Legion playoffs ‘disappointing’ says Vulture coach

Minneota got the short end of the American Legion playoffs this year as they were stuffed into a sub-section at Luverne against some powerful teams.

If they make it through that, they travel to St. James for section — again, against larger teams. Minneota opens the Legion playoffs against Pipestone (5-0) at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Luverne.

Win or lose, they play again on Saturday in Luverne.

If they win, it’s at 1:30 p.m. If they lose, they play at 3:30 p.m. against Luverne, Tracy or Adrian.

“It’s just disappointing. The guys want to play but we have three seniors and it could be their last weekend and you’re asking parents to drive. It could be three straight days in Luverne,” said Coach Keven Larson.

In the past, the playoffs were in this area. Last year, Montevideo was the host site. Minneota needs to win at least two games to advance to the Sectionals at St. James.

The team winning its first two games is automatically seeded into the sections. The sections in St. James would be an eight-team double elimination tournament that will include teams from areas such as Mankato and New Ulm.

Coach Larson indicated catcher Alex Pohlen will soon need to leave for Mitchell, SD to practice with the Dakota Wesleyan football team.

“We will have Alex this weekend (at Luverne), but not sure after that,” said the coach. Minneota is 6-4 going into the tournament.

Luverne, the top-ranked team is 12-2.