First report on the game

Mahnomen’s power running game anchored the Indian’s 19-0 victory over Bethlehem Academy in the Class 1A semifinal game at the Metrodome.
 
The Indians recovered a muffed punt at the 6:43 mark in the first quarter to set up Austin Reitan for a 12-yard touchdown run to open the scoring. 
 
The Indians threw just four passes, one of them for a touchdown, but rushed 52 times for 240 yards and two touchdowns.
 
Running back Christian Von Ruden led Bethlehem Academy with 110 yards on 17 carries. 

Check back later for more on the game.

 


Tom Pavek

Recap: Mahnomen (13-0) wore down Bethlehem Academy (9-4) with a potent running game in a rematch of last year’s state title game. The Indians played their traditional smashmouth-style football, running the ball 53 times for 255 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Tom Pavek only completed one pass on three attempts — it went for a 29-yard touchdown to Nathan Hanson — but the junior also rushed 14 times for 91 yards and a touchdown. The Indians recovered a muffed punt at the 6:43 mark in the first quarter to set up Austin Reitan for a 12-yard touchdown run that would give Mahnomen the lead for good. Bethlehem Academy of Faribault had several trips inside the Mahnomen red zone, but penalties halted any potential scoring opportunities. Running back Christian Von Ruden led Bethlehem Academy with 116 yards on 18 carries.

Key of the game: The Mahnomen running game. The Indians overwhelmed Bethlehem Academy at the line, with five different players running the ball.

Quote: “We had to stop the run game. We knew they would make some plays but we just had to fight through it and win the next play.” –Mahnomen quarterback Tom Pavek on shutting down Bethlehem Academy.

One thing to know: Mahnomen has outscored its opponents 592-44 this season. Eight of Mahnomen’s 13 victories have been shutouts.

BRADY O'BRIEN