Peter Watkins

Host Benilde-St. Margaret’s (7-2) scored 50 points in the first half and steamrolled to a 56-7 victory over Blake (8-2) on Saturday night in the Class 4A, Section 6 semifinals.

Senior running back Peter Watkins and junior running back Austin Robertson both ran for two touchdowns, with Watkins adding a two-point running conversion. Senior quarterback Keaton Studsrud managed a 75-yard rushing touchdown and passed for a two-point conversion before he took a seat late in the first half.

The Bears’ defense looked hapless against the red-hot Red Knights’ offense, which played reserves in much of the second half.

Oliver Cornelius-Knudsen scored Blake’s lone touchdown and extra point with a 17-yard run late in the third quarter. 

The Red Knights will face the winner of the Fridley-DeLaSalle game in the section finals on Friday.

Recap: The No. 2-seeded and host Red Knights (7-2) scored 50 first-half points en route to steamrolling No. 3-seeded Blake (8-2) in the Class 4A, Section 6 semifinals. Benilde-St. Margaret’s had more than 250 rushing yards on scoring drives against the outmatched Bears. The Red Knights play DeLaSalle, which beat Fridley 48-7, in Friday’s section finals.

Key of the game: The Red Knights’ starting offense was red-hot, with senior running back Peter Watkins and junior running back Austin Robertson each rushing for two touchdowns. Watkins added a two-point running conversion. Senior quarterback Keaton Studsrud managed a 75-yard rushing touchdown and passed for a two-point conversion, as well.

Quote: “We came here last year, and we lost to DeLaSalle, and now we get a chance at redemption. … Going into the season, we all knew this was our goal to go to section finals. This is amazing.” — Watkins, senior running back

One thing to know: Oliver Cornelius-Knudsen scored all of the Bears’ points. He ran 17 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter and kicked the extra point.

MEGAN RYAN