The regular season has ended and the playoffs are upon us. Now we'll take a look at how our local teams finished the season, and where they lineup for postseason play.
9-Man
Section 5
Ogilvie #2 seed in Section
The Lions once again enjoyed a incredible season ending it with a 7-1 record, their lone loss came against the sections top team Nevis. Although they didn't get to play their final regular season game due to forfeit, the Lions will certainly be ready for round one. They will host Carlton-Wrenshall on Wednesday 10/24 at 6pm. If they win they'd host the 2nd round game on Saturday 10/28 at 2pm.
Class A
Section 7A
Braham #2 seed in Section
The Bombers once again finished near the top of the section with a 6-2 regular season record. Their two losses came against Barnum, who is no longer in their class, and Deer River on a rainy night. Braham will host South Ridge on Wednesday 10/24 at 6pm, a tean who they've beat during the regular season.
Mille Lacs #3 seed in Section
The Raiders came out and surprised alot of people with their performance this year. Finishing the season with a 5-3 record and 4-2 in the section. They will have a favorable matchup round one on 10/24 at home against Ely, who they beat 36-6 in the regular season finale.
East Central #5 seed in Section
The Eagles finished the season 2-6 but some of their losses could've been wins. They'll have to be on the road for the playoffs, but they'll play a familiar opponent round one. They play Chisholm on the road, a team who they only lost to by 6 points in the regular season. They'll certainly be looking for some revenge. If they win that game they'd play in Deer River on Saturday 10/28.
Class AA
Section 4AA
Rush City #5 seed in Section
The Tigers had a down year this year, something that is rare for this team. Their only win came over Greenway, they suffered a narrow defeat against I. Falls in the final regular season game. They'll play on the road against Randolph round one on Wednesday 10/24 at 7pm.
Section 7AA
Hinckley-Finlayson #7 seed in Section
The Jaguars played in what is probably the most stacked section in all of Class AA football. They finished the season at 3-5 with wins over Rush City, East Central and Greenway. They'll play on the road round one on Wednesday 10/24 against MLWR.
Class AAA
Section 5AAA
Foley #2 seed in Section
The Falcons return a majority of their players from last years run to the section championship. They finished the year at 4-4 but seem poised for another run at the section championship game. They'll host Pine City round one 10/24 at 7pm, if they win that game they'll host the winner of Mora vs St. Cloud Apollo on Saturday 10/28 at 2pm.
Mora #3 seed in Section
The Mustangs got off to a bit of a slow start this season, losing their first four games before winning 3 of the last four. They will be a tough out against anyone they face in the playoffs. Mora will host St. Cloud Apollo 10/24 at 7pm.
Milaca #4 seed in Section
It was not quite the season the Wolves were hoping for coming off of last years run to state, finishing 3-5. But they will get to host round one against St. Cloud Cathedral, which should prove to be a good battle. If the Wolves win they'd head to Annandale on 10/28 for round two.
Pine City #7 seed in Section
The Dragons finished the season 0-8 and scored 18 points all season. If Pine City can manage to eliminate turnovers, and not allow big plays they may be in line for an upset against Foley.
Class AAAA
Section 7AAAA
North Branch #1 seed in Section
After falling at home to Pequot Lakes in the season opener, the Vikings turned things around in a big way, winning the rest of the games during the regular season. In all but two wins they won by multiple scores, the two wins they only won by 7 were against Hermantown and Grand Rapids. They will get the first round bye and will host the winner of Cloquet vs Grand Rapids on Saturday 10/28 at 6pm. Having beat everyone in the section the question looms, can they beat them again and get back to state for the 2nd year in a row?
Section 8AAAA
Princeton #4 seed in Section
The Tigers enjoyed a 6-2 season but because their section is smaller and talented they received the 4th seed. They'll host Little Falls round one 10/24 at 7pm. If they came out on top, a trip to Becker to play powerhouse and yearly entrant into state, is waiting for them in round two on Saturday 10/28.
Class AAAAA
Section 7AAAAA
Cambridge-Isanti #4 seed in Section
The Bluejackets maybe didn't have the season they wanted record wise finishing 3-5, but this is a team that seems primed for a playoff run. 3 of their 5 losses were one score losses. They will host St. Francis round one 10/24 at 7pm. The Bluejackets narrowly escaped with a win over the Saints in the regular season 21-20. If they do win again they'll head to Andover round to on 10/28.
Good luck to all of our local teams in the playoffs!
