Two More Titles up for Grabs

Brian Hey – NSO

Section 7AAAA
Cloquet (9-0) vs. Hermantown (8-1)
7 pm at Public Schools Stadium – Duluth
The Lumberjacks are looking for a second straight state tournament appearance tonight in this rematch of last year’s 7AAAA section final. Cloquet rolled over Grand Rapids last Saturday 44-24 with three scores coming from running back Hunter Roberts. Roberts (489 yds, 10 TD’s) and Kyle Klatt (849 yds, 16 TD’s) have been a huge part in a Lumberjack offense that has averaged 44 points per game this season while their stout defense allowed only 8 per night and recorded four shut outs.
After losing in the section final the last three seasons, Hermantown showed it’s determined to get back to the state tournament with a thrilling last minute 22-21 win over Princeton last week. After scoring with 30 seconds to go in the game to make it 20-21, the Hawks opted to go for two and the win with QB Kole Zuidmulder throwing a pass to Zack Brendon for the 2 point conversion.
Cloquet won this seasons meeting 35-28 back in September.

Section 5 Nine-Man
Cromwell (9-1) vs. Wrenshall (8-2)
8 pm at Esko
Cromwell got past Floodwood on Saturday 28-20 with all four scores coming from senior Tyler Hakamaki (1036 yds, 23 TD’s). Hakamaki and QB Zion Smith (999 yds, 14 TD’s) will try to lead the Cardinals over Wrenshall for their 16th state tournament appearance, but first since 2010.
Wrenshall defeated South Ridge 28-8 last week, and will be looking for their first section championship since 1983. The Wrens will try and use their high powered offense (33.5 points per game) and a stingy defense (13 per game allowed) to defeat a Cromwell team that beat them 30-19 earlier this year.