Recap, Reaction: MMCRU Pitches Shutout in Semifinals
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CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - Asked what impressed him more, the offense or the defense, MMCRU senior
Michael Schmillen
Michael
Schmillen
6'0" | 175 lbs | WR/LB
MMCRU | 2026
IA
was torn.
"I don't know. That's pretty tough," he said.
After more careful consideration, Schmillen came up with the answer following the Royals' 28-0 victory against West Sioux during the Class A state semifinals Thursday afternoon here at the UNI-Dome.
"Pitching a shutout, that's our goal all week, every single week. We're like, let's put a goose egg up. Let's not let them score because we know our offense can score," he said.
MMCRU led 7-0 late into the second quarter before quarterback
Eli Harpenau
Eli
Harpenau
6'1" | 210 lbs | QB/LB
IA
found Schmillen for touchdowns of 60 and 40 yards. That followed a 47-yard scoring connection between that duo earlier in the game. All of the TDs that led to the 21-0 halftime lead came on contested catches.
"I think it's both of us just having confidence in each other and believing that it's there and just going out and making that play," Harpenau said.
The sophomore signal caller completed 9 of 17 throws for 212 yards and four touchdowns against one interception. He added 53 yards rushing. All three of Schmillen's catches went for touchdowns totaling 147 yards.
Gage Johnson led the Royal defense with 11 tackles, 1.5 of which resulted in lost yardage. He also intercepted a pass.
For West Sioux, its only two losses this year came against MMCRU. Thursday, the Falcons couldn't get on track offensively.
"They play a really good zone," West Sioux quarterback
Blake Wiggins
Blake
Wiggins
6'1" | 175 lbs | QB
West Sioux | 2026
State
IA
said. "They always have an eye on the quarterback. It seems like they always have a guy on the receiver. It's just a great defense."
The Royals did a nice job slowing down dynamic Falcon running back
Braylon Lopez
Braylon
Lopez
5'11" | 185 lbs | ATH
West Sioux | 2027
IA
, who was held to 13 yards rushing on 14 carries. He did catch seven passes for 88 yards.
"They were doubling me the whole time, and we didn't block as well on the outside as we did in practice," Lopez said.
