Mayer Lutheran cashed in on turnovers en route to 31-21 victory over Goodhue on Saturday in the Class 1A quarterfinals, marking the program’s first state tournament victory in six tries.

“We wanted to prove that we could make it,” said Crusaders senior defensive end Kenson Boelke.

Goodhue (11-1) scored first when quarterback Jack Gadient and 6-5 tight end Ryan Schoenfelder connected on a 93-yard passing play for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

Mayer Lutheran (11-1) then held Goodhue scoreless until late third quarter with improved coverage on Schoenfelder.

“Brandon Carlson is one our better athletes. We said ‘you’re going to have to go with him,’ ” Crusaders coach Dean Aurich said.

Goodhue also had four turnovers — three fumbles and an interception. Boelke took the interception 45 yards for a touchdown and a 21-7 lead in the final seconds before halftime.

“They threw it right at me, and I was just excited it came to me, and I got to run it back,” Boelke said.

Junior quarterback Baden Noening threw two touchdown passes before the interception. The Crusaders scored twice in the third quarter for a 31-7 advantage.

“They’re a good team. We knew they would be,” Goodhue coach Tony Poncelet said.

Goodhue threatened in the fourth quarter with Schoenfelder’s third touchdown catch, and the Wildcats’ defense stopped the Crusaders. Mayer Lutheran’s defense responded with a fourth-down stop and two interceptions.

“I’m really excited to see what we can do in the Bank,” Noening said.

Mayer Lutheran cashed in on turnovers and field position en route to a 31-21 victory over previously unbeaten Goodhue on Saturday at Shakopee West Junior High School.

Senior tight end Ryan Schoenfelder rumbled 93 yards for a Goodhue touchdown early, but the Wildcats (11-1) never saw the end zone again until the third quarter on Schoenfelder’s second of three TD grabs. Three fumbles and an interception stymied Wildcat drives in between.

Mayer Lutheran defensive end Kenson Boelke took that interception 45 yards for a touchdown and a 21-7 lead with 28 seconds left before halftime. Junior quarterback Baden Noening threw two touchdown passes for the Crusaders (11-1) earlier in the second quarter on drives starting in Goodhue territory.

Noening picked apart the Wildcats in the third quarter, leading two scoring drives for a 31-7 advantage. Junior kicker Cole Cummings hit a 30-yard field goal and senior running back Matt Menth scored a 5-yard touchdown.

Goodhue threatened in the fourth quarter with Schoenfelder’s third touchdown catch, and the defense held the Crusaders to three punts.

Mayer Lutheran’s defense rallied to stop the Wildcats on fourth down and intercept two passes.

Check back later for more on the game.