Keys to the Game: 1A & 2A Prep Bowl

Prep Bowl Class 1A: Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms vs. BOLD Warriors This portion will be a "Keys to Victory" segment of the State Championship games that I am covering. Opening up Championship weekend at the Bank, 12-0 Blooming Prairie battles 13-0 BOLD for the Prep Bowl title. The Awesome Blossoms have been averaging 48 points a game offensively, whole only giving up 8 points on defense. The Warriors averaged 43 points a game on offense while averaging 7 points a game defensively. Both teams coming off big semifinal victories, here are some keys for each team to finish the season unbeaten: <em>Blooming Prairie:</em> 1.) Eat up as much clock as you can on offense. BOLD can score at any given time on offense, keep the ball in your hands and score often gives you a good chance. 2.) Keep the <strong>Sagedahl-Vosika</strong> connection in check. When this duo heats up, its almost impossible to slow down the scoring. 3.) Mix up the offense. BOLD's defense is well-coached, if you are one dimensional as a team they will find a way to stop you completely. <em>BOLD:</em> 1.) Mix up the passing targets. Spreading the ball around will keep the defense honest. 2.) Keep <strong>Matthew Pryor</strong> contained. If this kid runs wild, it will be a tough game for the defense. 3.) Keep the game at a fast pace. The slower the pace the more I like BP's chance of winning, faster the pace BOLD will run away with it. Prep Bowl Class 2A: Minneapolis North Polars vs. Caledonia Warriors The next game to follow for the 2A Championship is 12-0 Minneapolis North taking on 13-0 Caledonia. The Polars are averaging 41 points a game offensively and surrendering 10 points a game on defense. The Warriors are averaging 40 points a game on offense while only giving up 6 on defense. Here are their keys to victory for the final game: <em>Minneapolis North:</em> 1.) Keep the Warrior receivers in front of you. Caledonia does not need to run vertical routes to score, screen routes for them almost do more damage. 2.) Keep up the offensive intensity. Come out attacking the defense and don't let up, mix up the play calling to keep them on their heels. 3.) Put pressure on <strong>Noah King.</strong> He can sit back and sling the ball or take off and run, make him decide what to do with the ball quick. You may be able to coax him into a mistake. <em>Caledonia:</em> 1.) Control the tempo of the game. When the Warriors get in rhythm, it's really difficult to get them out of it. Keep the Polars flustered on both sides of the ball. 2.) Contain the Polar offense. North likes to use their speed to get to the edge, keep it to the inside and slow the offense down. 3.) Keep the gains from <strong>Terrence Kamara</strong> under 10 yards a carry. If he is kept in check, it will keep the scoring low. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!