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Prep Football: State Tournament Preview: Three teams to defend titles; six teams make first appearances
Three teams return to defend their 2010 football titles — Caledonia in Class AA, and both Totino-Grace of Fridley and Wayzata in Class AAAAA. Totino-Grace won in Class AAAA last year, but opted up to Class AAAAA this year.
Sixteen teams that competed in the 2010 tournament have qualified again, while six teams are making their first appearances. Thirteen teams enter with unblemished records.
The 2011 tournament has quarterfinals being played over three days at neutral sites and concludes with Prep Bowl XXX being played over two days at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. Quarterfinal games will take place on fields throughout Minnesota on Nov. 10-12. Semifinals will follow at the Metrodome on Nov. 18 and 19 and the Prep Bowl will be played on Nov. 25 and 26.
Class 9-Man Quarterfinal Highlights
Three teams return from the 2010 field: Ada-Borup, Nicollet, and the co-op of Edgerton/Ellsworth. Bigfork is the only team making its debut appearance, and two teams boast perfect records. A new champion will emerge as the defending champion from Cromwell failed to qualify this year.
Section-Team (Record)
6-Ada-Borup (10-1) vs. 7-Bigfork (10-1) 5 p.m. Nov. 11 at Public School Stadium, Duluth
The Ada-Borup Cougars, who tied for No. 8 the final Associated Press (AP) poll, return for their fourth consecutive and fifth overall appearance. They lost in the quarterfinals last year and are still in the hunt for their first championship. During the regular season they defeated Kittson County Central 14-13. The unranked Bigfork Huskies are making their first tournament appearance. They defeated Silver Bay 39-15 during the regular season.
2-Nicollet (9-1) vs. 3-Edgerton/Ellsworth (11-0) 5 p.m. Nov. 11 at Southwest State University, Marshall
The Nicollet Raiders are making their third consecutive and sixth overall appearance. They tied for No. 10 in the final AP poll and did not face any other qualifiers this year. The Flying Dutchmen of Edgerton/Ellsworth are making their second appearance as a combined program, although Edgerton made three consecutive appearances between 2004 and 2006. This is the second state appearance for Ellsworth, and the Dutchmen came in at No. 1 in this year’s final AP poll. Edgerton/Ellsworth did not play any other qualifiers this season. Both teams lost in the quarterfinals of the 2010 tournament and neither team has won a state championship.
5-Silver Bay (Wm. Kelley) (9-2) vs. 8-Kittson County Central (8-2) 1 p.m. Nov. 12 at Concordia College, Moorhead
The unranked Mariners of Silver Bay are making their third appearance overall, but first since 1988. During the regular season the Mariners lost to Bigfork 39-15. Silver Bay is still in the hunt for its first state title. Kittson County Central, which is a co-op between Kittson County of Hallock and Lancaster, is making its second appearance under this name. Their last was in 2008. Kittson Central made two additional appearances in 1993 and 1994 and also won a title in 1994. Lancaster made one additional appearance in 1976. The Bearcats lost to Ada-Borup in their season opener 14-13 and tied for No. 10 on the final AP poll.
1-Spring Grove (11-0) vs. 4-Wheaton/Herman-Norcross (10-1) 1 p.m. Nov. 12 at Spring Lake Park High School
The Lions of Spring Grove, who were No. 5 in the final AP poll, return to tournament action after a seven-year absence. They are making their second appearance. The Warriors of Wheaton/Herman-Norcross are making their first appearance as a co-op. Wheaton made eight appearances between 1989 and 2007 and Herman made one additional appearance in 1977. The Warriors tied for eighth place in the final AP poll. Neither team has won a state title and neither faced any other qualifiers during the regular season.
Class A Quarterfinal Highlights
Only two teams return from the 2010 field: Mahnomen and Adrian. Dawson-Boyd is the only team making its first appearance and two teams come in with perfect records. A new champion will emerge in this class as Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s defeated the defending champion from New Ulm Cathedral 44-18 in the Section 2 title game.
6-Mahnomen (11-0) vs. 7-Braham (9-1) 8 p.m. Nov. 11 at Public School Stadium, Duluth
The No. 2-ranked Indians of Mahnomen return to make their second consecutive and 20th overall appearance. They lost in the quarterfinals in 2010. They are looking for their seventh state title, having won previously in 1980, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1998. During regular-season play Mahnomen defeated Warren-Alvarado-Oslo 27-0. The Braham Bombers return to make their fourth appearance, but first since 1999. They were ranked No. 5 in the final AP poll and are still looking for their first title. Braham did not face any other qualifiers during the regular season.
2-Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s (8-3) vs. 3-Adrian (10-1) 8 p.m. Nov. 11 at Southwest State University, Marshall
Unranked Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s is making its third appearance, but first since 1988. The Knights have never won a state championship. The No. 7-ranked Dragons of Adrian return to make their third consecutive and sixth overall appearance. They lost in the quarterfinals last year and have never won a state championship. Neither team faced any other qualifiers during the regular season.
5-Dawson-Boyd (11-0) vs. 8-Warren-Alvarado-Oslo (8-3) 1 p.m. Nov. 12 at Big Cat Stadium, Morris
The Blackjacks of Dawson-Boyd are making their first tournament appearance and were ranked No. 3 in the final AP poll. They did not play any other qualifiers during the regular season. Unranked Warren-Alvarado-Oslo returns for its second appearance under this name; they made their first in 2000. Warren also made one additional appearance in 1991. The Ponies lost to Mahnomen 27-0 during regular-season play and are looking for their first title.
1-Blooming Prairie (10-1) vs. 4-Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity (9-1) 7 p.m. Nov. 11 at Macalester College, St. Paul
This game is a rematch of a regular-season game that Blooming Prairie won 49-28. The Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms, who were ranked No. 8 in the final AP poll, return for their sixth appearance after a one-year hiatus. The Bulldogs of Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity are making their first appearance as a co-op. Lester Prairie made three appearances between 1996 and 1998 and Holy Trinity of Winsted made three appearances between 1981 and 2002. The Bulldogs were ranked No. 9 in this year’s final poll. Neither team has won a state championship.
Class AA Quarterfinal Highlights
Caledonia, which won top honors in 2010, headlines a field of three returning qualifiers. Moose Lake/Willow River and Maple Lake also return. All of the teams have previous tournament experience, and two teams boast perfect records. Maple Lake and Pierz were the only two Class AA teams that met during the regular season and Pierz won that game 27-6.
6-Pierz (10-1) vs. 7-Moose Lake/Willow-River (11-0) 5 p.m. Nov. 11 at St. Cloud State University
The No. 7-ranked Pioneers of Pierz return for their ninth appearance, but first since 2004. The Rebels of Moose Lake/Willow River, who were No. 2 in the final AP poll, are making their sixth consecutive and seventh overall appearance under this name. Moose Lake made one appearance in 1977. Last year Moose Lake/Willow River lost in the quarterfinals. Both teams are still looking for their first title.
2-Waterville-Elysian-Morristown (10-0) vs. 3-Blue Earth Area (10-1) 1 p.m. Nov. 12 at Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter
The top-ranked Buccaneers of Waterville-Elysian-Morristown return after a one-year absence to make their 10th appearance. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown won its only championship in 2009. The Blue Earth Area Buccaneers, who were No. 6 in the final poll, are returning for their third appearance under this name. Blue Earth also made an appearance as in 1972. Blue Earth Area made its last appearance in 2006 and is still searching for its first championship.
5-Paynesville Area (8-3) vs. 8-Warroad (8-2) 7 p.m. Nov. 11 at Big Cat Stadium, Morris
Paynesville Area is making its first appearance under this name, but also appeared as Paynesville in 1979. Warroad returns for its fourth appearance, but first since 1992. Neither team has ever won a state title and neither was ranked in this year’s final AP poll.
1-Caledonia (10-1) vs. 4-Maple Lake (7-4) 7 p.m. Nov. 11 at Farmington High School
The defending champion Caledonia Warriors return for their fifth consecutive and eighth overall appearance. In addition to last year, they also won championships in 1974, 1975, 2007 and 2008. They were ranked No. 5 in this year’s final AP poll. Unranked Maple Lake is making its second consecutive and overall appearance. The Irish lost in the quarterfinals in 2010.
Class AAA Quarterfinal Highlights
Holy Family Catholic of Victoria is the only team to return from the 2010 field. Providence Academy of Plymouth, which includes students from Heritage Christian Academy of Maple Grove, and Annandale are both making their first appearances and two teams have perfect records. Rochester Lourdes, which took top honors in 2010, failed to qualify for this year’s tournament. St. Croix Lutheran of West St. Paul and Providence Academy were the only teams to meet during regular-season play. St. Croix Lutheran won that contest 52-6.
6-Annandale (6-5) vs. 7–Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin (9-2) 7 p.m. Nov. 11 at Chisago Lakes Area High School, Lindstrom
The Annandale Cardinals are making their debut appearance. The Titans of Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin are making their first appearance as a co-op. Greenway, which is located in Coleraine, made an appearance in 2001, and Nashwauk-Keewatin made three appearances between 2003 and 2005. None of the schools have won a state title. Neither team was ranked in the final AP poll.
2-Holy Family Catholic, Victoria (10-1) vs. 3–Fairmont (10-1) 7 p.m. Nov. 11 at Chaska High School
The Fire of Holy Family Catholic return for their second consecutive and third overall appearance. They were ranked No. 6 in this year’s final AP poll and are hoping to improve on last year’s runner-up showing. The Fire have never won a state championship. The Cardinals of Fairmont, who were No. 5 in the final AP poll, are making their first appearance under this name. They also made six additional appearances as Fairmont Area between 1978 and 1997. If they win it would be their first title.
5-Providence Academy (9-2) vs. 8-Perham (8-3) 5 p.m. Nov. 12 at St. Cloud State University
The Lions of Providence Academy are making their first appearance. The Yellowjackets of Perham are making their fifth appearance, but first since 2008. The Yellowjackets have never won a state title. Neither team was ranked in the final AP poll.
1-Plainview-Elgin-Millville (11-0) vs. 4-St. Croix Lutheran, West St. Paul (11-0) 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at Lakeville North High School
The No 2-ranked Bulldogs of Plainview-Elgin-Millville are making their fourth appearance, but first since 2005. They won one previous title in 2002 and were ranked No. 2 in this year’s final poll. The Bulldogs will face the top-ranked Crusaders of St. Croix Lutheran. The Lions are making their second appearance and are looking for their first championship. They made their first appearance in 2006.
Class AAAA Quarterfinal Highlights
Three of last year’s qualifying teams return: Bemidji, Mankato West, and Rogers. The defending champions from Totino-Grace of Fridley will be competing in the Class AAAAA tournament this year. Two teams have unblemished records and Faribault is the only team making its first appearance.
6-Spring Lake Park (9-1) vs. 7-Bemidji (10-0) 8 p.m. Nov. 11 at St. Cloud State University
The No. 6-ranked Spring Lake Park Panthers are making their fourth appearance, but first since 1991. The Bemidji Lumberjacks are making their third consecutive and fifth overall appearance. They lost in the quarterfinals in 2010 and were ranked No. 3 in this year’s final poll. Neither team faced any other qualifiers during the regular season and both are still in the hunt for their first title.
2–Mankato West (10-0) vs. 3-South St. Paul (10-1) 7 p.m. Nov. 11 at Chanhassen High School
The top-ranked Scarlets of Mankato West are making their fourth consecutive and seventh overall appearance. They lost in the quarterfinals last year, but won previous championships in 1999, 2002, and 2008. This year the Scarlets defeated Faribault 63-14 during regular-season play. The Packers of South St. Paul are making their third appearance, but first since 2004. They were No. 9 in this year’s final poll. During the regular season the Packers defeated Hill-Murray 16-7. South St. Paul has never won a state title.
5–Rogers (9-1) vs. 8–Rocori, Cold Spring (9-1) 7 p.m. Nov. 10 at St. Cloud State University
The Rogers Royals return for their third consecutive and overall appearance. They were ranked No. 7 in the final AP poll and are looking for their first state title. They placed second in 2010. The Rocori Spartans return to make their fifth appearance, but first since 2005. They were No. 10 in the final poll and are also still looking for their first championship. Neither team faced any other qualifiers during the regular season.
1-Faribault (7-3) vs. 4-Hill-Murray, Maplewood (8-2) 7 p.m. Nov. 11 at East Ridge High School, Woodbury
The Faribault Falcons are making their first appearance. During the regular season they lost to Mankato West 63-14. The Pioneers of Hill-Murray are making their third appearance, but first since 1987. They lost to South St. Paul 16-7 during the regular season and have their sights set on their first state title. Neither team was ranked in this year’s final AP poll.
Class AAAAA Quarterfinal Highlights
Four qualifiers return from the 2010 field, including the defending champions from Wayzata (Class AAAAA) and Totino-Grace of Fridley (Class AAAA). The other returning teams are Eden Prairie and Cretin-Derham Hall of St. Paul. Three teams have unblemished records, and all but one have previous tournament experience.
6-Eden Prairie (9-1) vs. 7-Anoka (9-1) 7 p.m. Nov. 11 at Osseo High School
The Eagles of Eden Prairie are making their seventh consecutive and 15th overall appearance. They lost in the quarterfinals last year and were No. 4 in this year’s final poll. During regular-season play Eden Prairie lost to Wayzata 9-0. If the Eagles win it would be their seventh championship; they won previously in 1996, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2006, and 2007. Anoka, which includes students from Legacy Christian Academy in Andover and PACT Charter School in Ramsey, is making its fifth appearance. The Tornadoes appeared as a single school in 1990 and 1994 and won the title both years. They made two additional appearances as a co-op with Legacy Christian Academy in 2005 and 2006. This year, Anoka lost to Wayzata 44-21.
2-Totino-Grace, Fridley (10-1) vs. 3-Prior Lake (8-3) 8 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Metrodome, Minneapolis
The Eagles of Totino-Grace, who were No. 9 in the final poll, are making their third consecutive and 21st overall appearance. They won the Class AAAA title in 2010 and also won titles in 1977, 1978, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2009. The Eagles did not face any other qualifiers during the regular season. The unranked Lakers of Prior Lake are making their first tournament appearance. They lost to both Wayzata 47-20 and Lakeville North 21-3 during the regular season.
5-Wayzata (10-0) vs. 8-Moorhead (8-3) 8 p.m. Nov. 12 at St. Cloud State University
The defending champion Wayzata Trojans, who were No. 1 in the final poll, are making their fifth consecutive and 11th overall appearance. During the regular season Wayzata defeated Prior Lake 47-20, Anoka 44-21, and Eden Prairie 9-0. The Trojans are looking for their fourth championship. In addition to last year, they also won in 2005 and 2008. The Spuds of Moorhead are making their 13th appearance, but first since 1987. The Spuds have never won a state title and were not ranked in this year’s final poll. They did not face any other qualifiers during the regular season.
1-Lakeville North (10-0) vs. 4-Cretin-Derham Hall, St. Paul (10-0) 5 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Metrodome, Minneapolis
The Lakeville North Panthers, who were No. 3 in the final AP poll, return to tournament action after a one-year hiatus. This is their third appearance and they are still looking for their first championship. The Panthers defeated Prior Lake 21-3 during the regular season. The Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders are making their fifth consecutive and 23rd overall appearance. The Raiders were No. 2 in the final AP poll and they’re looking for their third championship. They won previously in 1999 and 2009. Cretin-Derham Hall did not face any other qualifiers this year.
Courtesy: Howard Voigt/Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL)
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