Quarterfinal Results and Standouts from Class 3A

Continuing our recap of the quarterfinal rounds in Minnesota's high school football playoff scene, we move down to Class 3A, where we saw an even blend of explosive performances and gritty battles that went down in the trenches, with these countering styles of play setting up intriguing matchups leading into the semifinal matchups this weekend. We recap the 4 quarterfinal matches from Class 3A MN that took place last week!   Litchfield vs. Annandale: 19-7   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Coming off an upset win at Albany last week, Litchfield looked to pull off another improbable upset against the undefeated Cardinals. The game proved to be a rough outing for both teams as they struggled in the cold conditions. Litchfield was able to keep it close in the first half, trailing just 12-7 with a scoring drive at the end of the half. However, their offense stalled in the second half, with Annandale forcing 2 turnovers and Litchfield making critical mistakes, including a missed a field goal which would've cut the deficit closer. A scoring drive for the Cardinals in the 4th quarter effectively put the game out of reach, with the Dragons committing a turnover on their final drive to seal the win for Annandale. Annandale continues to show why they have been a dominant contender over the last few years in 3A as they move closer toward their second state championship win in 3 years. </li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Top Performer: Braylon Fobbe (JR) - Despite playing with two different QBs under Center, Fobbe was able to do more with his reps, finishing 8 of 12 for 93 yards and a TD in the second quarter while rushing for 21 yards on 2 carries. </li> </ul>   Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton vs. Pierz: 28-7   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Another physical matchup which was won out on the trenches, the Rebels came on the road and took advantage of every opportunity they got to pull off the upset over Pierz. The Rebels' run game was simply unstoppable on Friday night, with the backfield accumulating 261 total rushing yards with 3 players hitting at least 70 yards on the ground. The Pioneers were not able to get any momentum on offense for much of the game, with 2 interceptions thrown on offense, the Pioneers went scoreless until the 4th quarter when the game was out of reach. The Rebels have put themselves in position to earn their way back into the state championship game, but they will need to prove that they are able to get over the hump to finally win the big one. </li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Top Performer: Jacob Luebke (SR) - The Rebels had their way in the run on Friday, and Luebke was able to find creases to break through to pound the ball effectively. Luebke ran for 102 yards on 22 carries (4.6 YPC) and 2 rushing TDs. </li> </ul>   Holy Family vs. Waseca: 14-0   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>This battle between Holy Family and Waseca proved to be a low scoring affair, with Waseca being limited to their fewest points of offense since week 1 of this season. However, the defense did it's job in smearing the Catholic Fire's offense, keeping them out of the end zone the entirety of the game. Both of the Bluejays' scores came in the first half and they were able to control the clock in the second half to secure their third shutout win of the season. With a defense that has allowed just 7.4 points per game, their offense didn't have to do too much work to win this one, and they will look for that defense to continue stifling their opponents on their path to the 3A title game. </li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Top Performer: [player_tooltip player_id='592119' first='Deron' last='Russell'] (SR) - While there weren't any stats posted from this game, NDSU commit [player_tooltip player_id='592119' first='Deron' last='Russell'] enjoyed a big game, while not hitting the endzone, was able to control the defense with his shifty run game, with a long run in the 1st quarter setting up the team's first scoring drive as he was able to wear down the Fire's defense. </li> </ul>   Minneapolis North vs. Pine Island: 50-21   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>One of the most anticipated matchups in the conference between two undefeated foes, the match started off close with the Polars leading 20-14 heading into the half. Any hopes of the game continuing in a shootout were spelled quickly though, with the Polars scoring two touchdown drives to start the second half. The Panthers were completely beat across the board on defense, giving up a total of 483 yards of offense as the Polars were in full stride. Forced to abandon their highly potent run-game, the Panthers committed numerous mistakes over the air, as the Polars snatched 3 interceptions on the Panthers' QBs. Despite their #3 ranking, with the amount of firepower that the Polars have on both sides of the ball, there is a real good chance that they might take the 3A championship if they continue to play like this. </li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Top Performer: [player_tooltip player_id='1612765' first='Logan' last='Lachermeier'] (SR) - Lachermeier had a near perfect game on the air, finishing 16 of 22 for 337 yards and 4 TDs passing. All 4 TD passes came from 30+ yards out, including a 99 yard TD to [player_tooltip player_id='1255132' first='Jay' last='Sanders'] in the 2nd quarter. </li> </ul>   Setting the Stage for the Class 3A Semifinals:   Minneapolis North vs. Annandale:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Annandale's win over Litchfield was the only game this season where they scored less than 30 points on offense. Across the board, Annandale has been completely dominant, averaging 42.7 PPG on offense and allowing just 5.7 PPG on defense. With an average of 45 PPG, Minneapolis North holds the 2nd highest scoring offense in the conference, while giving up a total of just 13.5 PPG on defense. However, Annandale had just smothered an offense that ranked as the 4th highest scoring offense in the conference to just 7 points last week, though Minneapolis North has more firepower to behold. This game will be an exciting one to watch. Expect a potential shootout, but if Annandale is able to force enough pressure and disruption between the Polars' QB and WRs, it could make for an ugly showing for the Polars. </li> </ul>   Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton vs. Waseca:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Waseca certainly will be entering this game as heavy favorites to take out the Rebels. With how dominant their defense is playing and how elusive their standouts on offense are, the odds are against DGF, though DGF have proven capable of disrupting the pass and forcing turnovers on their opponents. DGF will look to find space to break through with their deep backfield while also looking to create turnovers to disrupt Waseca's offense that could in turn be capitalized to give the Rebels potential leverage over the Bluejays. Coming off one of their lowest scoring games offensively this season, Waseca will need to limit simple mistakes and find an effective balance in both the pass and the run like they did early on in the game against Holy Family. If they are able to maintain that consistency throughout this matchup, they should punch their ticket to the state title game with fair ease. </li> </ul>

Continuing our recap of the quarterfinal rounds in Minnesota's high school football playoff scene, we move down to Class 3A, where we saw an even blend of explosive performances and gritty battles that went down in the trenches, with these countering styles of play setting up intriguing matchups leading into the semifinal matchups this weekend. We recap the 4 quarterfinal matches from Class 3A MN that took place last week!