MINNEAPOLIS – State football championships will be played all day Friday at US Bank Stadium.
Fans from across Minnesota watch as top teams take the field, all competing for victory in the State Prep Bowl.
The first game Friday morning was the Class 1A final between two schools located more than 120 miles from the stadium: Minneota and Springfield.
This is the third year in a row that the schools have met in the championship game. Minneota won the first two meetings and defeated Springfield 70-20 on Friday to win their 10th state title.
WCCO
Fans from both schools arrived in downtown Minneapolis with much sign and excitement, and respect for all the players and coaches involved.
“The Metrodome used to be the place to be,” says Minneota fan Tim Devlaeminck. “We were excited to play there, and now we have this place and it’s a great atmosphere again.”
Now he has a son playing on this year’s team.
“We have excellent coaching and so do they, and excellent athletes, there’s no doubt about it,” said Bob Sturm, who has a grandson who plays for Springfield. “A good group of kids on both sides and it’s always fun to play, it really is.
It’s not just fans of these schools who made the pilgrimage. People come and cheer for no one in particular. Jim Scalese and his son drove six hours from Kittson County to watch the game.
His children hope to play in the championship next year.
Johannes Lauritsen
