Prep Blog: State Semifinals Top Performances
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – It was a big weekend in state football semifinal action over at the Metrodome as teams competed for the chance to play in this weekend's Prep Bowl.
At the end, 12 teams were celebrating a chance to play for a state championship. The other 12 were left to wonder what might have been. There were definitely some big performances on the weekend, and out of 12 games we can choose four.
Woods Leads Bemidji Past Mankato West
Many thought Mankato West, the No. 1-ranked team in Class 4A, would be untouchable this season and cruise to a state championship. Bemidji didn't get that message as the Lumberjacks surprised the Scarlets 45-26 in Friday's semifinal at the Metrodome. Carey Woods led Bemidji with five catches for 152 yards and two touchdowns and two carries for 106 yards, including a 92-yard touchdown run, in the victory. Woods is a playmaker who will need to have another big game when Bemidji faces Rocori in the 4A Prep Bowl at 3 p.m. Saturday.
Wayzata QB Leads Trojans Past Cretin
It might have been the most highly-anticipated game of the semifinals, but Wayzata operated like a well-oiled machine in a 42-0 win over Cretin-Derham Hall. The victory sets up a rematch with Eden Prairie for the 5A Prep Bowl Friday night. Nick Martin has quietly become one of the top quarterbacks in the state, and he didn't disappoint Saturday night. Martin threw for 199 yards and three touchdowns, including two scores to Jeff Borchardt.
Rushing Attack Sends St. Croix Lutheran to Prep Bowl
St. Croix Lutheran has had a dominant run game most of the season. It's why the Crusaders will face Fairmont in the Class 3A Prep Bowl at noon Saturday. St. Croix Lutheran amassed 441 rushing yards in a 58-29 win over Providence Academy to advance. The Crusaders' horses are Wesley Tucker and Jackson Goplen, who combined for 332 yards and two touchdowns in the game. Quarterback Matt Olson also ran for 94 yards and three scores.
Pavek Leads Mahnomen to Prep Bowl
Quarterback Jacob Pavek was unstoppable in Mahnomen's 32-12 victory over Sleepy Eye/St. Mary's last Friday, but he did almost all the damage with his feet. Pavek rushed for 173 yards and four touchdowns in the win and also made three tackles on defense. Mahnomen will face Dawson-Boyd for the Class 2A Prep Bowl title at 1 p.m. Friday at the Metrodome.
Tune into WCCO-TV's High School Sports Rally at 10:20 p.m. Friday as Mike Max, Frank Vascellaro and John Lauritsen will have all the action covered from the Prep Bowl.
