via MSHSL
Moorhead continues to turn heads in its new class.
The Spuds, playing in the Class AAAAAA field for the first time, are riding a magical wave of momentum that is showcasing perhaps the most entertaining display of offense and staunch defense, regardless of class designation.
Faring well in a schedule loaded with games against Minnesota heavyweights has prepared Moorhead to land in a place few thought it might be: The Prep Bowl Championship Game.
Moorhead went on a powerful 19-point run in the third and fourth quarters to zip past Lakeville South for a 26-14 victory in the semifinals of the Minnesota State High School League’s Football State Tournament on Friday, Nov. 14 at U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis.
Moorhead advances to the big-school championship game, where it will face Edina (8-4), a familiar foe from this season. The Spuds defeated the Hornets 51-44 in the regular season finale on Oct. 15.
In its victory on Friday, Moorhead looked to be in trouble early in the third quarter. Just 19 seconds into the third quarter, Lakeville South took its first lead of the game. Moorhead had received the kickoff to begin the second half, and on the first play from scrimmage, promptly fumbled it to the Cougars, who pounced on it at the 20-yard line.
Lakeville South junior running back Griffen Dean opened the drive on the short field with an 18-yard run and senior running back Nicholas Swanson went through the right side untouched for a 2-yard scoring run.
But the Spuds didn’t wilt. They produced back-to-back touchdowns in the third quarter to turn the 14-7 deficit into a 20-14 lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Junior running back Zak Walker scored both touchdowns, one on a 6-yard run, the other a 25-yard pass from Feeney.
The Spuds drained the clock late and added another TD, a 5-yarder from Feeney to junior wide receiver David Mack with 1:33 remaining in regulation time.
“When we met as a staff in the spring when we got officially moved up to 6A, we said to our team, 'Our standard is our standard,'" Spuds head coach Kevin Feeney said. “We’re not going to change who we are or change what we do. We believe what we do is a successful formula for us.”