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.
Saturday, November 25, 2017
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)