Groves Academy Log: Day 1 A.M.B.(After Malik Bodden). Playing their first game of the 2018-19 season after the graduation of Groves Academy's all-time leading scorer Bodden and the transfer of center Max Bilcik to Benilde-St. Margaret's, it was a tough night for the Griffins as LaShawn Patterson scored a game high 21 points to lead the Minnesota Transitions Wolves to a 72-35 win Thursday night in St. Louis Park.
The game did not begin with a jump ball because during warm ups, the Wolves were dunking which is illegal so the team was charged with a technical foul. Therefore, the game opened at the free throw line with Gabe Gordon shooting the two technical free throws and he made them both. The game went back and forth as both the Wolves and Griffins were tied at two, three, five and seven. Minnesota Transitions would forge ahead on four straight points from Patterson. Groves Academy would later go on a 5-0 run but the Wolves used a balanced scoring attack to pull ahead. Foul trouble would be an issue for Minnesota Transitions as Carreon Christian picked up his fourth foul with 3:08 to go in the first half. They would get help from their bench as Cornell Allen made a shot that widened the Wolves lead that would later be 35-21 at half time.
In the second half, Michael Emory-Miner would open the scoring :22 into the half. It would spark a 15-2 run that would put greater distance between the Wolves and the Griffins. The one bright spot for Groves Academy would be Gorden, who not only ended the Minnesota Transitions run, he would score five straight points. The Wolves physical play and outstanding passing would put the game out of reach as every player listed in the score book for the Wolves had at least one point. The game would go into running time with under 6:00 left due to Minnesota Transitions 35 point lead.
Other players in double figures for the Wolves were Christian with 13 and Emory-Miner had 12. The Wolves were led by Larry Mohamed with 13 points. Sam Goldstein, the newest member of the Groves Academy varsity, added 10 points in his debut game.
Minnesota Transitions began their season with a 1-0 record and will host the Metro Schools College Prep Lions on Tuesday, December 4 at 5:30 PM. Groves Academy fell to 0-1 and returns to action on Wednesday, December 5 as they host the Academy for Science and Agriculture Eagles at 6:30 PM.
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Two Straight Class AAAAA Titles for Owatonna Huskies
The end of an era. One of the great players in Minnesota high school football history Jason Williamson played his final game and scored two second half touchdowns to lead the Owatonna Huskies to a 14-3 win over the St. Thomas Academy Cadets in the Class AAAAA Championship game Saturday afternoon at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
It was the third state title for the southern Minnesota school in their eighth trip to the state tournament.
The Cadets scored the only first half points as Charlie Fafinski threw a 37 yard completion to Joe Deyak and John Copeland would end the 10 play drive with a 27 yard field goal. As for the Huskies, who broke the 30 point mark in 10 of their 12 games, they couldn't get the offense in sync as they were forced to punt on their first four drives and on the fifth, they lost the ball on downs. Williamson would also run into a blue and white lagoon of Cadet defenders as they prevented the future Minnesota Golden Gopher from getting a long run. St. Thomas Academy led at halftime 3-0.
But there would be good news for the numerous Huskies fans who made the trip up I-35 to downtown Minneapolis. Williamson would finally solve the St. Thomas Academy defense. In the third quarter, Williamson would break through four Cadet players in the middle of the field and score on a 71 yard touchdown run to put Owatonna ahead 7-3.
Williamson would also close the curtain on his career with 1:27 left to play as he scampered into the end zone from 44 yards. He would finish the game with 23 carries for 184 yards.
St. Thomas Academy was led by Brendan McFadden who rushed the ball 30 times for 105 yards.
The Huskies ended their season with a 13-0 record and the Cadets closed their campaign at 12-1.
It was the third state title for the southern Minnesota school in their eighth trip to the state tournament.
The Cadets scored the only first half points as Charlie Fafinski threw a 37 yard completion to Joe Deyak and John Copeland would end the 10 play drive with a 27 yard field goal. As for the Huskies, who broke the 30 point mark in 10 of their 12 games, they couldn't get the offense in sync as they were forced to punt on their first four drives and on the fifth, they lost the ball on downs. Williamson would also run into a blue and white lagoon of Cadet defenders as they prevented the future Minnesota Golden Gopher from getting a long run. St. Thomas Academy led at halftime 3-0.
But there would be good news for the numerous Huskies fans who made the trip up I-35 to downtown Minneapolis. Williamson would finally solve the St. Thomas Academy defense. In the third quarter, Williamson would break through four Cadet players in the middle of the field and score on a 71 yard touchdown run to put Owatonna ahead 7-3.
Williamson would also close the curtain on his career with 1:27 left to play as he scampered into the end zone from 44 yards. He would finish the game with 23 carries for 184 yards.
St. Thomas Academy was led by Brendan McFadden who rushed the ball 30 times for 105 yards.
The Huskies ended their season with a 13-0 record and the Cadets closed their campaign at 12-1.
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Rochester Lourdes Eagles are Lords of Class AAA
This decade, the Rochester Lourdes Eagles have been in each championship game in an even numbered year and now have four wins in five trips to the Prep Bowl as Zach Jungels scored two fourth quarter touchdowns to lead Lourdes to a 24-7 win over the Fairmont Cardinals in the Class AAA title game Saturday afternoon at US Bank stadium in Minneapolis.
The only loss in an even numbered year was 2012 when they lost to the Blue Earth Buccaneers 30-7. It was also the fifth state title for Rochester Lourdes in their 14th trip to the state tournament.
Jake Groteboer would score first half's only touchdown on a four yard run with 1:37 left in the first quarter. He would rush for 63 yards in the first quarter and the Eagles led at halftime 7-0.
The Cardinals would tie the game on a 56 yard left side pass from Garrett Myren to Thomas Johnson. Rochester Lourdes would regain the lead on a 36 yard field goal from Ben Limberg to give them a 10-7 lead.
There would be no bungle in the jungle for the Eagles in the fourth quarter since Jungels would send the purple and gold clad fans home happy down Highway 52 with a pair of touchdowns. He got a right side pitch from quarterback Matthew Hayford and went 50 yards to the end zone. Rochester Loudes wouldget the ball back after Fairmont lost the ball on downs and Jungels ended an 11 play drive that culminatedin a 22 yard touchdown run.
Jungels led the Eagles with 233 rushing yards. Myren led the Cardinals completing 14 of 27 passes for 207 yards. Jordan Wolter had 21 carries for 110 yards.
Rochester Lourdes ended their season 14-0 and Fairmont wrapped up their season with a 11-2 record.
The only loss in an even numbered year was 2012 when they lost to the Blue Earth Buccaneers 30-7. It was also the fifth state title for Rochester Lourdes in their 14th trip to the state tournament.
Jake Groteboer would score first half's only touchdown on a four yard run with 1:37 left in the first quarter. He would rush for 63 yards in the first quarter and the Eagles led at halftime 7-0.
The Cardinals would tie the game on a 56 yard left side pass from Garrett Myren to Thomas Johnson. Rochester Lourdes would regain the lead on a 36 yard field goal from Ben Limberg to give them a 10-7 lead.
There would be no bungle in the jungle for the Eagles in the fourth quarter since Jungels would send the purple and gold clad fans home happy down Highway 52 with a pair of touchdowns. He got a right side pitch from quarterback Matthew Hayford and went 50 yards to the end zone. Rochester Loudes wouldget the ball back after Fairmont lost the ball on downs and Jungels ended an 11 play drive that culminatedin a 22 yard touchdown run.
Jungels led the Eagles with 233 rushing yards. Myren led the Cardinals completing 14 of 27 passes for 207 yards. Jordan Wolter had 21 carries for 110 yards.
Rochester Lourdes ended their season 14-0 and Fairmont wrapped up their season with a 11-2 record.
Mahnomen/Waubun Thunderbirds Win Class A Title
The Mahnomen/Waubun Thunderbirds were go Saturday morning as quarterback Jon Starkey scored three touchdowns, including the game winner with 5:12 left to play that led them to a 22-21 win over the BOLD Warriors in the Class A championship game at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
It was the first state title under the new co-op between the two northwestern Minnesota communities. Mahnomen made 26 trips to the state tournament and won eight state championships.
The scoring went back and forth in the first quarter. First to break in the scoring column was the Warriors as Jordan Sagedahl, facing second and 14 threw a 43 yard touchdown pass to Gavin Vosika to give them the early lead. Starkey would strike first for the Thunderbirds as he scored on a one yard run, following up a six yard run. BOLD, which stands for Bird Island, Olivia, Lake Lillian and Danube utilized the Sagedahl-Gavin Vosika combination as Sagedahl threw a 50 yard pass toward the left sideline and Gavin Vosika hauled it into the end zone with :42 left to give the Warriors a 14-6 lead.
Both teams scored in the second quarter. Mahnomen/Waubun tied the game on a two yard run from Parker Syverson. BOLD would score following a 37 keeper run by Sagedahl and two plays later he ran the ball into the end zone for a three yard touchdown run. The Warriors led 21-14 at halftime.
Neither team would score in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Thunderbirds would cap a 13 play drive that ate up 6:06 on Starkey's 10 yard keeper run. The senior quarterback made the two point conversion to put Mahnomen/Waubun ahead. Could BOLD bring the championship trophy down Highway 212? The answer would be no as Jayden Heisler recovered a Dawson Vosika fumble and that wouldbe the clincher.
Syverson led the Thunderbirds with 30 carries for 189 yards. Sagedahl led the Warriors completing 14 of 19 passes for 251 yards. Gavin Vosika had seven receptions for 140 yards.
Mahnomen/Waubun ended their season 14-0 and BOLD finished with a record of 12-1.
It would also be the final game for Warrior head coach Steve Solem, who is retiring after heading the BOLD program for 33 years.
It was the first state title under the new co-op between the two northwestern Minnesota communities. Mahnomen made 26 trips to the state tournament and won eight state championships.
The scoring went back and forth in the first quarter. First to break in the scoring column was the Warriors as Jordan Sagedahl, facing second and 14 threw a 43 yard touchdown pass to Gavin Vosika to give them the early lead. Starkey would strike first for the Thunderbirds as he scored on a one yard run, following up a six yard run. BOLD, which stands for Bird Island, Olivia, Lake Lillian and Danube utilized the Sagedahl-Gavin Vosika combination as Sagedahl threw a 50 yard pass toward the left sideline and Gavin Vosika hauled it into the end zone with :42 left to give the Warriors a 14-6 lead.
Both teams scored in the second quarter. Mahnomen/Waubun tied the game on a two yard run from Parker Syverson. BOLD would score following a 37 keeper run by Sagedahl and two plays later he ran the ball into the end zone for a three yard touchdown run. The Warriors led 21-14 at halftime.
Neither team would score in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Thunderbirds would cap a 13 play drive that ate up 6:06 on Starkey's 10 yard keeper run. The senior quarterback made the two point conversion to put Mahnomen/Waubun ahead. Could BOLD bring the championship trophy down Highway 212? The answer would be no as Jayden Heisler recovered a Dawson Vosika fumble and that wouldbe the clincher.
Syverson led the Thunderbirds with 30 carries for 189 yards. Sagedahl led the Warriors completing 14 of 19 passes for 251 yards. Gavin Vosika had seven receptions for 140 yards.
Mahnomen/Waubun ended their season 14-0 and BOLD finished with a record of 12-1.
It would also be the final game for Warrior head coach Steve Solem, who is retiring after heading the BOLD program for 33 years.
Friday, November 23, 2018
Lakeville North Panthers Go Unbeaten for Class AAAAAA Title
Lakeville North fans would go "Rah rah!" for RaJa Nelson as he scored three touchdowns to lead the Panthers to a 28-21 win over the Eden Prairie Eagles in the Class AAAAAA championship game Friday night at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
The game was a rematch of the September 7 game where the Panthers shut out the Eagles 14-0. It was also the first state title for the city of Lakeville since 2003 prior to the split into North and South high schools.
Eden Prairie would get the early lead on a 49 touchdown pass from Cole Kramer to Daejon Wolfe. But the Panthers would vault into the lead with two straight touchdowns. Nelson would score on a seven yard right side run and Brennan Kuebler fired a 68 yard pass to Keaton Mohs to put Lakeville North ahead 14-7.
The Eagles would score a couple of rushing touchdowns in the second quarter. First, Felipe Izumi would score on a one yard run. The second would come as Jordan Amundson would break two tackles and score on an 80 yard run to put Eden Prairie ahead 21-14. The lead wouldn't last as Nelson scored his second touchdown on a one yard run to tie the game at 21 at halftime.
Once again, it was Nelson, the junior running back who would land the ball in the end zone for the eventual game winner in the third quarter as he scored on a 10 yard run up the middle. The Eagles had a chance to send the game into overtime in the fourth quarter as future Gopher Cole Kramer faced fourth and 25 and he threw a 22 yard pass to his brother Cade with :24 left and the Panthers ran out the clock to clinch the win.
Eden Prairie was led by Cole Kramer, who completed seven of 16 passes for 146 yards. Brian Curtis Jr. led Lakeville North with 22 rushes for 100 yards.
Lakeville North ended their season 13-0 and Eden Prairie finished with a record of 10-2.
The game was a rematch of the September 7 game where the Panthers shut out the Eagles 14-0. It was also the first state title for the city of Lakeville since 2003 prior to the split into North and South high schools.
Eden Prairie would get the early lead on a 49 touchdown pass from Cole Kramer to Daejon Wolfe. But the Panthers would vault into the lead with two straight touchdowns. Nelson would score on a seven yard right side run and Brennan Kuebler fired a 68 yard pass to Keaton Mohs to put Lakeville North ahead 14-7.
The Eagles would score a couple of rushing touchdowns in the second quarter. First, Felipe Izumi would score on a one yard run. The second would come as Jordan Amundson would break two tackles and score on an 80 yard run to put Eden Prairie ahead 21-14. The lead wouldn't last as Nelson scored his second touchdown on a one yard run to tie the game at 21 at halftime.
Once again, it was Nelson, the junior running back who would land the ball in the end zone for the eventual game winner in the third quarter as he scored on a 10 yard run up the middle. The Eagles had a chance to send the game into overtime in the fourth quarter as future Gopher Cole Kramer faced fourth and 25 and he threw a 22 yard pass to his brother Cade with :24 left and the Panthers ran out the clock to clinch the win.
Eden Prairie was led by Cole Kramer, who completed seven of 16 passes for 146 yards. Brian Curtis Jr. led Lakeville North with 22 rushes for 100 yards.
Lakeville North ended their season 13-0 and Eden Prairie finished with a record of 10-2.
SMB Wolfpack Wins First Class AAAA Championship
He's best known for his basketball prowess but Jalen Suggs also shines on the football field as he threw three touchdown passes, ran for one and also scored one on defense to lead the SMB Wolfpack to a 44-18 win over the Willmar Cardinals Friday in the Class AAAA football final at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
It was the first state title for the combined team from St. Paul Academy, Minnehaha Academy and Blake in their state tournament debut.
Siegel Howard began the scoring on a four yard run. Then the Wolfpack would go up by 10 on a 19 yard field goal from a member of the Class A state boys soccer champions the Blake Bears, Tate Crosby. Following the field goal, the Cardinals Ethan Roux would return the kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown to cut the SMB lead to 10-6.
Suggs would use his speed to score the Wolfpack's first second quarter touchdown as he scored on a 27 yard keeper. Willmar would counter as Drey Dirksen threw a 15 yard touchdown pass to Ty Roelofs. SMB would wrap up the first half scoring as he threw a six yard touchdown pass to his Redhawk basketball teammate Kaden Johnson with :15 to go and SMB led at halftime 24-12.
Both teams would tally in the third quarter. Not only did Suggs play quarterback for the Wolfpack, he also played defense and intercepted Dirksen's pass on fourth and goal to go 97 yards for a touchdown. Willmar got their touchdown on a 21 yard pass from Dirksen to Jake Evans and SMB led 31-18.
The Wolfpack would add two touchdowns to their ledger in the fourth quarter. Both scores came on touchdown passes from Suggs. The first came on a 76 yard completion to Johnson and the second on a 28 yard strike to Tony Avila-Tovalin with 1:17 left in the game.
SMB ended their season with a 13-0 record and Willmar finished 11-2.
It was the first state title for the combined team from St. Paul Academy, Minnehaha Academy and Blake in their state tournament debut.
Siegel Howard began the scoring on a four yard run. Then the Wolfpack would go up by 10 on a 19 yard field goal from a member of the Class A state boys soccer champions the Blake Bears, Tate Crosby. Following the field goal, the Cardinals Ethan Roux would return the kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown to cut the SMB lead to 10-6.
Suggs would use his speed to score the Wolfpack's first second quarter touchdown as he scored on a 27 yard keeper. Willmar would counter as Drey Dirksen threw a 15 yard touchdown pass to Ty Roelofs. SMB would wrap up the first half scoring as he threw a six yard touchdown pass to his Redhawk basketball teammate Kaden Johnson with :15 to go and SMB led at halftime 24-12.
Both teams would tally in the third quarter. Not only did Suggs play quarterback for the Wolfpack, he also played defense and intercepted Dirksen's pass on fourth and goal to go 97 yards for a touchdown. Willmar got their touchdown on a 21 yard pass from Dirksen to Jake Evans and SMB led 31-18.
The Wolfpack would add two touchdowns to their ledger in the fourth quarter. Both scores came on touchdown passes from Suggs. The first came on a 76 yard completion to Johnson and the second on a 28 yard strike to Tony Avila-Tovalin with 1:17 left in the game.
SMB ended their season with a 13-0 record and Willmar finished 11-2.
Caledonia Warriors Win Fourth Straight Class AA Title
The Caledonia Warriors have done it again! They took home their fourth consecutive Class AA championship as they shut out the Barnesville Trojans 21-0 Friday at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
It was the 54th consecutive win for the southeastern Minnesota school and 11th overall state title.
The Warriors, who outscored their first two state tournament opponents 81-6 got off to a slow start in the first quarter, going 0-2 on fourth down conversions. They would score their only first half points on a 22 yard touchdown run from Nick McCabe that put Caledonia ahead 7-0 at the half.
There was no scoring in the third quarter but in the fourth, the Warriors would impress the fans in attendance wearing Vegas Gold and Black with a pair of touchdowns. The first came on a one yard run from Tate Meiners. Defense would play a role in Caledonia's final touchdown as Payton Schott intercepted Barnesville quarterback Preston Snobl and return the ball 43 yards to the end zone.
McCabe led the Warriors with 14 carries for 115 yards. Adam Tonsfeldt led the Trojans with 15 carries for 94 yards.
Caledonia concluded their season 13-0 and Barnesville wrapped up the season with a 11-3 record.
It was the 54th consecutive win for the southeastern Minnesota school and 11th overall state title.
The Warriors, who outscored their first two state tournament opponents 81-6 got off to a slow start in the first quarter, going 0-2 on fourth down conversions. They would score their only first half points on a 22 yard touchdown run from Nick McCabe that put Caledonia ahead 7-0 at the half.
There was no scoring in the third quarter but in the fourth, the Warriors would impress the fans in attendance wearing Vegas Gold and Black with a pair of touchdowns. The first came on a one yard run from Tate Meiners. Defense would play a role in Caledonia's final touchdown as Payton Schott intercepted Barnesville quarterback Preston Snobl and return the ball 43 yards to the end zone.
McCabe led the Warriors with 14 carries for 115 yards. Adam Tonsfeldt led the Trojans with 15 carries for 94 yards.
Caledonia concluded their season 13-0 and Barnesville wrapped up the season with a 11-3 record.
Spring Grove Lions Roar to Second Straight Nine Man Title
Alex Folz closed out his high school career in a glorious way as he scored four touchdowns and ran for 263 yards to lead the Spring Grove Lions to a 40-12 win over the Mountain Lake Area Wolverines in the Nine Man title game Friday at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
It was the second consecutive Nine Man football championship for the Lions in their fourth trip to state.
Folz put Spring Grove on the board on a seven yard keeper run. Mountain Lake Area got their first touchdown as quarterback Abraham Stoesz kept the ball, ran down the right side of the field and cut to the center to head toward the end zone. It wasn't all Folz for the Lions as the senior quarterback pitched the ball to Tyler Kersten and he would score on a 58 yard run to put Spring grove Ahead 14-6.
Neither team would tally in the second quarter but the Wolverines looked like they would cut the Lion lead as Sam Paulson hauled in a 46 yard touchdown pass. But after a replay review, the official ruling was he stepped out of bounds and Mountain Lake Area was called for illegal participation. So the score remained 14-6 in favor of Spring Grove at halftime.
Kersten would account for the only third quarter scoring as he scored his second touchdown on a two yard left side pitch from Folz.
In the fourth quarter, Folz would score three times to clinch the championship trophy. His first touchdown looked like he was headed for the light rail station as he scored on an 88 yard run. He reached the end zone a third time on a four yard run up the middle. But Mountain Lake Area wasn't finished yet. Stoesz would throw a 10 yard touchdown pass to Drake Harder and run 51 yards for another score. Folz would wrap up the scoring on a 50 yard keeper with 1:08 left to play.
Stoesz would finish with 20 carries for 244 yards.
Spring Grove ended their season with a 14-0 record and Mountain Lake Area concluded their season with a 12-1 record.
It was the second consecutive Nine Man football championship for the Lions in their fourth trip to state.
Folz put Spring Grove on the board on a seven yard keeper run. Mountain Lake Area got their first touchdown as quarterback Abraham Stoesz kept the ball, ran down the right side of the field and cut to the center to head toward the end zone. It wasn't all Folz for the Lions as the senior quarterback pitched the ball to Tyler Kersten and he would score on a 58 yard run to put Spring grove Ahead 14-6.
Neither team would tally in the second quarter but the Wolverines looked like they would cut the Lion lead as Sam Paulson hauled in a 46 yard touchdown pass. But after a replay review, the official ruling was he stepped out of bounds and Mountain Lake Area was called for illegal participation. So the score remained 14-6 in favor of Spring Grove at halftime.
Kersten would account for the only third quarter scoring as he scored his second touchdown on a two yard left side pitch from Folz.
In the fourth quarter, Folz would score three times to clinch the championship trophy. His first touchdown looked like he was headed for the light rail station as he scored on an 88 yard run. He reached the end zone a third time on a four yard run up the middle. But Mountain Lake Area wasn't finished yet. Stoesz would throw a 10 yard touchdown pass to Drake Harder and run 51 yards for another score. Folz would wrap up the scoring on a 50 yard keeper with 1:08 left to play.
Stoesz would finish with 20 carries for 244 yards.
Spring Grove ended their season with a 14-0 record and Mountain Lake Area concluded their season with a 12-1 record.
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
2018 Prep Bowl Preview Part 2
Three more championship games wrap up the 2018 Prep Bowl on Saturday, November 24. Here's a preview of Saturday's games.
10:00: Class A: BOLD vs. Mahomen/Waubun: It's a battle of the unbeatens that opens the final day of the 2018 Prep Bowl. It's also the final game for Warrior head coach Steve Solem who will be retiring after 33 years leading the school that represents Bird Island, Olivia, Lake Lillian and Danube. He's led the Warriors to state titles in 1990 and 1991 and hopes to close out his career with their first state title in 27 years. Now there's a familiar name back in the state championship game-Mahnomen. Once upon a time, they were known as the Mahnomen Indians, who played in the first Prep Bowl game in 1982 and later won four consecutive state championships. This year, the team goes by the Mahnomen/Waubun Thunderbirds and the Thunderbirds offense has been thunderous as they have outscored their state tournament opponents Deer River and Springfield by a combined score of 80-0. Seven of Mahnomen/Waubun's 12 wins have been shut outs. Can BOLD be number eight?
1:00: Class AAA: Rochester Lourdes vs. Fairmont: It's a "Battle of the Birds" as the Rochester Lourdes Eagles take on the Fairmont Cardinals. The Eagles have been one of the most dominant outstate teams in the 2010s, winning state titles in 2010, 2014 and 2016. Can they win their fourth of the decade? All hasn't been fair for Fairmont. The Cardinals are playing in their 10th state tournament and have played in only one championship game, losing 34-32 to the St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders in the 2011 Class AAA final. Who will coming out flying toward the end zone?
4:00: Class AAAAA: Owatonna vs. St. Thomas Academy: The 2018 Prep Bowl concludes with the defending Class AAAAA champion Owatonna Huskies facing the St. Thomas Academy Cadets. It's also a golden opportunity to see another future Gopher in actions, Huskie running back Jason Williamson. He has made 44 trips to the end zone in 2018 and rushed for close to 2,900 yards. But the Cadets have a backfield weapon in Brendan McFadden. He ran for 211 yards and three touchdowns in St. Thomas Academy's semifinal win over the Bemidji Lumberjacks. Set your DVR for the Minnesota-Wisconsin football game and head to US Bank Stadium for the exciting climax to two days of outstanding Minnesota high school football.
10:00: Class A: BOLD vs. Mahomen/Waubun: It's a battle of the unbeatens that opens the final day of the 2018 Prep Bowl. It's also the final game for Warrior head coach Steve Solem who will be retiring after 33 years leading the school that represents Bird Island, Olivia, Lake Lillian and Danube. He's led the Warriors to state titles in 1990 and 1991 and hopes to close out his career with their first state title in 27 years. Now there's a familiar name back in the state championship game-Mahnomen. Once upon a time, they were known as the Mahnomen Indians, who played in the first Prep Bowl game in 1982 and later won four consecutive state championships. This year, the team goes by the Mahnomen/Waubun Thunderbirds and the Thunderbirds offense has been thunderous as they have outscored their state tournament opponents Deer River and Springfield by a combined score of 80-0. Seven of Mahnomen/Waubun's 12 wins have been shut outs. Can BOLD be number eight?
1:00: Class AAA: Rochester Lourdes vs. Fairmont: It's a "Battle of the Birds" as the Rochester Lourdes Eagles take on the Fairmont Cardinals. The Eagles have been one of the most dominant outstate teams in the 2010s, winning state titles in 2010, 2014 and 2016. Can they win their fourth of the decade? All hasn't been fair for Fairmont. The Cardinals are playing in their 10th state tournament and have played in only one championship game, losing 34-32 to the St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders in the 2011 Class AAA final. Who will coming out flying toward the end zone?
4:00: Class AAAAA: Owatonna vs. St. Thomas Academy: The 2018 Prep Bowl concludes with the defending Class AAAAA champion Owatonna Huskies facing the St. Thomas Academy Cadets. It's also a golden opportunity to see another future Gopher in actions, Huskie running back Jason Williamson. He has made 44 trips to the end zone in 2018 and rushed for close to 2,900 yards. But the Cadets have a backfield weapon in Brendan McFadden. He ran for 211 yards and three touchdowns in St. Thomas Academy's semifinal win over the Bemidji Lumberjacks. Set your DVR for the Minnesota-Wisconsin football game and head to US Bank Stadium for the exciting climax to two days of outstanding Minnesota high school football.
2018 Prep Bowl Preview Part 1
After many Minnesotans conclude their Thanksgiving feast, Friday, November 23 begins a feast of high school football at US Bank Stadium as the 2018 Prep Bowl gets underway. Here's a preview of Friday's four championship games.
10:00: Nine Man: Spring Grove vs. Mountain Lake Area. If the Spring Grove Lions look to repeat as state champions, they will have to follow the Folz and stray no more. The Folz is senior quarterback Alex Folz who threw four touchdown passes and ran for three more in the Lions 48-12 rout of the Cromwell-Wright Cardinals. The Mountain Lake Area Wolverines put the Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers out of range and are going for the school's first state title.
1:00: Class AA: Caledonia vs. Barnesville. Can anybody beat Caledonia? The answer was 53 times no as the Warriors go for their 54th straight win and fourth consecutive Class AA championship. Their mission is to shut the barn door on the Barnesville Trojans who missed an undefeated regular season with one point defeats by the Hawley Nuggets and the Breckenridge Cowboys. The key to the Trojans quest to take the championship trophy to northwestern Minnesota is to shut down the Warrior offense that has scored 81 points in two games.
4:00: Class AAAA: SMB Wolfpack vs. Willmar: The combined team from St. Paul Academy, Minnehaha Academy and Blake is one win away from their first state title. The Wolfpack clinched their berth in the finals with two fourth quarter touchdowns from Siegel Howard. But look out for the Willmar Cardinals. They have a very high powered offense that routed the Hermantown Hawks in the quarterfinals 44-0 and sent the St. Paul Johnson Governors fans to the Green Line Light Rail with a 62-20 rout. It's the Cardinals first trip to the finals since they lost to the Eveleth Golden Bears 28-18 in 1973. Could it be a big day for the Big Red or will the Wolfpack defense keep Willmar out of the end zone?
7:00: Class AAAAAA: Eden Prairie vs. Lakeville North. When the Eagles met the Panthers on September 7, it turned out to be a rare shut out loss for Eden Prairie as they were beaten by Lakeville North 14-0. Now the stakes are higher for this rematch as the Eagles go for their 12th state title against the top ranked Panthers. It's also an opportunity to see a future Gopher in action as Eden Prairie quarterback Cole Kramer plays his final game for the red and black.
Up next: Saturday's Prep Bowl match ups.
10:00: Nine Man: Spring Grove vs. Mountain Lake Area. If the Spring Grove Lions look to repeat as state champions, they will have to follow the Folz and stray no more. The Folz is senior quarterback Alex Folz who threw four touchdown passes and ran for three more in the Lions 48-12 rout of the Cromwell-Wright Cardinals. The Mountain Lake Area Wolverines put the Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers out of range and are going for the school's first state title.
1:00: Class AA: Caledonia vs. Barnesville. Can anybody beat Caledonia? The answer was 53 times no as the Warriors go for their 54th straight win and fourth consecutive Class AA championship. Their mission is to shut the barn door on the Barnesville Trojans who missed an undefeated regular season with one point defeats by the Hawley Nuggets and the Breckenridge Cowboys. The key to the Trojans quest to take the championship trophy to northwestern Minnesota is to shut down the Warrior offense that has scored 81 points in two games.
4:00: Class AAAA: SMB Wolfpack vs. Willmar: The combined team from St. Paul Academy, Minnehaha Academy and Blake is one win away from their first state title. The Wolfpack clinched their berth in the finals with two fourth quarter touchdowns from Siegel Howard. But look out for the Willmar Cardinals. They have a very high powered offense that routed the Hermantown Hawks in the quarterfinals 44-0 and sent the St. Paul Johnson Governors fans to the Green Line Light Rail with a 62-20 rout. It's the Cardinals first trip to the finals since they lost to the Eveleth Golden Bears 28-18 in 1973. Could it be a big day for the Big Red or will the Wolfpack defense keep Willmar out of the end zone?
7:00: Class AAAAAA: Eden Prairie vs. Lakeville North. When the Eagles met the Panthers on September 7, it turned out to be a rare shut out loss for Eden Prairie as they were beaten by Lakeville North 14-0. Now the stakes are higher for this rematch as the Eagles go for their 12th state title against the top ranked Panthers. It's also an opportunity to see a future Gopher in action as Eden Prairie quarterback Cole Kramer plays his final game for the red and black.
Up next: Saturday's Prep Bowl match ups.
Thursday, November 15, 2018
SMB Wolfpack Advances to Class AAAA Finals
The purple seats at US Bank Stadium were populated with fans from St. Paul Academy, Minnehaha Academy and Blake who saw Siegel Howard score two fourth quarter touchdowns, including the game winner with 8:05 left to play that led the SMB Wolfpack to a 23-15 win over the Waseca Blue Jays in the Class AAAA semifinals Thursday in Minneapolis.
Neither team scored in the first quarter though Howard ran for 23 yards on the final three plays that spotted the ball on the Blue Jays seven yard line. On the first play of the second quarter, Jalen Suggs, who also excels on the basketball court for Minnehaha Academy, threw a seven yard right side pass to Craig McDonald to put the Wolfpack ahead. Waseca would tie the game on a 12 yard touchdown pass from Hunter Rodriguez to Kyreese Willingham. After the replay official reviewed the play to see if Kyreese Willingham crossed the left pylon, it was ruled a touchdown. SMB would regain the lead on a 31 yard field goal from Theo Crosby with :30 left in the half and the Wolfpack led at the half 10-7.
The Blue Jays surged into the lead in the third quarter as Kyreese Willingham's brother Malik caught a 25 yard pass from Rodriguez to lead 15-10. Waseca had a chance to extend their lead after Mathhew Olsem recovered a McDonald fumble. But the Wolfpack defense prevailed as Bennett Thiesen made an outstanding tackle that lost two yards and forced Waseca to punt.
SMB would get the ball back in the fourth quarter and Suggs would convert on fourth and one that also added nine yard more yards due to a personal foul penalty on Waseca. It would pay off for the Wolfpack as Howard would score the eventual game winner on a two yard run with 8:05 left in regulation time. There would be good news for the Blue Jays when Andrew Morgan blocked Jack Mahler's punt. Could Waseca seek a win on this wet Thursday? The answer would be no when Rodriguez on the first play of the drive was intercepted by Andrew Mollison. It would be Wolfpack ball and they would clinch a berth in next week's Prep Bowl as Suggs threw a 53 yard completion to Kaden Johnson and Howard go up the middle for a 15 yard touchdown run. The Blue Jays had another chance to possibly send the game into overtime but Howard also displayed his defensive prowess when he stopped Joe Hagen on fourth and one and SMB got the ball back. They would run out the clock to end the game.
SMB was led by Howard, who rushed for 125 yards. Rodriguez led Waseck with 8 of 14 completions for 104 yards and 87 rushing yards.
The Wolfpack improved their record to 12-0 and will face the Willmar-St. Paul Johnson winner for the Class AAAA title on Friday, November 23 at 4 PM at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The Blue Jays ended their season with a record of 10-3.
Neither team scored in the first quarter though Howard ran for 23 yards on the final three plays that spotted the ball on the Blue Jays seven yard line. On the first play of the second quarter, Jalen Suggs, who also excels on the basketball court for Minnehaha Academy, threw a seven yard right side pass to Craig McDonald to put the Wolfpack ahead. Waseca would tie the game on a 12 yard touchdown pass from Hunter Rodriguez to Kyreese Willingham. After the replay official reviewed the play to see if Kyreese Willingham crossed the left pylon, it was ruled a touchdown. SMB would regain the lead on a 31 yard field goal from Theo Crosby with :30 left in the half and the Wolfpack led at the half 10-7.
The Blue Jays surged into the lead in the third quarter as Kyreese Willingham's brother Malik caught a 25 yard pass from Rodriguez to lead 15-10. Waseca had a chance to extend their lead after Mathhew Olsem recovered a McDonald fumble. But the Wolfpack defense prevailed as Bennett Thiesen made an outstanding tackle that lost two yards and forced Waseca to punt.
SMB would get the ball back in the fourth quarter and Suggs would convert on fourth and one that also added nine yard more yards due to a personal foul penalty on Waseca. It would pay off for the Wolfpack as Howard would score the eventual game winner on a two yard run with 8:05 left in regulation time. There would be good news for the Blue Jays when Andrew Morgan blocked Jack Mahler's punt. Could Waseca seek a win on this wet Thursday? The answer would be no when Rodriguez on the first play of the drive was intercepted by Andrew Mollison. It would be Wolfpack ball and they would clinch a berth in next week's Prep Bowl as Suggs threw a 53 yard completion to Kaden Johnson and Howard go up the middle for a 15 yard touchdown run. The Blue Jays had another chance to possibly send the game into overtime but Howard also displayed his defensive prowess when he stopped Joe Hagen on fourth and one and SMB got the ball back. They would run out the clock to end the game.
SMB was led by Howard, who rushed for 125 yards. Rodriguez led Waseck with 8 of 14 completions for 104 yards and 87 rushing yards.
The Wolfpack improved their record to 12-0 and will face the Willmar-St. Paul Johnson winner for the Class AAAA title on Friday, November 23 at 4 PM at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The Blue Jays ended their season with a record of 10-3.
Sunday, November 11, 2018
2018 Minnesota State Football Semifinals Lineup
Put away your winter coats, mittens and hats. Minnesota high school football is headed inside US Bank Stadium as The Road to the Prep Bowl continues with semifinal action November 15-17. Here's a lineup and preview of each day's games.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 15
11:30: Nine Man: It's North vs. South as the Cromwell-Wright Cardinals contend with the defending state champion Spring Grove Lions.
2:00: Class AA: A rematch of last year's Class AA semifinals pits the Paynesville Bulldogs and the Caledonia Warriors. The Warriors are on a quest to win their fourth consecutive state championship. Can Paynesville, in their fourth trip to state inject pain and sorrow into Caledonia fans or will the Warriors, led by quarterback Noah King continue their explosive offense en route to bringing back another trophy to the southeastern Minnesota town?
4:30: Class AAAA: For the first time, the SMB Wolfpack, comprised of students from St. Paul Academy, Minnehaha Academy and Blake head to US Bank Stadium as they battle the Waseca Bluejays, in their first state tournament trip since 2009. The Wolfpack quarterback's name may also be familiar to basketball fans, Jalen Suggs. The Minnehaha Academy standout also has a chance to lead SMB to their first football state title.
7:00: Class AAAAAA: Day one wraps up as the defending champion Eden Prairie Eagles take on the Blaine Bengals. It took awhile for Blaine to advance because of a power outage in their quarterfinal game against Eastview as they go for their first state title in 30 years.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16
9:00: Nine Man: Coming to the early game? Bring a thermos of Folger's Coffee for this "Mountain Grown Battle" as the Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers take on the Mountain Lake Wolverines. The Rangers are in their first state tournament since 2010 and have a tough task ahead against the unbeaten Wolverines.
11:30: Class AA: The Barnesville Trojans look toward returning to the Prep Bowl for the first time since 2010. But they will face the unbeaten Minneapolis North Polars who are playing in their first Class AA tournament since they moved up from Class A. Could former Polar and current Gopher wide receiver Tyler Johnson be present to watch his alma mater look toward a possible showdown with Caledonia?
2:00: Class AAAAA: A rematch of last year's Class AAAAA title game features the Elk River Elks and the defending champion Owatonna Huskies. If you haven't seen the Huskies top running back jason Williamson in action, take time off from work or follow the game online. He's one of the best players in the state in years and he has been piling up rushing yards by the bushel.
4:30: Class AAAA: The St. Paul Johnson Governors are two steps away from becoming the first school from the St. Paul City Conference to play for a state football title (though conference play doesn't count in football). First, they have to take on the Willmar Warriors, in their first trip to state since 1988.
7:00: Class AAAAAA: Expect to see busloads of fans head up I-35 to US Bank Stadium as the Lakeville North Panthers face their city rivals the Lakeville South Cougars. The Cougars are coming off an upset of the Woodbury Royals in the quarterfinals. Can they pull off another one?
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 17
The first two games of the day are Class A semifinals, starting at 9 AM with a pair of unbeaten teams as the BOLD Warriors battle the Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms. Can BOLD be bold or will the Awesome Blossoms be awesome? The winner plays the winner of the 11:30 game between the Mahnomen/Waubun Thunderbirds and the Springfield Trojans. The Thunderbirds have six shutouts this season, including a quarterfinal win over Deer River. Could the Trojans be number seven? Springfield advanced on a game winning field goal against Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity and look to continue their momentum against the northwestern Minnesota powerhouse.
Next up will be a couple of Class AAA semifinal games, beginning with two undefeated teams, the Pierz Pioneers and the Rochester Lourdes Eagles at 2 PM. The high powered Pioneer offense routed the Annandale Cardinals in the quarterfinals. The Eagles earned their semifinal berth with a win over the Jordan Hubmen. The second semifinal game is the Perham Yellowjackets and the Fairmont Cardinals. The Yellowjackets are a win away from their first trip to a championship game since 1989, when they lost the Class B title game to the Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop Thunderbirds. The last time the Cardinals plyed for a state title was 2011 when they lost 34-32 to the St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders.
7:00: Class AAAAA; Semifinal play concludes as the Bemidji Lumberjacks look to head to their first championship game since 2011. The city that will host Hockey Day Minnesota in January could have a football day on Saturday the 25th in Minneapolis if they can get past the unbeaten St. Thomas Academy Cadets who beat the Tartan Titans in the quarterfinals. Last time the Cadets played in the AAAAA final, it was the last Prep Bowl game played at TCF Bank Stadium and they were defeated by the St. Michael-Albertville Knights.
Plenty of high school football action this weekend in downtown Minneapolis. No need to freeze outside.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 15
11:30: Nine Man: It's North vs. South as the Cromwell-Wright Cardinals contend with the defending state champion Spring Grove Lions.
2:00: Class AA: A rematch of last year's Class AA semifinals pits the Paynesville Bulldogs and the Caledonia Warriors. The Warriors are on a quest to win their fourth consecutive state championship. Can Paynesville, in their fourth trip to state inject pain and sorrow into Caledonia fans or will the Warriors, led by quarterback Noah King continue their explosive offense en route to bringing back another trophy to the southeastern Minnesota town?
4:30: Class AAAA: For the first time, the SMB Wolfpack, comprised of students from St. Paul Academy, Minnehaha Academy and Blake head to US Bank Stadium as they battle the Waseca Bluejays, in their first state tournament trip since 2009. The Wolfpack quarterback's name may also be familiar to basketball fans, Jalen Suggs. The Minnehaha Academy standout also has a chance to lead SMB to their first football state title.
7:00: Class AAAAAA: Day one wraps up as the defending champion Eden Prairie Eagles take on the Blaine Bengals. It took awhile for Blaine to advance because of a power outage in their quarterfinal game against Eastview as they go for their first state title in 30 years.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16
9:00: Nine Man: Coming to the early game? Bring a thermos of Folger's Coffee for this "Mountain Grown Battle" as the Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers take on the Mountain Lake Wolverines. The Rangers are in their first state tournament since 2010 and have a tough task ahead against the unbeaten Wolverines.
11:30: Class AA: The Barnesville Trojans look toward returning to the Prep Bowl for the first time since 2010. But they will face the unbeaten Minneapolis North Polars who are playing in their first Class AA tournament since they moved up from Class A. Could former Polar and current Gopher wide receiver Tyler Johnson be present to watch his alma mater look toward a possible showdown with Caledonia?
2:00: Class AAAAA: A rematch of last year's Class AAAAA title game features the Elk River Elks and the defending champion Owatonna Huskies. If you haven't seen the Huskies top running back jason Williamson in action, take time off from work or follow the game online. He's one of the best players in the state in years and he has been piling up rushing yards by the bushel.
4:30: Class AAAA: The St. Paul Johnson Governors are two steps away from becoming the first school from the St. Paul City Conference to play for a state football title (though conference play doesn't count in football). First, they have to take on the Willmar Warriors, in their first trip to state since 1988.
7:00: Class AAAAAA: Expect to see busloads of fans head up I-35 to US Bank Stadium as the Lakeville North Panthers face their city rivals the Lakeville South Cougars. The Cougars are coming off an upset of the Woodbury Royals in the quarterfinals. Can they pull off another one?
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 17
The first two games of the day are Class A semifinals, starting at 9 AM with a pair of unbeaten teams as the BOLD Warriors battle the Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms. Can BOLD be bold or will the Awesome Blossoms be awesome? The winner plays the winner of the 11:30 game between the Mahnomen/Waubun Thunderbirds and the Springfield Trojans. The Thunderbirds have six shutouts this season, including a quarterfinal win over Deer River. Could the Trojans be number seven? Springfield advanced on a game winning field goal against Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity and look to continue their momentum against the northwestern Minnesota powerhouse.
Next up will be a couple of Class AAA semifinal games, beginning with two undefeated teams, the Pierz Pioneers and the Rochester Lourdes Eagles at 2 PM. The high powered Pioneer offense routed the Annandale Cardinals in the quarterfinals. The Eagles earned their semifinal berth with a win over the Jordan Hubmen. The second semifinal game is the Perham Yellowjackets and the Fairmont Cardinals. The Yellowjackets are a win away from their first trip to a championship game since 1989, when they lost the Class B title game to the Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop Thunderbirds. The last time the Cardinals plyed for a state title was 2011 when they lost 34-32 to the St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders.
7:00: Class AAAAA; Semifinal play concludes as the Bemidji Lumberjacks look to head to their first championship game since 2011. The city that will host Hockey Day Minnesota in January could have a football day on Saturday the 25th in Minneapolis if they can get past the unbeaten St. Thomas Academy Cadets who beat the Tartan Titans in the quarterfinals. Last time the Cadets played in the AAAAA final, it was the last Prep Bowl game played at TCF Bank Stadium and they were defeated by the St. Michael-Albertville Knights.
Plenty of high school football action this weekend in downtown Minneapolis. No need to freeze outside.
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Breck Mustangs Opens Season On High Note
A marquee match up opened the 2018-19 Minnesota girls high school hockey season Saturday afternoon with the defending Class A champion Breck Mustangs getting the game winning goal from Ella Brophy with 8:50 left in regulation time that led them to a 4-3 win over last season's Class AA runner up the Centennial Cougars at the Anderson Ice Arena in Golden Valley.
The game marked the head coaching debut of David K.B. Cole leading the Cougars and Keith Radloff behind the Mustangs bench.
Breck struck first in the opening period Allyson Qualley fed Emily Zumwinkle at the left point and she send it into the net. Centennial evened the score when Allison Pitlick rebounded Maija Almich's shot. The Mustangs would regain the lead as Qualley sent the puck toward the center slot and Ashley Halverson went top shelf to put Breck ahead 2-1.
Neither team would tally in the second period but the Cougars almost tied the game on a shorthanded opportunity by Pitlick. But Mustang goalie Ally Frantzick made the save.
There would be good news for Pitlick as she would score a shorthanded goal :49 into the third period to tie the game at two. Breck would once again vault into the lead as freshman Shae Messner would score from the right slot. The Cougars, despite losing Annika Linser and Gabby Hughes to graduation did not give up. Megan Goodreau lined a shot from the slot and the game was tied at three. Would there be overtime as snow was starting to fall outside the Anderson Ice Arena? Not on this chilly Saturday as Stella Retrum, one of four Mustang eighth graders, made a pass to Brophy along the boards parallel to the right of the Centennial bench and she would put it past Centennial goalie Mackenna Stoterau to put Breck ahead.
The lead would hold up when Cole pulled Stoterau with 1:00 left for a sixth attacker and the Mustangs didn't increase their margin as time would expire.
Breck opened the season with a 1-0 record and will face the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights on Tuesday, November 13 at 7:15 PM at The Rec Center in St. Louis Park. The Cougars opened the season 0-1 and will also be in action on the 13th as they host Champlin Park/Coon Rapids at 7 PM at the Centennial Sports Arena in Circle Pines.
The game marked the head coaching debut of David K.B. Cole leading the Cougars and Keith Radloff behind the Mustangs bench.
Breck struck first in the opening period Allyson Qualley fed Emily Zumwinkle at the left point and she send it into the net. Centennial evened the score when Allison Pitlick rebounded Maija Almich's shot. The Mustangs would regain the lead as Qualley sent the puck toward the center slot and Ashley Halverson went top shelf to put Breck ahead 2-1.
Neither team would tally in the second period but the Cougars almost tied the game on a shorthanded opportunity by Pitlick. But Mustang goalie Ally Frantzick made the save.
There would be good news for Pitlick as she would score a shorthanded goal :49 into the third period to tie the game at two. Breck would once again vault into the lead as freshman Shae Messner would score from the right slot. The Cougars, despite losing Annika Linser and Gabby Hughes to graduation did not give up. Megan Goodreau lined a shot from the slot and the game was tied at three. Would there be overtime as snow was starting to fall outside the Anderson Ice Arena? Not on this chilly Saturday as Stella Retrum, one of four Mustang eighth graders, made a pass to Brophy along the boards parallel to the right of the Centennial bench and she would put it past Centennial goalie Mackenna Stoterau to put Breck ahead.
The lead would hold up when Cole pulled Stoterau with 1:00 left for a sixth attacker and the Mustangs didn't increase their margin as time would expire.
Breck opened the season with a 1-0 record and will face the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights on Tuesday, November 13 at 7:15 PM at The Rec Center in St. Louis Park. The Cougars opened the season 0-1 and will also be in action on the 13th as they host Champlin Park/Coon Rapids at 7 PM at the Centennial Sports Arena in Circle Pines.
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