledonia is led by quarterback Owen King, who will play basketball next season at South Dakota State. Pipestone came off a close quarterfinal win against Blue Earth and routed Moose Lake/Willow River in the semifinals. Can the Warriors go for the threepeat?
4 PM: The Holy Angels Stars try to win their first Class AAAA final against the unbeaten Cloquet Lumberjacks. The Stars got past the unbeaten Winona Winhawks in the semifinals 26-22 thanks to quarterback Joseph Heimbold who scored three rushing touchdowns. The Lumberjacks also have a dual threat quarterback in Tim Pokornowski who ran for 249 yards against the South St. Paul Packers in the semifinals. Cloquet is in their eighth state tournament and is also looking for their first state title. Which quarterback will win the ground game and help bring home the championship trophy?
7 PM: Now this sounds familiar. The Eden Prairie Eagles are playing for a state Class 6A championship. The Eagles, in their 21st trip to state go for their 11th title against the rival Minnetonka Skippers. If you plan on attending only one of the Prep Bowl games that day, consider beating the Black Friday crowds and see two outstanding teams battle for the Class 6A title. The two teams met on October 13 with Eden Prairie beating Minnetonka 39-21. The Skippers are going for their first state championship since 2004. It should be an outstanding finish to the Prep Bowl's first day.
Next up. The three Saturday championship games
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Holy Angels Stars Advance to Class AAAA Finals
The Class AAAA semifinal game Thursday evening turned out to be a bold finish for Holy Angels quarterback Joseph Heimbold as he scored three touchdowns, including the game winner with 3:30 left to play to lead the Stars to a 26-22 win over the Winona Winhawks at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
Heimbold accounted for the first quarter's only touchdown, scoring on a 10 yard keeper. Holy Angels led 7-0.
Winona evened the score at seven when quarterback Riley Bosteter completed a 38 yard pass to Dakota Matthees and Dan Jonsgaard completed the drive with a one yard touchdown run. The Stars would regain the lead on a four yard touchdown run from Thomas Shelstad to put the Stars ahead at the half 13-7.
It looked like Holy Angels would open the second half scoring on a touchdown from Keontay Shorter. But it would go for naught due to a holding penalty. The good news for Stars fans is that Heimbold would reach the end zone a second time as he scored on a 13 yard keeper up the middle. The Winhawks would also score following a 28 yard pass from Bosteter to Terrell Hall that would spot the ball on the Star four yard line. Next play, Jonsgaard scores his second touchdown of the game to cut the Holy Angels lead to 19-14.
Winona would take the lead in the fourth quarter when Bosteter threw a 31 yard touchdown pass to Ethan Ringo to put them ahead 22-19. Could the Winhawks remain unbeaten and return next Friday for the Class AAAA finals? Not so as Hembold on fourth and one scores his third touchdown of the game on a 23 yard keeper with 3:50 to go. Winona had another chance to win the game as Bosteter completed a huge third down pass on third and 36 to Ringo. But his next pass was intercepted by Shorter and that would clinch a championship berth for the Stars.
Heimbold led the Stars with 145 yards on 27 carries and Shelstad had 15 carries for 113 yards. Leading the Winahws was Bosteter, completing 13 of 27 passes for 311 yards. Ringo and Matthees had three completions with Ringo accumulating 117 yards and Matthees 114.
Holy Angels improves their record to 11-1 and advances to the Class AAAA championship game on Friday, November 24 at 4 PM at US Bank Stadium against the winner of the South St. Paul-Cloquet game that will be played on Friday, November 17 at 4:40 PM, also at US Bank Stadium. Winona ended their season with an identical 11-1 record.
Heimbold accounted for the first quarter's only touchdown, scoring on a 10 yard keeper. Holy Angels led 7-0.
Winona evened the score at seven when quarterback Riley Bosteter completed a 38 yard pass to Dakota Matthees and Dan Jonsgaard completed the drive with a one yard touchdown run. The Stars would regain the lead on a four yard touchdown run from Thomas Shelstad to put the Stars ahead at the half 13-7.
It looked like Holy Angels would open the second half scoring on a touchdown from Keontay Shorter. But it would go for naught due to a holding penalty. The good news for Stars fans is that Heimbold would reach the end zone a second time as he scored on a 13 yard keeper up the middle. The Winhawks would also score following a 28 yard pass from Bosteter to Terrell Hall that would spot the ball on the Star four yard line. Next play, Jonsgaard scores his second touchdown of the game to cut the Holy Angels lead to 19-14.
Winona would take the lead in the fourth quarter when Bosteter threw a 31 yard touchdown pass to Ethan Ringo to put them ahead 22-19. Could the Winhawks remain unbeaten and return next Friday for the Class AAAA finals? Not so as Hembold on fourth and one scores his third touchdown of the game on a 23 yard keeper with 3:50 to go. Winona had another chance to win the game as Bosteter completed a huge third down pass on third and 36 to Ringo. But his next pass was intercepted by Shorter and that would clinch a championship berth for the Stars.
Heimbold led the Stars with 145 yards on 27 carries and Shelstad had 15 carries for 113 yards. Leading the Winahws was Bosteter, completing 13 of 27 passes for 311 yards. Ringo and Matthees had three completions with Ringo accumulating 117 yards and Matthees 114.
Holy Angels improves their record to 11-1 and advances to the Class AAAA championship game on Friday, November 24 at 4 PM at US Bank Stadium against the winner of the South St. Paul-Cloquet game that will be played on Friday, November 17 at 4:40 PM, also at US Bank Stadium. Winona ended their season with an identical 11-1 record.
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Brainerd Warriors End SLP Orioles Season
The St. Louis Park Orioles first trip to the state football tournament turned into "The Charlie Geraets Show" as he ran for 264 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Brainerd Warriors to a 24-7 win over the Orioles in the state Class AAAAA football finals Saturday night at Husky Stadium on the St. Cloud State University campus.
Geraets would account for the only touchdown in the first quarter, scoring on a four yard touchdown pass from Joe Stolski with :32 to go and the Warriors led 6-0.
It would be the Orioles turn to reach the end zone in the second quarter as Johnny Sorenson threw a 20 yard touchdown pass to Ryan Klaers to put St. Louis Park at the half 7-6.
In the third quarter, Brainerd cashed in on a fourth down conversion when St. Louis Park was called for pass interference. It also set up Geraets' second touchdown as he scored on a one yard run. Tack on the two point conversion and the Warriors regained the lead 14-7.
The Warriors would increase their lead to 10 in the fourth quarter as Zach Henke booted a 21 yard field goal. Could the Orioles mount a comeback and send the orange and black clad fans to US Bank Stadium next Saturday night? The answer would be no as the offense was plagues by turnovers, including a couple of Sorenson's passes intercepted by Max Boran. The senior quarterback would throw a fourth down completion to Semaj Mitchell but they couldn't reach the end zone. Geraets would also score his third touchdown with 3:52 left and it would clinch the Warriors first trip to Minneapolis since they played in the final Prep Bowl game at the Metrodome and lost to the Owatonna Huskies.
Brainerd improved their record to 9-2 and will have a rematch with Owatonna in the Class AAAAA semifinals on Saturday, November 18 at 7 PM at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. St. Louis Park, posting their first winning season since 1970 concluded their season with a record of 7-4.
Geraets would account for the only touchdown in the first quarter, scoring on a four yard touchdown pass from Joe Stolski with :32 to go and the Warriors led 6-0.
It would be the Orioles turn to reach the end zone in the second quarter as Johnny Sorenson threw a 20 yard touchdown pass to Ryan Klaers to put St. Louis Park at the half 7-6.
In the third quarter, Brainerd cashed in on a fourth down conversion when St. Louis Park was called for pass interference. It also set up Geraets' second touchdown as he scored on a one yard run. Tack on the two point conversion and the Warriors regained the lead 14-7.
The Warriors would increase their lead to 10 in the fourth quarter as Zach Henke booted a 21 yard field goal. Could the Orioles mount a comeback and send the orange and black clad fans to US Bank Stadium next Saturday night? The answer would be no as the offense was plagues by turnovers, including a couple of Sorenson's passes intercepted by Max Boran. The senior quarterback would throw a fourth down completion to Semaj Mitchell but they couldn't reach the end zone. Geraets would also score his third touchdown with 3:52 left and it would clinch the Warriors first trip to Minneapolis since they played in the final Prep Bowl game at the Metrodome and lost to the Owatonna Huskies.
Brainerd improved their record to 9-2 and will have a rematch with Owatonna in the Class AAAAA semifinals on Saturday, November 18 at 7 PM at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. St. Louis Park, posting their first winning season since 1970 concluded their season with a record of 7-4.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
2017 State Class AAAAA Football Tournament Preview
For the first time in the modern state football tournament era that began in 1972, the St. Louis Park Orioles will be competing for a state championship as they face the Brainerd Warriors on Saturday, November 11 at 6 PM at Husky Stadium, on the campus of St. Cloud State University. Here's a preview of the game and the three other Class AAAAA quarterfinals.
The Orioles will head up I-94 to St. cloud as a result of an outstanding defense that stopped the unbeaten Cooper Hawks on a two point conversion 13-12 on a cold and snowy Friday night in New Hope. St. Louis Park needs to have an outstanding game from quarterback Johnny Sorenson, who was a factor in both Oriole touchdowns. He ran for one and threw a touchdown pass to freshman McCabe Dvorak to help clinch the win. The defense also has to shut down Brainerd's ground game led by Charlie Geraets. The Warriors are under the leadership of veteran head coach Ron Stolski. He's in his 55th year as a head coach and he has headed the Brainerd program since 1975. It's the 10th trip to state for the Warriors and they have not won a state title. They did play in the final Prep Bowl game at the Metrodome in 2013, losing to the Owatonna Huskies. Since the loss to St. Cloud Tech on September 8, the Warriors have gone 7-1. As for Geraets, he's Brainerd's leading rusher with three of his last four games amassing more than 100 yards. He could be the key to a trip down Highway 10 the following week to US bank Stadium but can the Orioles play giant killer again?
The winner of that game will face the winner of the Owatonna Huskies-Mahtomedi Zephyrs game that will also be played on the 11th at 6 PM at Lakeville North. It will be the seventh trip for the Huskies who lost to eventual state champion Elk River in last year's semifinals. They have a high powered offense that has scored a season high of 70 points against the Austin Packers and have an outstanding junior running back in Jason Williamson. He's 290 yards away from 2000 and he has only two games under 100 rushing yards, including the section final against Rochester Century. The Zephyrs have not lost a game since September 29 when they lost to the South St. Paul Packers 27-13. It's the 13th trip to state for Mahtomedi who beat the Holy Angels Stars to win the state title in 2005. Brandon Anderson has been the key to the Zephyrs success scoring 20 touchdowns this season. It should be an outstanding game.
Moving to the lower bracket and also playing on the 11th is the Mankato West Scarlets and the Apple Valley Eagles at Shakopee. The Scarlets head up Highway 169 vying for their first state title since 2014 in their eighth trip to state. Mankato West is led by quarterback Jack Foster who has thrown 20 touchdown passes and ran in an additional 14. Also part of the Scarlet's success is running back Dustin Mueller who rushed for a season high 240 yards against Waconia in the section final. Foster's top target is senior Dondre Spann, the recipient of 13 touchdown passes. The Apple Valley Eagles are in their 13th state tournament and in the hunt for their first state title since 1993. They almost had an unbeaten season but their lone loss was by a field goal to the Chaska Hawks. Apple Valley has a dual threat quarterback in Tyler Cardella who has thrown 10 touchdown passes and ran for 14. Look out for the Scarlets, they could be a favorite in Class AAAAA.
The only game played on Friday the 10th is at Mounds View with the defending champion Elk River Elks battle the Andover Huskies. Last season, the Elks routed the Spring Lake Panthers without throwing a single pass. This season is no different since Elk River has a deep ground game led by Adam Nelson who has reached the end zone 14 times. The Huskies are in the state tournament for the fifth time and still looking for their first state title. Andover lost to Elk River during the regular season in a game that resembled a basketball score 69-54. The Elks outgained the Huskies 651-504. It looks like a game that could keep the scoreboard operator busy at the controls.
So that's the field for the Class AAAAA. It's all part of The Road to The Prep Bowl.
The Orioles will head up I-94 to St. cloud as a result of an outstanding defense that stopped the unbeaten Cooper Hawks on a two point conversion 13-12 on a cold and snowy Friday night in New Hope. St. Louis Park needs to have an outstanding game from quarterback Johnny Sorenson, who was a factor in both Oriole touchdowns. He ran for one and threw a touchdown pass to freshman McCabe Dvorak to help clinch the win. The defense also has to shut down Brainerd's ground game led by Charlie Geraets. The Warriors are under the leadership of veteran head coach Ron Stolski. He's in his 55th year as a head coach and he has headed the Brainerd program since 1975. It's the 10th trip to state for the Warriors and they have not won a state title. They did play in the final Prep Bowl game at the Metrodome in 2013, losing to the Owatonna Huskies. Since the loss to St. Cloud Tech on September 8, the Warriors have gone 7-1. As for Geraets, he's Brainerd's leading rusher with three of his last four games amassing more than 100 yards. He could be the key to a trip down Highway 10 the following week to US bank Stadium but can the Orioles play giant killer again?
The winner of that game will face the winner of the Owatonna Huskies-Mahtomedi Zephyrs game that will also be played on the 11th at 6 PM at Lakeville North. It will be the seventh trip for the Huskies who lost to eventual state champion Elk River in last year's semifinals. They have a high powered offense that has scored a season high of 70 points against the Austin Packers and have an outstanding junior running back in Jason Williamson. He's 290 yards away from 2000 and he has only two games under 100 rushing yards, including the section final against Rochester Century. The Zephyrs have not lost a game since September 29 when they lost to the South St. Paul Packers 27-13. It's the 13th trip to state for Mahtomedi who beat the Holy Angels Stars to win the state title in 2005. Brandon Anderson has been the key to the Zephyrs success scoring 20 touchdowns this season. It should be an outstanding game.
Moving to the lower bracket and also playing on the 11th is the Mankato West Scarlets and the Apple Valley Eagles at Shakopee. The Scarlets head up Highway 169 vying for their first state title since 2014 in their eighth trip to state. Mankato West is led by quarterback Jack Foster who has thrown 20 touchdown passes and ran in an additional 14. Also part of the Scarlet's success is running back Dustin Mueller who rushed for a season high 240 yards against Waconia in the section final. Foster's top target is senior Dondre Spann, the recipient of 13 touchdown passes. The Apple Valley Eagles are in their 13th state tournament and in the hunt for their first state title since 1993. They almost had an unbeaten season but their lone loss was by a field goal to the Chaska Hawks. Apple Valley has a dual threat quarterback in Tyler Cardella who has thrown 10 touchdown passes and ran for 14. Look out for the Scarlets, they could be a favorite in Class AAAAA.
The only game played on Friday the 10th is at Mounds View with the defending champion Elk River Elks battle the Andover Huskies. Last season, the Elks routed the Spring Lake Panthers without throwing a single pass. This season is no different since Elk River has a deep ground game led by Adam Nelson who has reached the end zone 14 times. The Huskies are in the state tournament for the fifth time and still looking for their first state title. Andover lost to Elk River during the regular season in a game that resembled a basketball score 69-54. The Elks outgained the Huskies 651-504. It looks like a game that could keep the scoreboard operator busy at the controls.
So that's the field for the Class AAAAA. It's all part of The Road to The Prep Bowl.
Friday, November 3, 2017
SLP Orioles Win Section 5AAAAA Title
After years of losing seasons and early section exits, the St. Louis Park Orioles finally got the gold medals as Johnny Sorenson threw an eight yard touchdown pass to freshman McCabe Dvorak with 1:37 left to play to lead them to a 13-12 win over the Cooper Hawks in the Section 5AAAAA championship game Friday night at Barbara A. Lehman Stadium in New Hope.
The start of the game was delayed 20 minutes due to an afternoon snowstorm that pelted the turf field.
Both teams had trouble hanging on to the football in the early going as the Orioles fumbled a punt snap and the Hawks recovered at the St. Louis Park 30 yard line. Cooper had an opportunity to open the scoring but the ball was fumbled in the end zone by Onte Burns and recovered by St. Louis Park for a touchback. They would score their only first half touchdown as Sorenson threw a 13 yard completion to Akili Farris and then the Oriole quarterback scored on a one yard keeper touchdown.
Cooper would get on the scoreboard in the second quarter as Cameron King threw a 35 yard touchdown pass to Adrian Adams to cut the lead to 7-6 and that would be the halftime score.
Neither team would score in the third quarter but Cooper had a chance to take the lead but St. Louis Park recovered a fumble at their own one yard line. The Orioles would extend the lead due to a personal foul penalty on the Hawks after a fourth down run by reserve quarterback Aaron Ellingson that would keep their drive alive. It would be first and goal at the Hawk eight yard line.and Sorenson threw a touchdown pass to McCabe with 1:37 left. Could Cooper make a comeback? They came close as King threw a 13 yard touchdown pass to Pedro Amoussou with 1:04 left. The Hawks went for the two point conversion and were stopped by the Oriole defense.
St. Louis Park improved their record to 7-3 and will play the Brainerd Warriors in the Class AAAAA quarterfinals on Saturday, November 11 at 6 PM at Husky Stadium on the St. Cloud State University campus. Cooper finished the season at 9-1.
Thursday, November 2, 2017
2017 Section 5AAAAA Championship Preview
A busy Friday night of Minnesota high school football features the St. Louis Park Orioles, playing in their first section final since they lost to the Hutchinson Tigers in 2004 going against the Cooper Hawks in the 2017 Section 5AAAAA final at 7 PM in New Hope.
The Orioles advanced with a win over the sixth seeded Park Center Pirates 21-18 in the semifinals. The Orioles built a 21-0 lead in the first half that included two rushing touchdowns from quarterback Johnny Sorenson and they didn't reach the end zone in the second half. The Pirates had a chance to pull of the upset for the second game in a row after they eliminated the Irondale Knights on October 24 in the quarterfinals but Jemal Brown threw an incomplete pass on fourth down that sent St. Louis Park to the section final.
As for the Cooper Hawks, they won their ninth consecutive game with a 23-0 shutout of the Spring Lake Park Panthers, denying the Panthers a chance to continue their quest for a return trip to US Bank Stadium where they lost to the Elk River Elks in last year's Class AAAAA final. The Hawks got an outstanding game from 5'5" junior running back Nascier Borden as he had 16 carries for 136 yards and a touchdown.
It will be a rematch of a regular season game that was played September 8 at Cooper as the Hawks overcame a 14-0 deficit and routed the Orioles 40-17. Borden ran for 165 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns and Sorenson was a dual threat for St. Louis Park, completing 20 of 35 passes for 315 yards and rushing for 64 yards and a touchdown.
Though Cooper will be heavily favored and looking for their first trip to the state tournament since 1996, don't count out St. Louis Park for a potential upset. They will need to have a big game from Sorenson and their defense will need to stop Borden and Hawk quarterback Cameron King. The Hawks will have to play strong defense and get a good game from Borden and King.
If you plan on attending, bundle up. The weather picture calls for snow showers mixed with rain and a game time temperature of 35 degrees.
The Orioles advanced with a win over the sixth seeded Park Center Pirates 21-18 in the semifinals. The Orioles built a 21-0 lead in the first half that included two rushing touchdowns from quarterback Johnny Sorenson and they didn't reach the end zone in the second half. The Pirates had a chance to pull of the upset for the second game in a row after they eliminated the Irondale Knights on October 24 in the quarterfinals but Jemal Brown threw an incomplete pass on fourth down that sent St. Louis Park to the section final.
As for the Cooper Hawks, they won their ninth consecutive game with a 23-0 shutout of the Spring Lake Park Panthers, denying the Panthers a chance to continue their quest for a return trip to US Bank Stadium where they lost to the Elk River Elks in last year's Class AAAAA final. The Hawks got an outstanding game from 5'5" junior running back Nascier Borden as he had 16 carries for 136 yards and a touchdown.
It will be a rematch of a regular season game that was played September 8 at Cooper as the Hawks overcame a 14-0 deficit and routed the Orioles 40-17. Borden ran for 165 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns and Sorenson was a dual threat for St. Louis Park, completing 20 of 35 passes for 315 yards and rushing for 64 yards and a touchdown.
Though Cooper will be heavily favored and looking for their first trip to the state tournament since 1996, don't count out St. Louis Park for a potential upset. They will need to have a big game from Sorenson and their defense will need to stop Borden and Hawk quarterback Cameron King. The Hawks will have to play strong defense and get a good game from Borden and King.
If you plan on attending, bundle up. The weather picture calls for snow showers mixed with rain and a game time temperature of 35 degrees.
Monday, October 30, 2017
Girls Hockey Practice Begins in Minnesota
When the weather gets colder, the state soccer tournament heads inside to US Bank Stadium and football section finals determine state tournament berths, it means that the winter sports season gets underway with the first day of girls hockey practice.
Monday was the first day of girls high school hockey practice throughout Minnesota as teams throughout the state get ready for the 2017-18 season.
Hopkins/St. Louis Park opens their 2017-18 campaign on Thursday, November 9 against the Eagan Wildcats at 7:15 at the Eagan Civic Arena. Their home opener is Saturday, November 11 at 3 PM as the host the Buffalo Bison at the Minnetonka Ice Arena.
Over at Benilde-St. Margaret's, former St. Louis Park boys hockey coach Shojen Podein has taken over the girls hockey program from long time head coach Dave Herbst. They have a tough regular season opening stretch that begins on Tuesday, November 14 against the Breck Mustangs in Golden Valley, St. Paul United on Thursday, November 16 at Drake Arena in St. Paul and their home opener Saturday, November 18 against the Wayzata Trojans.
If there's one thing for certain about the upcoming season, there will be a new Class A state champion. The Blake Bears have moved up to Class AA. The bad news is they will compete in Section 6AA with the defending state champion Edina Hornets. It also means an end to what has been a traditional battle for the Section 5A title between Blake and Breck. Blake and Edina will battle each other on Saturday, January 20 at 4 PM at the Blake Ice Arena in Hopkins. If you plan on attending the game, get there early. The place may be packed.
Monday was the first day of girls high school hockey practice throughout Minnesota as teams throughout the state get ready for the 2017-18 season.
Hopkins/St. Louis Park opens their 2017-18 campaign on Thursday, November 9 against the Eagan Wildcats at 7:15 at the Eagan Civic Arena. Their home opener is Saturday, November 11 at 3 PM as the host the Buffalo Bison at the Minnetonka Ice Arena.
Over at Benilde-St. Margaret's, former St. Louis Park boys hockey coach Shojen Podein has taken over the girls hockey program from long time head coach Dave Herbst. They have a tough regular season opening stretch that begins on Tuesday, November 14 against the Breck Mustangs in Golden Valley, St. Paul United on Thursday, November 16 at Drake Arena in St. Paul and their home opener Saturday, November 18 against the Wayzata Trojans.
If there's one thing for certain about the upcoming season, there will be a new Class A state champion. The Blake Bears have moved up to Class AA. The bad news is they will compete in Section 6AA with the defending state champion Edina Hornets. It also means an end to what has been a traditional battle for the Section 5A title between Blake and Breck. Blake and Edina will battle each other on Saturday, January 20 at 4 PM at the Blake Ice Arena in Hopkins. If you plan on attending the game, get there early. The place may be packed.
Saturday, October 28, 2017
SLP Orioles Scuttle Park Center Pirates Comeback
for the first time since 2004, the St. Louis Park Orioles are headed to the section finals as Johnny Sorenson scored two touchdowns and the Oriole defense held off a last second Park Center comeback to beat the Pirates 21-18 in the Section 5AAAAA football semifinals Saturday afternoon.
The Orioles reached the end zone twice in the first quarter on a couple of fourth down plays. The first came on an option pass from Ryan Klaers to Semaj Mitchell. Then it was Sorenson who dashed up the middle and scored on a 37 yard keeper to put St. Louis Park ahead 14-0.
Sorenson was not done as he scored :58 into the second quarter on a 17 yard keeper to put the Orioles up by 21. But the Pirates, who had problems with turnovers in the early going would right their ship Jemal Brown threw a 40 yard touchdown pass to ronald Garrison and Emmanuel Tamba would go to the left side and score on a five yard run. The Orioles led 21-12 at halftime.
Neither team would reach the end zone in the third quarter. But things would start to get interesting in the fourth for the Pirates as Brown would score on a one yard run to cut the lead to 21-18. The Orioles had a chance to put the game away but they would lose the ball on downs to Park Center. The Pirates would began their final drive at their own one yard line and on a completion from brown to Levonte Parker, the Ball would be spotted at the St. Louis Park 28 yard line. A five yard penalty would back up the Pirates to the 33 yard line and the red numerals on the scoreboard clock showed :01.6 remaining. So there was time for one omore play as Brown would go back to pass and his attempt was incomplete, sending the Orioles to the Section 5AAAAA finals.
St. Louis Park improved their record to 7-3 and will face the winner of the Spring Lake Park-Cooper game Friday, November 3 at 7 PM. A Cooper win and the game will be played in New Hope. If Spring Lake Park wins, St. Louis Park will host the section final for the first time since they lost to the Hutchinson Tigers in 2004.
Park Center, who upset the third seeded Irondale Knights in the quarterfinals, concludes their season with a 3-7 record.
The Orioles reached the end zone twice in the first quarter on a couple of fourth down plays. The first came on an option pass from Ryan Klaers to Semaj Mitchell. Then it was Sorenson who dashed up the middle and scored on a 37 yard keeper to put St. Louis Park ahead 14-0.
Sorenson was not done as he scored :58 into the second quarter on a 17 yard keeper to put the Orioles up by 21. But the Pirates, who had problems with turnovers in the early going would right their ship Jemal Brown threw a 40 yard touchdown pass to ronald Garrison and Emmanuel Tamba would go to the left side and score on a five yard run. The Orioles led 21-12 at halftime.
Neither team would reach the end zone in the third quarter. But things would start to get interesting in the fourth for the Pirates as Brown would score on a one yard run to cut the lead to 21-18. The Orioles had a chance to put the game away but they would lose the ball on downs to Park Center. The Pirates would began their final drive at their own one yard line and on a completion from brown to Levonte Parker, the Ball would be spotted at the St. Louis Park 28 yard line. A five yard penalty would back up the Pirates to the 33 yard line and the red numerals on the scoreboard clock showed :01.6 remaining. So there was time for one omore play as Brown would go back to pass and his attempt was incomplete, sending the Orioles to the Section 5AAAAA finals.
St. Louis Park improved their record to 7-3 and will face the winner of the Spring Lake Park-Cooper game Friday, November 3 at 7 PM. A Cooper win and the game will be played in New Hope. If Spring Lake Park wins, St. Louis Park will host the section final for the first time since they lost to the Hutchinson Tigers in 2004.
Park Center, who upset the third seeded Irondale Knights in the quarterfinals, concludes their season with a 3-7 record.
Friday, October 20, 2017
2017 Section 5AAAAA Football Preview
There's plenty of hope in New Hope for the Cooper Hawks as they have earned the top seed in the 2017 Section 5AAAAA Football tournament and look to clinch a state tournament berth for the first time since 1996.
The Hawks have gone through the regular season unbeaten at 8-0 that also included a double overtime win over the Irondale Knights in the regular season finale on October 18. Cooper is led by quarterback Cameron King and is supported by an outstanding backfield duo of Nate Hill and Nascier Borden. Borden, who stands 5'5" has helped the Hawks in a big way as he has 788 rushing yards this season that includes a season high of 244 against the Richfield Spartans.
Cooper gets the opening round bye and will face the winner of the Minneapolis Southwest Lakers -Spring Lake Park Panthers game. Last season, the Panthers, under veteran head coach Jeff Schlieff, advanced to the Class AAAAA championship and lost to the Elk River Elks. Spring Lake Park got off to an 0-3 start before they went 4-1 the rest of the way. The Lakers head into section play with an identical 4-4 record. They wrapped up the regular season with a 22-21 win over the SMB Wolfpack. SMB is a co-op program that features students from St. Paul Academy, Minnehaha Academy and Blake. Southwest is led by a pair of Marshalls, one with a first name of TK and the other the last name Hawkins.
Now to the lower bracket as the second seeded St. Louis Paek Orioles get a quarterfinal bye and await the winner of the third seeded Irondale Knights and the sixth seeded Park Center Pirates. The Orioles are on a three game winning streak since they lost to the defending state Class AAAA champion Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights 48-20 on September 28. St. Louis Park is led by senior quarterback Johnny Sorenson, who has outstanding mobility and can also pick up quite a bit of rushing yards as was the case against DeLaSalle on October 17. He ran for 125 yards and reached the end zone twice. The defense cannot afford to make mistakes.
The second quarterfinal game pits the sixth seeded Park Center Pirates and the third seeded Irondale Knights. The two teams met on September 29 with the Knights pounding the Pirates 35-13. Parker Freiberg has been the key to the Knight offense this season. He has rushed for 1,093 yards and scored a total of 14 touchdowns. The only game that Frieberg has not exceeded 100 yards was against North St. Paul on September 8 as he was held to 46 yards.
Last time the Knights and Orioles faced each other was October 13 with St. Louis Park winning 16-13 on a game winning field goal from Skyler Rudelius-Palmer. Will there be a rematch on the 28th? Game time is 1 PM.
The Hawks have gone through the regular season unbeaten at 8-0 that also included a double overtime win over the Irondale Knights in the regular season finale on October 18. Cooper is led by quarterback Cameron King and is supported by an outstanding backfield duo of Nate Hill and Nascier Borden. Borden, who stands 5'5" has helped the Hawks in a big way as he has 788 rushing yards this season that includes a season high of 244 against the Richfield Spartans.
Cooper gets the opening round bye and will face the winner of the Minneapolis Southwest Lakers -Spring Lake Park Panthers game. Last season, the Panthers, under veteran head coach Jeff Schlieff, advanced to the Class AAAAA championship and lost to the Elk River Elks. Spring Lake Park got off to an 0-3 start before they went 4-1 the rest of the way. The Lakers head into section play with an identical 4-4 record. They wrapped up the regular season with a 22-21 win over the SMB Wolfpack. SMB is a co-op program that features students from St. Paul Academy, Minnehaha Academy and Blake. Southwest is led by a pair of Marshalls, one with a first name of TK and the other the last name Hawkins.
Now to the lower bracket as the second seeded St. Louis Paek Orioles get a quarterfinal bye and await the winner of the third seeded Irondale Knights and the sixth seeded Park Center Pirates. The Orioles are on a three game winning streak since they lost to the defending state Class AAAA champion Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights 48-20 on September 28. St. Louis Park is led by senior quarterback Johnny Sorenson, who has outstanding mobility and can also pick up quite a bit of rushing yards as was the case against DeLaSalle on October 17. He ran for 125 yards and reached the end zone twice. The defense cannot afford to make mistakes.
The second quarterfinal game pits the sixth seeded Park Center Pirates and the third seeded Irondale Knights. The two teams met on September 29 with the Knights pounding the Pirates 35-13. Parker Freiberg has been the key to the Knight offense this season. He has rushed for 1,093 yards and scored a total of 14 touchdowns. The only game that Frieberg has not exceeded 100 yards was against North St. Paul on September 8 as he was held to 46 yards.
Last time the Knights and Orioles faced each other was October 13 with St. Louis Park winning 16-13 on a game winning field goal from Skyler Rudelius-Palmer. Will there be a rematch on the 28th? Game time is 1 PM.
Monday, October 16, 2017
SLP Orioles-DeLaSalle Islanders Football Preview
One thing that's certain about the final regular season football game that pits the St. Louis Park Orioles and the DeLaSalle Islanders is that both teams will finish with at least a .500 record.
Both teams have records of 4-3 as they will battle on Wednesday, October 18 at 7 PM in Minneapolis.
The Orioles were in New Brighton last Friday and came away with a big win against a possible Section 5AAAAA opponent the Irondale Knights 16-13. Skyler Rudelius-Palmer kicked a 28 yard game winning field goal to lead the Orioles to a very possible No. 2 seed in the section and a semifinal game they will host on the 28th at 1 PM.
St. Louis Park trailed 13-3 at halftime and following a scoreless third quarter, they got on the board on Rudelius-Palmer's 29 yard field goal. Then it was quarterback Johnny Sorenson who threw a 21 yard touchdown pass to his fellow hockey teammate Ryan Klaers to even the score at 13. Rudelius-Palmer would boot the game winning field with no time left on the clock to give head coach Ben Wolfe perhaps his biggest win in his tenure at St. Louis Park.
As for the Islanders, they were ousted by the Orono Spartans last Friday 52-13. Just like St. Louis Park, two of their three losses were to Holy Angels and Benilde-St. Margaret's.
The Islanders have a dual threat running back in Sage Booker. He ran for 91 yards and caught four passes for 27 yards. DeLaSalle will need to have a big game from Booker and St. Louis Park will have to continue their momentum following their big win against Irondale. Sorenson, who completed 13 of 24 passes for 173 yards has thrown nine touchdown passes and could reach double figures against the Islanders.
It should be a nice , warm October night in Minneapolis so if you haven't seen the Oriole football team this season, get out to the banks of the Mississippi River to see the Orioles battle the Islanders.
Both teams have records of 4-3 as they will battle on Wednesday, October 18 at 7 PM in Minneapolis.
The Orioles were in New Brighton last Friday and came away with a big win against a possible Section 5AAAAA opponent the Irondale Knights 16-13. Skyler Rudelius-Palmer kicked a 28 yard game winning field goal to lead the Orioles to a very possible No. 2 seed in the section and a semifinal game they will host on the 28th at 1 PM.
St. Louis Park trailed 13-3 at halftime and following a scoreless third quarter, they got on the board on Rudelius-Palmer's 29 yard field goal. Then it was quarterback Johnny Sorenson who threw a 21 yard touchdown pass to his fellow hockey teammate Ryan Klaers to even the score at 13. Rudelius-Palmer would boot the game winning field with no time left on the clock to give head coach Ben Wolfe perhaps his biggest win in his tenure at St. Louis Park.
As for the Islanders, they were ousted by the Orono Spartans last Friday 52-13. Just like St. Louis Park, two of their three losses were to Holy Angels and Benilde-St. Margaret's.
The Islanders have a dual threat running back in Sage Booker. He ran for 91 yards and caught four passes for 27 yards. DeLaSalle will need to have a big game from Booker and St. Louis Park will have to continue their momentum following their big win against Irondale. Sorenson, who completed 13 of 24 passes for 173 yards has thrown nine touchdown passes and could reach double figures against the Islanders.
It should be a nice , warm October night in Minneapolis so if you haven't seen the Oriole football team this season, get out to the banks of the Mississippi River to see the Orioles battle the Islanders.
Sunday, October 15, 2017
A State Tournament Berth is Possible for SLP Oriole Boys Soccer Team
St. Louis Park boys soccer fans can head up to Plymouth Tuesday night as the Orioles battle the Wayzata Trojans in the Section 6AA championship game at approximately 7 PM.
The game is proceeded by the Section 6AA girls final that's a rematch of last year's championship game as Wayzata, top seed and the top ranked team in Class AA battles the Minneapolis Washburn Millers. The Trojans, who have given up only four goals all season shut out the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders 3-0 and the Millers ended St. Louis Park's season with a 2-0 win.
The Orioles earned their trip to the section finals with a 3-1 win over the Minneapolis Washburn Millers 3-1. Zinedine Kroeten and Isaak Kimmel scored for St. Louis Park. The Trojans got a goal from Ethan Wagner and it turned out to be the game winner as Wayzata beat the Minneapolis Southwest Lakers 1-0.
Can St. Louis Park top the Trojans and head to the state tournament the following week? Find out Tuesday night.
The game is proceeded by the Section 6AA girls final that's a rematch of last year's championship game as Wayzata, top seed and the top ranked team in Class AA battles the Minneapolis Washburn Millers. The Trojans, who have given up only four goals all season shut out the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders 3-0 and the Millers ended St. Louis Park's season with a 2-0 win.
The Orioles earned their trip to the section finals with a 3-1 win over the Minneapolis Washburn Millers 3-1. Zinedine Kroeten and Isaak Kimmel scored for St. Louis Park. The Trojans got a goal from Ethan Wagner and it turned out to be the game winner as Wayzata beat the Minneapolis Southwest Lakers 1-0.
Can St. Louis Park top the Trojans and head to the state tournament the following week? Find out Tuesday night.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
SLP Orioles-Irondale Knights Football Preview
Coming off a huge win in the regular season home finale against the Orono Spartans last Friday, the St. Louis Park Orioles go on the road for their final two games, starting with a trip to New Brighton to take on the emerging Irondale Knights this Friday at 7 PM.
Though the Orioles played before a sparse crowd on a wet Friday night, they got an outstanding finish as Johnny Sorenson threw a 41 yard touchdown pass to Akili Farris with 1:07 to play and Peyton Morrison stopped the Spartans potential game winning drive with an interception to preserve a 16-14 win.
Sorenson, who completed 11 of 20 passes for 218 yards also had 54 rushing yards. This season, he has accumulated 1,174 and has shown outstanding mobility since taking over the quarterback spot from the graduated Logan Romero. He will need to have a big game against the Knights, who go into the game with a record of 4-2.
Last Friday, Irondale got two fourth quarter touchdowns from Parker Freiberg to rally the Knights but they came up short against the Henry Sibley Spartans 23-20. He also rushed for 168 yards and has broken the 100 rushing yard mark in four straight games that also concludes seven touchdowns. He got off to a slow start in the season opener against the North St. Paul Polars as he was held to 46 yards rushing but he did reach the end zone. The junior running back has huge potential and he has 787 yards on the ground and is on pace to break the 1000 yard mark and also the school rushing record of 1,150 yards that was set by Joe Ruegsegger in 1996.
The key to the Orioles surpassing the .500 mark going into the regular season finale against the DeLaSalle Islanders is to shut down Freiberg and play strong defense. When you look at Irondale's success this season, in three of their four wins, they have scored 35 points and they scored 34 in the other. The Knights are also in the Orioles section and there could be a rematch come late October. But before section play begins October 24, Irondale wraps up their season against the unbeaten and third ranked team in Class AAAAA the Cooper Hawks.
Fortunately, the weather picture has no rain in the forecast. Can St. Louis Park pull off the upset?
Though the Orioles played before a sparse crowd on a wet Friday night, they got an outstanding finish as Johnny Sorenson threw a 41 yard touchdown pass to Akili Farris with 1:07 to play and Peyton Morrison stopped the Spartans potential game winning drive with an interception to preserve a 16-14 win.
Sorenson, who completed 11 of 20 passes for 218 yards also had 54 rushing yards. This season, he has accumulated 1,174 and has shown outstanding mobility since taking over the quarterback spot from the graduated Logan Romero. He will need to have a big game against the Knights, who go into the game with a record of 4-2.
Last Friday, Irondale got two fourth quarter touchdowns from Parker Freiberg to rally the Knights but they came up short against the Henry Sibley Spartans 23-20. He also rushed for 168 yards and has broken the 100 rushing yard mark in four straight games that also concludes seven touchdowns. He got off to a slow start in the season opener against the North St. Paul Polars as he was held to 46 yards rushing but he did reach the end zone. The junior running back has huge potential and he has 787 yards on the ground and is on pace to break the 1000 yard mark and also the school rushing record of 1,150 yards that was set by Joe Ruegsegger in 1996.
The key to the Orioles surpassing the .500 mark going into the regular season finale against the DeLaSalle Islanders is to shut down Freiberg and play strong defense. When you look at Irondale's success this season, in three of their four wins, they have scored 35 points and they scored 34 in the other. The Knights are also in the Orioles section and there could be a rematch come late October. But before section play begins October 24, Irondale wraps up their season against the unbeaten and third ranked team in Class AAAAA the Cooper Hawks.
Fortunately, the weather picture has no rain in the forecast. Can St. Louis Park pull off the upset?
SLP Oriole Soccer Teams Advance in Section 6AA Tournament
The 2017 Section 6AA Soccer tournament opened Thursday night in St. Louis Park with a couple of close quarterfinal games that saw the girls hold off a strong second half Armstrong rally and the boys winning in a shootout.
The girls began the evening's proceedings with a balanced scoring attack and holding off a rally by the Armstrong Falcons that led them to a 3-2 win.
Rafferty Kugler put the Orioles on the board when she received a centering pass from Anika Hanson and she lined it to the goal to give St. Louis Park a 1-0 halftime lead.
The Orioles would go up by three with two second half goals. First was Alex Balfour who dribbled the ball downfield and went through a couple of Falcon defenders to put the ball into the net. Then Lola Ruff would feed Anna Jennisen and she would go top shelf to score. But Armstrong was not out of the game. Following a St. Louis Park foul, Elise Gallup was awarded a penalty kick and she put it past Oriole goalkeeper Olivia Massie. The Falcons would cut the lead to one as Jessica Hanley sent the ball to Julia Osborne and she lined a shot that deflected off of Massie and entered the net. There wouldn't be a chance to send the game into overtime since they didn't get the tying goal.
St. Louis Park improved their record to 10-4-1 and advances to the semifinals on Saturday, October 14 in Minneapolis against the Washburn Millera at 1 PM. Armstrong concludes their season with a record of 6-10.
Now to the boys game as there were zeros on the scoreboard throughout regulation time and even overtime that sent the game into a shootout where Thomas Salamzadeh scored in the fourth round to lead the Orioles to a 1-0 win over the Minneapolis South Tigers.
It was a rematch of the August 29th game where the Orioles shut out the Tigers 2-0.
Nobody scored in the first half. Same with the second half and the two 10 minute overtime periods, thus setting up a five player shootout. Oriole goalkeeper William Phelan made a couple of outstanding saves and St. Louis Park got goals from Zinedine Kroeten, Randy Mayele, Alex Ruiz Shimada and Salamzadeh to put the Tigers away and win the shootout 4-2.
The Orioles improve their record to 11-4-1 and also head to Minneapolis on the 14th to battle the Washburn Millers at 3 PM. The Tigers lost their third straight game and end the season 5-9-2.
The girls began the evening's proceedings with a balanced scoring attack and holding off a rally by the Armstrong Falcons that led them to a 3-2 win.
Rafferty Kugler put the Orioles on the board when she received a centering pass from Anika Hanson and she lined it to the goal to give St. Louis Park a 1-0 halftime lead.
The Orioles would go up by three with two second half goals. First was Alex Balfour who dribbled the ball downfield and went through a couple of Falcon defenders to put the ball into the net. Then Lola Ruff would feed Anna Jennisen and she would go top shelf to score. But Armstrong was not out of the game. Following a St. Louis Park foul, Elise Gallup was awarded a penalty kick and she put it past Oriole goalkeeper Olivia Massie. The Falcons would cut the lead to one as Jessica Hanley sent the ball to Julia Osborne and she lined a shot that deflected off of Massie and entered the net. There wouldn't be a chance to send the game into overtime since they didn't get the tying goal.
St. Louis Park improved their record to 10-4-1 and advances to the semifinals on Saturday, October 14 in Minneapolis against the Washburn Millera at 1 PM. Armstrong concludes their season with a record of 6-10.
Now to the boys game as there were zeros on the scoreboard throughout regulation time and even overtime that sent the game into a shootout where Thomas Salamzadeh scored in the fourth round to lead the Orioles to a 1-0 win over the Minneapolis South Tigers.
It was a rematch of the August 29th game where the Orioles shut out the Tigers 2-0.
Nobody scored in the first half. Same with the second half and the two 10 minute overtime periods, thus setting up a five player shootout. Oriole goalkeeper William Phelan made a couple of outstanding saves and St. Louis Park got goals from Zinedine Kroeten, Randy Mayele, Alex Ruiz Shimada and Salamzadeh to put the Tigers away and win the shootout 4-2.
The Orioles improve their record to 11-4-1 and also head to Minneapolis on the 14th to battle the Washburn Millers at 3 PM. The Tigers lost their third straight game and end the season 5-9-2.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
2017 Section 6AA Soccer Tournament Preview
The road to the state tournament gets underway Thursday for the teams in the 2017 Section 6AA Soccer Tournament. Here's a preview of the pairings in both the girls and boys tournaments.
First up is the girls quarterfinal pairings and the top seed is the Wayzata Trojans as they face the eighth seeded Minneapolis South Tigers. The Trojans, under veteran head coach Tony Pesznecker are unbeaten with a record of 12-0-3. Two of the ties were against the Edina Hornets and the other was against the Minnetonka Skippers. The Trojans not only the top seed in the section, they are also the number one team in Class AA. They are also one of the most difficult teams to score against as their tough and talented defense has give up only four goals in the regular season. They face a Tiger team that has had trouble putting the ball in the net as they were shut out by Minneapolis Washburn and St. Paul Academy in their last two games. Keep an eye on Wayzata. They could be on the road to adding another trophy to their case at the Plymouth campus.
In the second quarterfinal game, the fifth seeded Hopkins Royals head to St. Paul to face the fourth seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders. It's a rematch of a game played September 5 with the Raiders beating the Royals 2-1. Hopkins has been on a two game winning streak with victories over Lake Conference rivals Eden Prairie and Minnetonka. Cretin-Derham Hall has recovered from a 1-5 start to finish 5-8-2. Can the Royals continue their momentum against the Raiders?
Heading to the lower bracket as the sixth seeded Armstrong Falcons heads to St. Louis Park to battle the third seeded Orioles. The Falcons won three consecutive games before getting shut out by Wayzata in the regular season finale. The Orioles will try to end a season ending two game losing streak where they lost to powerhouses Benilde-St. Margaret's and Minneapolis Washburn. Prior to the last two games, St. Louis Park was on a 9-0-1 run. They got outstanding goalkeeping from senior Olivia Massie who has recorded six shutouts. They are a talented team with good young talent that could be a contender.
And in the final quarterfinal matchup, it's the Battle of Minneapolis as the seventh seeded Southwest Lakers take on the second seeded Washburn Millers. It's the third meeting between the two conference rivals with the Millers on top in both games. Washburn has been on a outstanding scoring run since they lost to the East Ridge Raptors on September 13. They have scored 25 unanswered goals and outscored their opponents 46-6. The Millers, ranked second in Class AA could set up a championship showdown with the top seeded Trojans.
Now it's on to the boys quarterfinal pairings as the top seeded Wayzata Trojans go up against the ninth seeded Richfield Spartans. In March, the section was realigned to included nine teams and Richfield advance via a play-in game victory over the Hopkins Royals. Over the last seven games, the Trojans have outscored the opposition 26-2. As for the Spartans, they have not won a game since they shut out the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights 2-0 on September 7. The Trojans are the team to beat in Section 6AA
Looking at the second game, the fifth seeded Minneapolis Southwest Lakers face the fourth seeded Bloomington Kennedy Eagles. The Lakers hope to end a two game losing streak against the Eagles, a newcomer to the section. Kennedy was on a role early in the season as they got off to a 6-2 start, including an overtime loss to Holy Angels. A key section win came on September 12 when they shut out the St. Louis Park Orioles 1-0. Are the Eagles for real and can they contend with Wayzata if they beat Southwest?
As for the third seeded Orioles, they enter quarterfinal play against a team they beat 2-0 on August 29, the sixth seeded Minneapolis South Tigers. St. Louis Park has really improved on last season winning 10 games, compared with three. They have also played outstanding soccer, winning six of seven games before falling to the Minneapolis Washburn Millers in the regular season finale. The Tigers got off to a slow start at 0-5 and have gone 5-3-2 heading into section play. The two losses came to nonconference opponents Hastings and Blake. Can South pull off the upset or will St. Louis Park get back on track and play solid defense against the Tigers?
Wrapping up the quarterfinals is the second seeded Minneapolis Washburn Millers and the seventh seeded Armstrong Falcons. The Millers got off to a hot start going 6-0-2 before they lost to Wayzata 1-0. However, they concluding the season with a three game losing streak and hope to increase it to four against the Falcons, who have go 2-5 in their last seven games. They have played only one game against a section opponent, the Minneapolis Southwest Lakers on September 20 and came up short 2-1. Washburn could be a huge test for Plymouth based Armstrong, the only section team from the Northwest Suburban Conference.
Section play gets underway Thursday, October 12. Get outside and enjoy exciting high school soccer as the road to the state tournament gets exciting.
First up is the girls quarterfinal pairings and the top seed is the Wayzata Trojans as they face the eighth seeded Minneapolis South Tigers. The Trojans, under veteran head coach Tony Pesznecker are unbeaten with a record of 12-0-3. Two of the ties were against the Edina Hornets and the other was against the Minnetonka Skippers. The Trojans not only the top seed in the section, they are also the number one team in Class AA. They are also one of the most difficult teams to score against as their tough and talented defense has give up only four goals in the regular season. They face a Tiger team that has had trouble putting the ball in the net as they were shut out by Minneapolis Washburn and St. Paul Academy in their last two games. Keep an eye on Wayzata. They could be on the road to adding another trophy to their case at the Plymouth campus.
In the second quarterfinal game, the fifth seeded Hopkins Royals head to St. Paul to face the fourth seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders. It's a rematch of a game played September 5 with the Raiders beating the Royals 2-1. Hopkins has been on a two game winning streak with victories over Lake Conference rivals Eden Prairie and Minnetonka. Cretin-Derham Hall has recovered from a 1-5 start to finish 5-8-2. Can the Royals continue their momentum against the Raiders?
Heading to the lower bracket as the sixth seeded Armstrong Falcons heads to St. Louis Park to battle the third seeded Orioles. The Falcons won three consecutive games before getting shut out by Wayzata in the regular season finale. The Orioles will try to end a season ending two game losing streak where they lost to powerhouses Benilde-St. Margaret's and Minneapolis Washburn. Prior to the last two games, St. Louis Park was on a 9-0-1 run. They got outstanding goalkeeping from senior Olivia Massie who has recorded six shutouts. They are a talented team with good young talent that could be a contender.
And in the final quarterfinal matchup, it's the Battle of Minneapolis as the seventh seeded Southwest Lakers take on the second seeded Washburn Millers. It's the third meeting between the two conference rivals with the Millers on top in both games. Washburn has been on a outstanding scoring run since they lost to the East Ridge Raptors on September 13. They have scored 25 unanswered goals and outscored their opponents 46-6. The Millers, ranked second in Class AA could set up a championship showdown with the top seeded Trojans.
Now it's on to the boys quarterfinal pairings as the top seeded Wayzata Trojans go up against the ninth seeded Richfield Spartans. In March, the section was realigned to included nine teams and Richfield advance via a play-in game victory over the Hopkins Royals. Over the last seven games, the Trojans have outscored the opposition 26-2. As for the Spartans, they have not won a game since they shut out the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights 2-0 on September 7. The Trojans are the team to beat in Section 6AA
Looking at the second game, the fifth seeded Minneapolis Southwest Lakers face the fourth seeded Bloomington Kennedy Eagles. The Lakers hope to end a two game losing streak against the Eagles, a newcomer to the section. Kennedy was on a role early in the season as they got off to a 6-2 start, including an overtime loss to Holy Angels. A key section win came on September 12 when they shut out the St. Louis Park Orioles 1-0. Are the Eagles for real and can they contend with Wayzata if they beat Southwest?
As for the third seeded Orioles, they enter quarterfinal play against a team they beat 2-0 on August 29, the sixth seeded Minneapolis South Tigers. St. Louis Park has really improved on last season winning 10 games, compared with three. They have also played outstanding soccer, winning six of seven games before falling to the Minneapolis Washburn Millers in the regular season finale. The Tigers got off to a slow start at 0-5 and have gone 5-3-2 heading into section play. The two losses came to nonconference opponents Hastings and Blake. Can South pull off the upset or will St. Louis Park get back on track and play solid defense against the Tigers?
Wrapping up the quarterfinals is the second seeded Minneapolis Washburn Millers and the seventh seeded Armstrong Falcons. The Millers got off to a hot start going 6-0-2 before they lost to Wayzata 1-0. However, they concluding the season with a three game losing streak and hope to increase it to four against the Falcons, who have go 2-5 in their last seven games. They have played only one game against a section opponent, the Minneapolis Southwest Lakers on September 20 and came up short 2-1. Washburn could be a huge test for Plymouth based Armstrong, the only section team from the Northwest Suburban Conference.
Section play gets underway Thursday, October 12. Get outside and enjoy exciting high school soccer as the road to the state tournament gets exciting.
Monday, October 9, 2017
Learning for Leadership Mustangs Eliminate Groves Academy Griffins
Playing without reserve players, Learning for Leadership's "Iron 11" got a balanced scoring attack as the Mustangs shut out the Groves Academy Griffins 3-0 in the Play-In Game in the 2017 Section 5A Boys Soccer Tournament Monday night at Benilde-St. Margaret's School in St. Louis Park.
The Mustangs lone first hal goal came on a line drive shot from Kafi Abdi to give them a 1-0 halftime lead.
In the second half, Learning for Leadership had to play short handed a couple of times due to injuries and yellow card violations but they still managed to put Groves Academy away with a pair of goals. Farah Ahmed picked up a loose ball and placed it into the net to put the Mustangs ahead by two and Neymar Mohamed found an opening while Griffin goalkeeper Robert Hall was playing far out of net to end the scoring with :49.1 left.
The Mustangs improve their record to 3-5 and advance to the first round against the Brooklyn Center Centaurs on Tuesday, October 10 at 7 PM in Brooklyn Center. The Griffins conclude their season with a record of 5-8-1.
The Mustangs lone first hal goal came on a line drive shot from Kafi Abdi to give them a 1-0 halftime lead.
In the second half, Learning for Leadership had to play short handed a couple of times due to injuries and yellow card violations but they still managed to put Groves Academy away with a pair of goals. Farah Ahmed picked up a loose ball and placed it into the net to put the Mustangs ahead by two and Neymar Mohamed found an opening while Griffin goalkeeper Robert Hall was playing far out of net to end the scoring with :49.1 left.
The Mustangs improve their record to 3-5 and advance to the first round against the Brooklyn Center Centaurs on Tuesday, October 10 at 7 PM in Brooklyn Center. The Griffins conclude their season with a record of 5-8-1.
Friday, October 6, 2017
SLP Orioles Hit High Note in Regular Season Home Finale
A fantastic finish to the 2017 home season for the St. Louis Park Orioles took place Friday night as Johnny Sorenson threw a touchdown pass to Akili Farris with 1:07 to play that led the Orioles to a 16-14 win over the Orono Spartans.
The Orioles had a chance to score first as they lined up for a Skyler Rudelius-Palmer field goal. Instead, it was a fake field goal and St. Louis Park would come up empty. There would be good news for Orioles fans when Sorenson would dash into the end zone on a 28 yard keeper that would be the only scoring of the first half. St. Louis Park would lead 7-0 at halftime.
Both teams would score in the third quarter. The Orioles would go up by 10 on Rudelius-Palmer's 36 yard field goal that ricocheted off the crossbar and go through the uprights. The Spartans would counter on Nick Prenticc's 17 yard touchdown pass to Jarvis Omersa with 1:02 left in the third quarter that cut the St. Louis Park lead to 10-7.
Omersa would help put Orono in the lead in the fourth quarter as he caught a Prentice pass on fourth down and 11 that wound spot the ball at the St. Louis Park one yard line. Fisher Eiss would complete the drive with a two yard touchdown run to put the Spartans in front 14-10. It would be the Orioles turn on offense on Senior Night and a chance to send the sparse crowd home happy on a wet Friday night. The fans would get there chance as Sorenson arced a 41 yard pass to Farris and he would enter the end zone to give St. Louis Park the lead. But wait. The Spartans would get the ball and they had an opportunity to get into at least field goal range for a possible victory. There would be no celebration going down I-394 for Orono as Prentice's pass was intercepted by Peyton Morrison with :25.7 remaining and that would cap the home season.
Both teams records are now 3-3 and return to action on Friday, October 13. The Orioles travel to New Brighton to take on the Irondale Knights and the Spartans host the DeLaSalle Islanders at Pesonen Stadium. Game times are 7 PM.
The Orioles had a chance to score first as they lined up for a Skyler Rudelius-Palmer field goal. Instead, it was a fake field goal and St. Louis Park would come up empty. There would be good news for Orioles fans when Sorenson would dash into the end zone on a 28 yard keeper that would be the only scoring of the first half. St. Louis Park would lead 7-0 at halftime.
Both teams would score in the third quarter. The Orioles would go up by 10 on Rudelius-Palmer's 36 yard field goal that ricocheted off the crossbar and go through the uprights. The Spartans would counter on Nick Prenticc's 17 yard touchdown pass to Jarvis Omersa with 1:02 left in the third quarter that cut the St. Louis Park lead to 10-7.
Omersa would help put Orono in the lead in the fourth quarter as he caught a Prentice pass on fourth down and 11 that wound spot the ball at the St. Louis Park one yard line. Fisher Eiss would complete the drive with a two yard touchdown run to put the Spartans in front 14-10. It would be the Orioles turn on offense on Senior Night and a chance to send the sparse crowd home happy on a wet Friday night. The fans would get there chance as Sorenson arced a 41 yard pass to Farris and he would enter the end zone to give St. Louis Park the lead. But wait. The Spartans would get the ball and they had an opportunity to get into at least field goal range for a possible victory. There would be no celebration going down I-394 for Orono as Prentice's pass was intercepted by Peyton Morrison with :25.7 remaining and that would cap the home season.
Both teams records are now 3-3 and return to action on Friday, October 13. The Orioles travel to New Brighton to take on the Irondale Knights and the Spartans host the DeLaSalle Islanders at Pesonen Stadium. Game times are 7 PM.
Thursday, October 5, 2017
SLP Orioles Wrap up Home Season Against Orono Spartans
The St. Louis Park Orioles conclude the home portion of their regular season schedule Friday night as they battle the Orono Spartans in a 7 PM game.
Last week, the Orioles faced their city rival, the defending Class AAAA state champion Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights and lost 48-20. The bright spot for St. Louis Park was quarterback Johnny Sorenson who threw two touchdown passes. The first was to Semaj Mitchell and the second was a 60 yard completion to Akili Farris. Sorenson also ran in a five yard touchdown to wrap up the scoring as BSM forged ahead in the second half to remain unbeaten and set up a section rematch with the Holy Angels Stars. Sorenson will be the key to the Orioles in order to beat the Spartans and the defense has to come through and shut down Orono's top running back Bobby Striggow.
And speaking or Striggow, he scored the game winning touchdown last Friday in overtime to beat the Waconia Wildcats and improve their record to 3-2. They were shut out by BSM 14-0 on September 8 and two weeks later they were defeated by the Chaska Hawks 26-22. Striggow has been a key cog in the Spartan offense as he scored six touchdowns in the last two games and reached the end zone 11 times. He also plays linebacker on defense and had nine tackles last week. Orono's quarterback Nick Prentice has been in a bit of a funk the last two weeks, completing 16 of 42 passes. His best game was in the season opener against the Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars going 11 for 23 for 302 yards and threw three touchdown passes.
If you plan on attending the game you might want to bring an umbrella because the weather picture is calling for rain Friday night.
Last week, the Orioles faced their city rival, the defending Class AAAA state champion Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights and lost 48-20. The bright spot for St. Louis Park was quarterback Johnny Sorenson who threw two touchdown passes. The first was to Semaj Mitchell and the second was a 60 yard completion to Akili Farris. Sorenson also ran in a five yard touchdown to wrap up the scoring as BSM forged ahead in the second half to remain unbeaten and set up a section rematch with the Holy Angels Stars. Sorenson will be the key to the Orioles in order to beat the Spartans and the defense has to come through and shut down Orono's top running back Bobby Striggow.
And speaking or Striggow, he scored the game winning touchdown last Friday in overtime to beat the Waconia Wildcats and improve their record to 3-2. They were shut out by BSM 14-0 on September 8 and two weeks later they were defeated by the Chaska Hawks 26-22. Striggow has been a key cog in the Spartan offense as he scored six touchdowns in the last two games and reached the end zone 11 times. He also plays linebacker on defense and had nine tackles last week. Orono's quarterback Nick Prentice has been in a bit of a funk the last two weeks, completing 16 of 42 passes. His best game was in the season opener against the Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars going 11 for 23 for 302 yards and threw three touchdown passes.
If you plan on attending the game you might want to bring an umbrella because the weather picture is calling for rain Friday night.
Monday, October 2, 2017
Champlin Park Rebels-SLP Orioles Canceled
Heavy rains, thunder and lightning forced cancellation of Monday's girls soccer game between the Champlin Park Rebels and the St. Louis Park Orioles.
The game will not be rescheduled, according to St. Louis Park Activities Director Andy Ewald. Section play begins next week and the regular season ends for both schools this coming Saturday, October 7.
Champlin Park has a record of 7-5 and travels to Blaine on Tuesday, October 3 against the Bengals at 7 PM. St. Louis Park is 9-2-1 and will also be on the road as they face their city rival the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights on Thursday, October 5 at 5 PM.
The game will not be rescheduled, according to St. Louis Park Activities Director Andy Ewald. Section play begins next week and the regular season ends for both schools this coming Saturday, October 7.
Champlin Park has a record of 7-5 and travels to Blaine on Tuesday, October 3 against the Bengals at 7 PM. St. Louis Park is 9-2-1 and will also be on the road as they face their city rival the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights on Thursday, October 5 at 5 PM.
Sunday, October 1, 2017
A Tribute to Monty Hall
He was known as "America's top trader and TV's big dealer"as introduced by announcer Jay Stewart before each episode of the classic game show Let's Make a Deal.
On Saturday, September 30, Monty Hall, co-creator, packager and host of Let's Make a Deal as well as other game shows passed away from heart failure at the age of 96.
Born Maurice Halperin in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in 1921, he changed his last name to Hall when he worked at CHUM radio in Toronto since Hall was a lot easier to pronounce. His first game show was a radio quiz show titled Who Am I and he also hosted a show that would become an inspiration for Deal The Auctioneer.
In the mid 50s, Hall moved to the United States, settling in New York. He hosted a couple of shows, including Cowboy Theatre and Bingo at Home, which aired on what is now the flagship of the Fox Network WNYW-TV.
He did break in to game shows as the host of a panel game show titled Keep Talking in 1958 but he was replaced by Carl Reiner after 13 weeks and later Merv Griffin. He also was a substitute host on the game shows Strike it Rich and the scandal tainted Twenty One.
In addition to game shows, Hall also dabbled into sportscasting. He was the color commentator for New York Rangers home games in the 1959-60 season and also did play-by-play for international soccer on WPIX-TV.
Hall got his big break as a game show host in 1960 when he was hired to replace Jack Narz as the host of the first Heatter-Quigley game show Video Village. Shortly after taking over the hosting reins, ptoduction moved to California and that's where Hall and his family have lived ever since.
In 1962, he was co-producer of a game show titled Your First Impression where he met the show's producer who would work with him for many years to come Stefan Hatos. The two would team up to create the show that would put them on the map, Let's Make a Deal. Hall would host the original run for 13 years, assisted by model Carol Merrill and Stewart. Stewart would also frequently appear on camera, sometimes dressed in baby clothes for the worthless prizes known as "zonks."
Hall would work the trading floor for other incarnations of the classic game, including a nighttime version for 1969 to 1971 on ABC and a couple of syndicated runs in 1980 and from 1984 to 1986. The 1984 version have Geoff Edwards as a substitute host while Hall was recovering from laryngitis. He also hosted the 1990-91 version on NBC, replacing Bob Hilton who was fired due to low ratings.
Other shows Hall co-produced were the short-lived Chain Letter, Split Second, which ran for three years and was hosted by Tom Kennedy and revivals of Masquerade Party and It Pays to be Ignorant. He also co-produced Three for the Money which lasted only nine weeks and hosted by then future NBC sportscaster Dick Enberg and It's Anybody's Guess which aired in 1977.
Hall also hosted a short-lived revival of the classic stunt show Beat The Clock in 1979 where Narz was the announcer and associate producer.
In addition, he was a substitute host on several shows, including What's This Song, PDQ and the 70s version of Password when Allen Ludden played as a celebrity partner.
In 2009, Hall served as a creative consultant to CBS' revival of Let's Make a Deal that is still on the air and hosted by Wayne Brady. He also made several guest appearance on the show.
Aside from game shows, Hall made guest appearance on sitcoms, including two guest shots on The Odd Couple where he appeared in the episode where Felix and Oscar went on the show dressed in a horse's costume. He also played a dentist in an episode of That Girl. Hall has done countless work for numerous charities including the Variety Club.
Hall is survived by his daughter, actress Joanna Gleason and another daughter Sharon. He also leaves a son Richard.
But Hall will always be known as the man who made deals in four incarnations of a TV classic that featured contestants dressed in crazy costumes. May he rest in peace and that's no zonk.
On Saturday, September 30, Monty Hall, co-creator, packager and host of Let's Make a Deal as well as other game shows passed away from heart failure at the age of 96.
Born Maurice Halperin in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in 1921, he changed his last name to Hall when he worked at CHUM radio in Toronto since Hall was a lot easier to pronounce. His first game show was a radio quiz show titled Who Am I and he also hosted a show that would become an inspiration for Deal The Auctioneer.
In the mid 50s, Hall moved to the United States, settling in New York. He hosted a couple of shows, including Cowboy Theatre and Bingo at Home, which aired on what is now the flagship of the Fox Network WNYW-TV.
He did break in to game shows as the host of a panel game show titled Keep Talking in 1958 but he was replaced by Carl Reiner after 13 weeks and later Merv Griffin. He also was a substitute host on the game shows Strike it Rich and the scandal tainted Twenty One.
In addition to game shows, Hall also dabbled into sportscasting. He was the color commentator for New York Rangers home games in the 1959-60 season and also did play-by-play for international soccer on WPIX-TV.
Hall got his big break as a game show host in 1960 when he was hired to replace Jack Narz as the host of the first Heatter-Quigley game show Video Village. Shortly after taking over the hosting reins, ptoduction moved to California and that's where Hall and his family have lived ever since.
In 1962, he was co-producer of a game show titled Your First Impression where he met the show's producer who would work with him for many years to come Stefan Hatos. The two would team up to create the show that would put them on the map, Let's Make a Deal. Hall would host the original run for 13 years, assisted by model Carol Merrill and Stewart. Stewart would also frequently appear on camera, sometimes dressed in baby clothes for the worthless prizes known as "zonks."
Hall would work the trading floor for other incarnations of the classic game, including a nighttime version for 1969 to 1971 on ABC and a couple of syndicated runs in 1980 and from 1984 to 1986. The 1984 version have Geoff Edwards as a substitute host while Hall was recovering from laryngitis. He also hosted the 1990-91 version on NBC, replacing Bob Hilton who was fired due to low ratings.
Other shows Hall co-produced were the short-lived Chain Letter, Split Second, which ran for three years and was hosted by Tom Kennedy and revivals of Masquerade Party and It Pays to be Ignorant. He also co-produced Three for the Money which lasted only nine weeks and hosted by then future NBC sportscaster Dick Enberg and It's Anybody's Guess which aired in 1977.
Hall also hosted a short-lived revival of the classic stunt show Beat The Clock in 1979 where Narz was the announcer and associate producer.
In addition, he was a substitute host on several shows, including What's This Song, PDQ and the 70s version of Password when Allen Ludden played as a celebrity partner.
In 2009, Hall served as a creative consultant to CBS' revival of Let's Make a Deal that is still on the air and hosted by Wayne Brady. He also made several guest appearance on the show.
Aside from game shows, Hall made guest appearance on sitcoms, including two guest shots on The Odd Couple where he appeared in the episode where Felix and Oscar went on the show dressed in a horse's costume. He also played a dentist in an episode of That Girl. Hall has done countless work for numerous charities including the Variety Club.
Hall is survived by his daughter, actress Joanna Gleason and another daughter Sharon. He also leaves a son Richard.
But Hall will always be known as the man who made deals in four incarnations of a TV classic that featured contestants dressed in crazy costumes. May he rest in peace and that's no zonk.
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
BSM Red Knights-SLP Orioles Football Preview
It's The Battle of St. Louis Park on the gridiron as the defending state Class AAAA champion Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights head to St. Louis Park to face the Orioles in a 7 PM game Thursday, September 28.
The game will be played on the 28th due to the Yom Kippur holiday on the 29th.
Last Friday, the Orioles reached the .500 mark with a 28-20 win over the Richfield Spartans. The Orioles scored 21 of their 28 points in the first quarter and held off a Spartan comeback to win their second game of the season. Though quarterback Johnny Sorenson wasn't effective, completing 5 of 16 passes for 85 yards. He threw a 50 yard touchdown pass to Akili Harris and rushed for 52 yards. He will need to have a solid game against a tough Red Knight defense that's anchored by John Whitmore and Ikenna Ujuagu. Aaron Sledge has emerged as a solid running back for St. Louis Park as he carried the ball 19 times for 81 yards and he put the ball in the end zone for his first touchdown of the season.
As for the Red Knights, the defending Class AAAA champions are the state's third ranked team and unbeaten in four games. BSM picked up their second shut out of the season with a 26-0 win over the Chanhassen Storm on September 22. The Red Knights were led by receiver Gabe Alada who caught nine passes for 107 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns. The loss of running back Ricky floyd to graduation has opened up the Red Knights running game that's led by Liam Ford, Gabe Jackson and Quinn Ehlen. In addition to Alada at wide receiver, there is Also Henry Wolfe who has scored three touchdowns.
Last time the two St. Louis Park schools played on the Orioles turf field in 2015, Floyd ran for 459 yards and seven touchdowns to lead the Red Knights to a 63-36 win. There could be a lot of scoring from both teams on will the Red Knights shine en route to their fifth straight victory. Find out on the 28th at 7 PM.
SLP Orioles Sweep Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars
The final Metro West Conference doubleheader of the regular season for the host St. Louis Park Orioles turned out to a sweep of the Bloominton Jefferson Jaguars with the girls recording a 4-0 shutout and the boys breaking a 1-1 tie to win 3-1 Tuesday night.
First up was the girls and it was Senior Night that turned out to be a success as junior Ellie Kent scored two goals to lead the St. Louis Park Orioles to a 4-0 win over the Bloominngton Jefferson Jaguars.
Kent would score the Orioles first goal off a cross pass from Rafferty Kugler to give them a 1-0 halftime lead.
Following a recognition ceremony honoring seven Oriole seniors, St. Louis Park put the Jaguars away with three second half goals. Kugler would tap in a loose ball after Alivia McClinton's shot was saved by Jefferson goalkeeper Jenna Clements. Kent would put the Orioles up by three after she received a pass from Ava Bishop. Then Sophia Davenport would wrap up the scoring on a line drive goal.
In addition to Kugler, the senior players who were recognized at the half were Malaika Bigirindavi, Rosa Sigrunardottir, Olivia Massie, Annika Vignes and Alex Balfour. Also honored was junior varsity player Devin Raynor.
The Orioles recorded their second consecutive shutout. In two games, they have outscored their opponents 5-0.
Both teams return to action on Thursday, September 28. St. Louis Park improved their record to 8-2-1 and travel to Richfield to face the Spartans at 7 PM. Bloomington Jefferson fell to 6-5-1 and will head down Highway 212 to Chanhassen to take on the Storm at 5 PM. The Storm has won five consecutive games prior to their Tuesday game against Cooper.
On to the boys game as Abati Dedefo came alive with two goals to lead the Orioles to a 3-1 win over the Jaguars.
Jefferson would strike first on a 53 yard shot from Cole Jungwirth that landed in the net. The Jaguar lead would be short lived as the combination of Dedefo and Nick Riley would account for the Oriles first two goals. Riley would pass to Dedefo and he would send it to the net and the next goal came on Riley's cross pass to Dedefo that would put the Orioles ahead. They would go up by two on Jacob Stillman's shot that Antonio Olivos Reyes, positioned on the left side of the net would head the bal to the goal to give St. Louis Park a 3-1 halftime lead.
St. Louis Park would preserve the lead thanks to solid defense and goalkeeper from William Phelan. There were about a half dozen stoppages due to yellow card violations but neither team would tally in the second half.
The Orioles would win their third straight game and improve their record to 7-3-1. They will return to action on the 28 as they head to Richfield to take on the Spartans at 5 PM. The Jaguars fell to 4-6-3 and will also be in action on the 28th at 5 PM in Chanhassen.
First up was the girls and it was Senior Night that turned out to be a success as junior Ellie Kent scored two goals to lead the St. Louis Park Orioles to a 4-0 win over the Bloominngton Jefferson Jaguars.
Kent would score the Orioles first goal off a cross pass from Rafferty Kugler to give them a 1-0 halftime lead.
Following a recognition ceremony honoring seven Oriole seniors, St. Louis Park put the Jaguars away with three second half goals. Kugler would tap in a loose ball after Alivia McClinton's shot was saved by Jefferson goalkeeper Jenna Clements. Kent would put the Orioles up by three after she received a pass from Ava Bishop. Then Sophia Davenport would wrap up the scoring on a line drive goal.
In addition to Kugler, the senior players who were recognized at the half were Malaika Bigirindavi, Rosa Sigrunardottir, Olivia Massie, Annika Vignes and Alex Balfour. Also honored was junior varsity player Devin Raynor.
The Orioles recorded their second consecutive shutout. In two games, they have outscored their opponents 5-0.
Both teams return to action on Thursday, September 28. St. Louis Park improved their record to 8-2-1 and travel to Richfield to face the Spartans at 7 PM. Bloomington Jefferson fell to 6-5-1 and will head down Highway 212 to Chanhassen to take on the Storm at 5 PM. The Storm has won five consecutive games prior to their Tuesday game against Cooper.
On to the boys game as Abati Dedefo came alive with two goals to lead the Orioles to a 3-1 win over the Jaguars.
Jefferson would strike first on a 53 yard shot from Cole Jungwirth that landed in the net. The Jaguar lead would be short lived as the combination of Dedefo and Nick Riley would account for the Oriles first two goals. Riley would pass to Dedefo and he would send it to the net and the next goal came on Riley's cross pass to Dedefo that would put the Orioles ahead. They would go up by two on Jacob Stillman's shot that Antonio Olivos Reyes, positioned on the left side of the net would head the bal to the goal to give St. Louis Park a 3-1 halftime lead.
St. Louis Park would preserve the lead thanks to solid defense and goalkeeper from William Phelan. There were about a half dozen stoppages due to yellow card violations but neither team would tally in the second half.
The Orioles would win their third straight game and improve their record to 7-3-1. They will return to action on the 28 as they head to Richfield to take on the Spartans at 5 PM. The Jaguars fell to 4-6-3 and will also be in action on the 28th at 5 PM in Chanhassen.
Monday, September 25, 2017
One Goal's a Plenty for SLP Orioles
An early first half goal from Rosa Sigrunardottir turned out to be the game's only goal to lead the host St. Louis Park Orioles to a 1-0 win over the Minneapolis Southwest Lakers on a rainy Monday night.
The Orioles would strike early, scoring 5:35 into the first half as Rafferty Kugler fired a shot and Sigrunardottir positioned herself on the left side of the net to head the ball to the goal.
It would be the game's lone goal as both teams b=played superb defense. Kugler almost put St. Louis Park ahead by two in the game's final minute but Laker goalkeeper Ava Keller played out of the net to make the save.
St. Louis Park improved their record to 7-2-1. The tie came last Saturday in their game against the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders as both teams played to a 2-2 tie. The Orioles return to action on Tuesday, September 26, hosting the Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars at 5 PM. Minneapolis Southwest falls to 5-5-1 and also returns to action on the 26th as they host the Minneapolis Roosevelt Teddies at 7 PM.
The Orioles would strike early, scoring 5:35 into the first half as Rafferty Kugler fired a shot and Sigrunardottir positioned herself on the left side of the net to head the ball to the goal.
It would be the game's lone goal as both teams b=played superb defense. Kugler almost put St. Louis Park ahead by two in the game's final minute but Laker goalkeeper Ava Keller played out of the net to make the save.
St. Louis Park improved their record to 7-2-1. The tie came last Saturday in their game against the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders as both teams played to a 2-2 tie. The Orioles return to action on Tuesday, September 26, hosting the Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars at 5 PM. Minneapolis Southwest falls to 5-5-1 and also returns to action on the 26th as they host the Minneapolis Roosevelt Teddies at 7 PM.
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Rachel a Part of Maple Lake Volleyball's Success
Maple Lake Irish volleyball fans eyes are smiling this season as the defending Class AA champions, led by senior Linsey Rachel remain unbeaten at 13-0 following a three sets to one victory Thursday night against the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Lakers in Howard Lake.
Rachel, a starter since eighth grade took time after the match for an interview with HSGN.
Rachel is on of four sisters to go through the Irish volleyball program. The other three were Andrea, Chelsea and Shelby. Even Rachel's mom was a volleyball player. "It kind of runs in the family," the senior stated.
Rachel also stated what it was like playing for veteran head coach Marty Kiebel. "If we're down, he'll bring us back up."
She also mentioned what it was like to win the state Class AA title last season. "It was crazy. A couple times we proved to people that we could.
This season, the Irish lost two players from last year's team and have a lot of veterans back.
In addition to volleyball, Rachel also plays basketball and softball. She also plays Junior Olympic volleyball, attends various camps and plays in summer leagues. She has not decided on where she will play volleyball in college. "I'm not sure yet," Rachel said.
Kiebel gave his view on how Rachel earned her spot on the varsity team. "She basically earned her way on as an eighth grader. I wasn't sure she was going to be ready for the varsity.
He also mentioned the key to Maple Lake's success this season. "We have a special group that have played for a long time together."
As the defending state champion, the Irish has to get past the Section 6AA tournament with a strong field that includes Rocori, Sauk Centre, St. Cloud Cathedral and Howard Lake-Waverly. "Our Section 6AA is very good," Kiebel said.
Can the Irish make another trip down Highway 55 to St. Paul in November? There's plenty of season left to go.
Rachel, a starter since eighth grade took time after the match for an interview with HSGN.
Rachel is on of four sisters to go through the Irish volleyball program. The other three were Andrea, Chelsea and Shelby. Even Rachel's mom was a volleyball player. "It kind of runs in the family," the senior stated.
Rachel also stated what it was like playing for veteran head coach Marty Kiebel. "If we're down, he'll bring us back up."
She also mentioned what it was like to win the state Class AA title last season. "It was crazy. A couple times we proved to people that we could.
This season, the Irish lost two players from last year's team and have a lot of veterans back.
In addition to volleyball, Rachel also plays basketball and softball. She also plays Junior Olympic volleyball, attends various camps and plays in summer leagues. She has not decided on where she will play volleyball in college. "I'm not sure yet," Rachel said.
Kiebel gave his view on how Rachel earned her spot on the varsity team. "She basically earned her way on as an eighth grader. I wasn't sure she was going to be ready for the varsity.
He also mentioned the key to Maple Lake's success this season. "We have a special group that have played for a long time together."
As the defending state champion, the Irish has to get past the Section 6AA tournament with a strong field that includes Rocori, Sauk Centre, St. Cloud Cathedral and Howard Lake-Waverly. "Our Section 6AA is very good," Kiebel said.
Can the Irish make another trip down Highway 55 to St. Paul in November? There's plenty of season left to go.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Brooks and Leachman Bring Out Best and Worst of To Tell the Truth
On September 18, ABC followed the season premiere of its long running reality show Dancing With the Stars with an episode of To Tell the Truth that featured for the first time in the 61 year history or this durable panel game Mel Brooks and Cloris Leachman.
Also on the panel were Nikki Glaser and Michaela Watkins.
At the age of 91, Brooks has not lost his comedic touch. He was very witty and contributed quite a bit in the questioning rounds.
On the other hand, Leachman IMHO didn't know how to play the game well. She didn't ask intelligent questions or even explain why she voted for a certain contestant in each spot. She lacked the qualifications that would make a good panelist. A good panelist for this format has to be bright witty and exhibit outstanding reasoning skills. If thre's one part of the game that stands out beside the extraordinary contestants, it's hearing the panelists give there reasons on why they voted for a certain contestant.
With this criteria, here's HSGN's list of the Top 10 To Tell the Truth Panelists of All-Time:
1. Kitty Carlisle. She was the most elegantly dressed of any panelist in the show's history and one of the best game players in the show's history. Carlisle played the game well and appeared as a regular in the first two incarnations as well as an occasional appearance in the other three until she passed away in 2007. One thing you would always notice about Carlisle is that whenever she voted for Number One, she always wrote the Roman Numeral I.
2. Peggy Cass. Another outstanding female player who ususally occupied the second position on the panel. Like Carlisle, she also appeared as a regular on the first two versions. She always asked good, intelligent questions of the contestants.
3. Bill Cullen. Not only was he a great panelist on the syndicated Garry Moore version, he would also occupy the host's chair when Moore was on vacation. He was also the interim host when Moore left the show in 1977 due to throat cancer and though he guided the show so well, he was moved back to his permanent spot on the panel because according to Gil Fates in his book about What's My Line? "his superlative gamesmenship was so missed on the panel."
4. Nipsey Russell. The "Poet Laureate of Television" was one of the best celebrities ever to appear on any game show, including To Tell the Truth. His wit and his ability to play the game was also a factor.
5. Tom Poston. A later regular on the original Bud Collyer version. He occupied the first seat on the panel.
6. Polly Bergen. One of the first regulars in the show's history, she appeared in the rarely seen pilot Nothing But the Truth, which recently aired on the diginet BUZZR. She added beauty and brains to the panel for five seasons. she also was a guest panelist on the Robin Ward hosted version in 1980.
7. Dick Van Dyke. Also appeared in the pilot. Before he became best known as Rob Petrie in his eponymous sitcom that debuted in 1961, he was an early regular who appeared in the first six episodes.
8. Orson Bean. One of the oldest surviving regular along with Van dyke, Bean brought humor to the proceedings.
9. Phyllis Newman. Along with Betty White, she made frequent appearances on game shows, especially as a regular on the early daytime episodes.
10. Mark Goodson. Not only did he produce the show, he appeared as a panelist on the Moore version and really knew how to play his own creation. He also had a couple of stints as host, the first in 1967 when he subbed for the ailing Collyer and in the 1990 version when Alex Trebek had to go to the hospital due to his wife giving birth.
So there's the top panelists in To Tell the Truth history. This post will close the way Collyer ended each spot "Goodbye and God bless you."
SLP Orioles-Richfield Spartans Football Preview
Heading to the halfway point of the 2017 high school football season is the St. Louis Park Orioles as they travel to Richfield Friday night to take on the Spartans.
Last week wasn't a happy homecoming for the Orioles as they were shut out by the fifth ranked team in Class AAAA the Holy Angels Stars 30-0. St. Louis Park couldn't move the chains in the second half as the Stars defense kept them from reaching the end zone. They will need a solid game from quarterback Johnny Sorenson, who didn't get a lot of opportunities to use his mobility as Holy Angels kept pressuring him and forcing turnovers, including an interception by Mitch Hendrickson that he ran for a touchdown.
As for the host Spartans, it has been a struggle for the maroon and white so far this season as they enter the game with a record of 0-3. Last Friday, Richfield came up shot against the Orono Spartans (who will play in St. Louis Park's final home game October 6) 46-30. The Spartan defense has been prone to giving up points by the bushel as they have averaged 46 points against them this season. As for the Richfield offense, they need to get some momentum going if they are going to pick up their first win of 2017.
Can Sorenson get the Orioles out of their offensive funk and pick up their second win against the Spartans? The line has to create opportunities for receives such as Semaj Mitchell and Akili Farris and running back Aaron Sledge. The defense has to cut down on turnovers. Please not that this week's game has a different starting time of 7:30. If you come at the usual time of 7 PM., you'll be early but you will still find a good seat for the Orioles and the Spartans.
Last week wasn't a happy homecoming for the Orioles as they were shut out by the fifth ranked team in Class AAAA the Holy Angels Stars 30-0. St. Louis Park couldn't move the chains in the second half as the Stars defense kept them from reaching the end zone. They will need a solid game from quarterback Johnny Sorenson, who didn't get a lot of opportunities to use his mobility as Holy Angels kept pressuring him and forcing turnovers, including an interception by Mitch Hendrickson that he ran for a touchdown.
As for the host Spartans, it has been a struggle for the maroon and white so far this season as they enter the game with a record of 0-3. Last Friday, Richfield came up shot against the Orono Spartans (who will play in St. Louis Park's final home game October 6) 46-30. The Spartan defense has been prone to giving up points by the bushel as they have averaged 46 points against them this season. As for the Richfield offense, they need to get some momentum going if they are going to pick up their first win of 2017.
Can Sorenson get the Orioles out of their offensive funk and pick up their second win against the Spartans? The line has to create opportunities for receives such as Semaj Mitchell and Akili Farris and running back Aaron Sledge. The defense has to cut down on turnovers. Please not that this week's game has a different starting time of 7:30. If you come at the usual time of 7 PM., you'll be early but you will still find a good seat for the Orioles and the Spartans.
Friday, September 15, 2017
Holy Angels Stars Shut Out SLP Orioles
The bleachers were packed at the St. Louis Park High School stadium for the annual Homecoming football game but it wasn't a happy one for the host Orioles as Joseph Heimbold passed for a touchdown and ran for another to lead the Holy Angels Stars to a 30-0 win Friday night.
Neither team put the ball in the end zone in the first quarter. The Orioles had a chance to capitalize on a Stars fumble that was recovered by John Demcisak but nothing came of it. Holy Angels would get on the scoreboard in the second quarter as Heimbold, who returned to the game after getting shaken up in the first quarter heaved a 74 yard touchdown pass to John Kosmach. The Stars would shine a minute later on John Anderson's five run touchdown run up the middle to put them ahead 14-0 at halftime.
Holy Angels, ranked fifth in Class AAAA, would benefit from Heimbold's footwork in the third quarter as he scored on an eight yard keeper. Defense would also prevail as a blocked Johnny Sorenson put would go into the end zone for a safety and the Stars went up 23-0.
St. Louis Park, even with sophomore Aaron Ellingson couldn't move the sticks to get into Holy Angels territory. Ellingson would throw a pass that was intercepted by the Stars Mitch Hendrickson and he would reach the end zone to wrap up the scoring.
Terrence O'Brien and Doreen Morenga were name Homecoming king and queen at halftime.
The Stars stay unbeaten, going to 3-0 and host the DeLaSalle Islanders on Friday, September 22 at 7 PM at the Holy Angels Stardome. The Orioles fell to 1-2 and will also be in action on the 22nd as they travel to Richfield to face the Spartans. Please note that game time is 7:30 PM unlike previous start times of 7 PM.
Neither team put the ball in the end zone in the first quarter. The Orioles had a chance to capitalize on a Stars fumble that was recovered by John Demcisak but nothing came of it. Holy Angels would get on the scoreboard in the second quarter as Heimbold, who returned to the game after getting shaken up in the first quarter heaved a 74 yard touchdown pass to John Kosmach. The Stars would shine a minute later on John Anderson's five run touchdown run up the middle to put them ahead 14-0 at halftime.
Holy Angels, ranked fifth in Class AAAA, would benefit from Heimbold's footwork in the third quarter as he scored on an eight yard keeper. Defense would also prevail as a blocked Johnny Sorenson put would go into the end zone for a safety and the Stars went up 23-0.
St. Louis Park, even with sophomore Aaron Ellingson couldn't move the sticks to get into Holy Angels territory. Ellingson would throw a pass that was intercepted by the Stars Mitch Hendrickson and he would reach the end zone to wrap up the scoring.
Terrence O'Brien and Doreen Morenga were name Homecoming king and queen at halftime.
The Stars stay unbeaten, going to 3-0 and host the DeLaSalle Islanders on Friday, September 22 at 7 PM at the Holy Angels Stardome. The Orioles fell to 1-2 and will also be in action on the 22nd as they travel to Richfield to face the Spartans. Please note that game time is 7:30 PM unlike previous start times of 7 PM.
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Holy Angels Stars-SLP Orioles Football Preview
Get ready for Homecoming football action Friday night as the St. Louis Park Orioles host the Holy Angels Stars in a 7 PM start.
Last week, the Orioles dropped their first game of the season 40-17 to the Cooper Hawks. St. Louis Park led after the first quarter 14-0 as quarterback Johnny Sorenson reached the end zone on a two yard run and threw a one yard touch down pass to Akili Faris. That was the good news. Now comes the bad news. The Hawks would put the game away with 26 unanswered points, including two touchdown passes from Cameron King. The Orioles would add a 30 yard field goal from Skyler Rudelius-Palmer but that was the only scoring for St. Louis Park the remainder of the game.
As for Sorenson he completed 20 of 35 passes for 315 yards and rushed for 64 yards. St. Louis Park will need to have a good game from Sorenson and the defense has to play solid to dim the Stars light on the green turf field.
Holy Angels, ranked fifth in Class AAAA, returns a number of key players from last year's Section 6 runner up team. Quarterback Joseph Heimbold returns and their top running back Jack Anderson has been a key player on offense. Last week, Anderson ran for two touchdowns and 77 yards in an 18-7 victory over the South St. Paul Packers. Heimbold has been a bold dual threat on offense for Holy Angels as he passed for 80 yards and ran for 121 yards against the Packers. In their season opener against the Hill-Murray Pioneers, Heimbold ran for two touchdown and ran for two more. His speed and athleticism could cause problems for the Oriole defense. Another player to watch for on the Stars is Peter Laird. He's a two way player who is a receiver on offense and also plays defense.
Can the Orioles pull off the upset for a Happy Homecoming or will the Stars shine bright? be sure and get to the game early because the stands will be packed.
Last week, the Orioles dropped their first game of the season 40-17 to the Cooper Hawks. St. Louis Park led after the first quarter 14-0 as quarterback Johnny Sorenson reached the end zone on a two yard run and threw a one yard touch down pass to Akili Faris. That was the good news. Now comes the bad news. The Hawks would put the game away with 26 unanswered points, including two touchdown passes from Cameron King. The Orioles would add a 30 yard field goal from Skyler Rudelius-Palmer but that was the only scoring for St. Louis Park the remainder of the game.
As for Sorenson he completed 20 of 35 passes for 315 yards and rushed for 64 yards. St. Louis Park will need to have a good game from Sorenson and the defense has to play solid to dim the Stars light on the green turf field.
Holy Angels, ranked fifth in Class AAAA, returns a number of key players from last year's Section 6 runner up team. Quarterback Joseph Heimbold returns and their top running back Jack Anderson has been a key player on offense. Last week, Anderson ran for two touchdowns and 77 yards in an 18-7 victory over the South St. Paul Packers. Heimbold has been a bold dual threat on offense for Holy Angels as he passed for 80 yards and ran for 121 yards against the Packers. In their season opener against the Hill-Murray Pioneers, Heimbold ran for two touchdown and ran for two more. His speed and athleticism could cause problems for the Oriole defense. Another player to watch for on the Stars is Peter Laird. He's a two way player who is a receiver on offense and also plays defense.
Can the Orioles pull off the upset for a Happy Homecoming or will the Stars shine bright? be sure and get to the game early because the stands will be packed.
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