Vikings win state opener, 34-0; semis Saturday

Minneota advanced to the Class A state football semifinals with a convincing 34-0 rout of Mahnomen-Waubun on Friday evening in Monticello.
The game featured seven turnovers on a wet and frigid night.
After a slow start, the Vikings' offense started churning and finished with over 300 total yards, while the defense forced four turnovers, three fumbles and an interception. It was the ninth shutout of the season.
Conner Sik scored on two short touchdown runs, and Jonah Gruenes and Max Rost also had touchdown runs of 23 and 34 yards, respectively. Anthony Rybinski caught a short touchdown pass from Isaac Pohlen for the other score.
Gruenes recovered two fumbles and Jackson Esping had one. Zack Fier had an interception.
Minneota (12-0) next faces Rushford-Peterson (12-0) in the Class A state semifinals at 9 a.m. Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Minneota has scored 546 points this season and given up 24. Rushford-Peterson has scored 404 points and given up 94.
This is the 15th appearance in the state football tournament for Minneota, which won titles in 2017, 2015, 2014, 2009, 1988, 1987, and 1986. They finished second in 2013 and 1993.
New York Mills and Mayer Lutheran play in the other semifinal at 11:30 on Saturday. The championship is slated for Friday, Nov. 26 at 10 a.m. at U.S. Bank Stadium.