Floodwood stays undefeated! Statebound!

ESKO, Minn—The Floodwood Polar Bears became the Section 5 9-Man Champions and advanced to the Minnesota State Football tournament with a win over the South Ridge Panthers last night, outscoring them 37-20.

The Panthers and Bears kept the game close until the 4th quarter when Polar Bear Eli Schnorts sealed the Floodwood win when he blocked a Panther punt attempt in the end zone for a safety.

The Polar Bears were led by Senior Evan Suonvieri who carried the ball 20 times for a total of 102 yards and three touchdowns. Willow Christenson addded 81 yards on three catches. Senior Quarterback Riley Bernsdorf finished the game 6-for-15  for 169 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Willow Christenson had an interception for a 55 yard touchdown, and Eli Schnortz added a blocked punt for a safety and a sack.

South Ridge was led by Drew Janke. Up until this game, Drew had been scoring on pass receptions. The Panthers used him as a running back and Drew ended the night with 17 carries for 152 yards and two touchdowns. He also had three receptions for another 50 yards.

Floodwood will play in the Minnesota State Quarterfinals on Friday, Nov. 8 against the Section 7 9-Man champion Ely Timberwolves at Public Schools Stadium in Duluth. Both teams are unbeaten.

South Ridge 6-6-8-0—20

Floodwood 7-7-14-9—37

South Ridge — Tyler Hage 1 yard run (pass failed)

Floodwood — Willow Christenson 55 yard interception return (Dylan Utecht kick)

South Ridge — Drew Janke 55 yard run (run failed)

Floodwood — Brody Graff 25 yard pass from Riley Bernsdorf (Dylan Utecht kick)

Floodwood — Evan Suonvieri 2 yard run (Dylan Utecht kick)

South Ridge — Drew Janke 50 yard run (Bill Redding pass from Spencer Otis)

Floodwood — Evan Suonvieri 1 yard run (Dylan Utecht kick)

Floodwood — punt blocked out of end zone for safety

Floodwood — Evan Suonvieri 20 yard run (Dylan Utecht kick)