The regular season has ended and now we turn our eyes to the postseason. Let's take a look at where our local teams finished and who they'll play in the first round of the playoffs.
9-Man
Ogilvie 5-2 #1 seed in section 5 17th in State
Ogilvie started off the season with two tough losses against Cherry and Mountain Iron-Buhl, both are ranked in the top 10 in the state. They really turned things around and finished the season winning 5 straight games. They'll host McGregor on Oct. 27th for their semifinal matchup. If the Lions win they'll head to the championship game on Nov. 4th at Esko to play the winner of Cromwell-Wright and South Ridge.
Class A
Braham 2nd in Section 7 17th in State
The Bombers have enjoyed a bounce back season finishing 6-2. Their only losses coming against Deer River, the top team in the section, and MLWR. In their 6 wins they average 48 points! They'll host Ely on Oct. 25th. If they will they'd play the winner of Barnum and East Central at home on Oct. 29th.
East Central 6th in Section 7 51st in State
The Eagles got their lone victory on the season over Mille Lacs. Their first round game will be against Barnum on Oct. 25th.
Mille Lacs 8th in Section 7 56th in State
The Raiders will have the biggest hill to climb in the playoffs. They'll travel to Deer River for round one. If they can escape there with a victory there's no stopping them.
Class AA
Rush City 5th in Section 4 19th in State
The Tigers were undefeated going into the final game of the regular season. Falling to MLWR 7-0 is not what they hoped for but must still be encouraging. They play in an awkward section, even though they finished 7-1 they'll be on the road on Oct. 25th against Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted. If they come out victorious, they'll play Minneapolis North in the second round.
Hinckley-Finlayson 4th in Section 7AA 33rd in State
The Jaguars finished the season at 4-4, winning their first 3 games then falling in 4 straight before winning the regular season finale over Mesabi East. The Jags will once again host Mesabi East in the playoffs on Oct. 25th. Last year the Giants won in Hinckley. If the Jaguars can defend home field they'd play on Oct. 29th against MLWR.
Class AAA
Milaca 1st in Section 5 4th in State
The Wolves have had a nice turn around season from last year finishing 7-1. The only loss came against New London-Spicer. Milaca will get the first round bye and will await the winner of Annandale and St. Cloud Cathedral on Oct. 29th.
Mora 3rd in Section 5 15th in State
The Mustangs finish the year 5-3 winning their last 5. Mora may be a hidden favorite in this section to make it to state. In their first 3 games they played two teams who are 1st and 2nd in their class and both were in the state tournament last year. Esko, 1st in section 7 and 1st in Class AAA, and Grand Rapids 1st in Section 7 2nd in Class AAAA. They kept it close with these teams and both sides of the ball seem to be improving each week. They'll host Pine City round one, and could play the winner of Spectrum and Foley Oct. 29th.
Pine City 6th in Section 5 42nd in State
The Dragons suffered a down year this season, finishing 1-7. Their lone win came against Hibbing in week 3. Pine City has shown flashes of both sides of the ball being good, but flashes need turn into more consistency. They'll be in Mora Oct. 25th.
Foley 7th in Section 5 44th in State
The Falcons finished 1-7. Last year they went into the playoffs an underdog but surprised a lot of people with a first round victory over Pine City. Can they pull of another upset this year as they face Spectrum in the 1st round.
Class AAAA
Princeton 2nd in Section 6 14th in State
The Tigers wrapped up the regular season with a 6-2 record. And as the #2 seed will receive a first round bye. They will await the winner of Orono and Big Lake on Oct. 29th.
North Branch 3rd in Section 7 and 12th in State
The Vikings end the season at 6-2. Their two losses came against the 1st and 2nd placed teams in their section, Grand Rapids and Hermantown. They lost to both teams by three points. North Branch will have a rematch against the Hawks on Oct. 29th in Hermantown.
Class AAAAA
Cambridge-Isanti 5th in Section 7 35th in State
The Bluejackets finish 2-6 on the season. The two wins came against St. Cloud Tech and rival Chisago Lakes. It'll be a tough uphill battle for them, they'll play at Duluth East on Oct. 25th. If they win they'll play against the Elks in Elk River on Oct. 29th
