Bangor looking for state title, while 3 Minnesota teams play in semifinals
A pair of undefeateds and Top 5-ranked teams face off against each other in today’s Division 7 state championship.
Bangor (13-0), ranked third in the Small Division heading into today’s 10 a.m. matchup at Camp Randall, appears to be the favorite against fifth-ranked Black Hawk (13-0). Over the past four seasons, the Cardinals are 50-2, winning a state title in 2015.
Three seasons ago, the Cardinals lost to Pepin/Alma two games from a state title berth, only to get redemption the next season. Bangor defeated Pepin/Alma to win the Division 7 state title 20-14.
Last year, Bangor lost to Edgar 29-6 in the semifinals, only to get redemption two weeks ago with a 16-8 victory.
Black Hawk is averaging 50 points per game while giving up just nine. Bangor, however, is just a bit better. The Cardinals also average 50 a game, but only give up four.
Black Hawk, which last won a state title in 2013 and lost in the finals in 1998, is led by a pair of 1,000-yard backs. Brody Milz has 1,568 yards and 27 touchdowns this season, while Colby Argall has 1,432 yards and 25 TDs.
Bangor, however, has held opponents to under 80 yards rushing a game this season.
BANGOR
2017: 13-0 – playing in state title game.
2016: 12-1 – lost in semifinals.
2015: 13-0 – won state title
2014: 11-1 – lost in quarterfinals
MINNESOTA STATE SEMIFINALS
Three area teams are looking to get through today’s semifinals at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
Caledonia (11-0) puts its 39-game winning streak on the line at 2 p.m. today against 9-and-2 Paynesville. That game can be heard on Classic Hits 94.7 (here). Click LISTEN LIVE.
At 11:30 a.m., undefeated Spring Grove (12-0) will take on Stephen-Argyle (11-1).
And, at 4:30 p.m., unbeaten Winona (11-0) looks to get back to the state title for the second consecutive year when it meets Holy Angels (10-1).
MINNESOTA
STATE SEMIFINALS
U.S. BANK STADIUM
TODAY’S GAMES
CLASS 2A, 2 p.m.: Caledonia (11-0) vs. Paynesville (9-2)
NINE-MAN, 11:30 a.m.: Spring Grove (12-0) vs. Stephen-Argyle (11-1)
CLASS 4A, 4:30 p.m.: Winona (11-0) vs. Holy Angels (10-1)
