Wrestling the Section 1 title from Caledonia helped mold Chatfield into a physical team built for slugging out victories.

The Gophers put their muscle to good use, grinding out a victory not secured until they scored 10 points in the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Nate Skare iced the game, running untouched for a 3-yard score as a wonderful satisfaction washed over him.

“It was great because it felt like we finally did it and we worked so hard for it,” Skare said.

Key of the game: Chatfield, leading 7-0 early in the fourth quarter, stymied a 13-play, 86-yard Minneota/Lincoln HI drive by smothering Austin Buysse’s quarterback sneak on fourth down less than one yard from the end zone. The Gophers’ offense took over and drove 97 yards for a field goal and the necessary cushion for victory.

“That stop was huge,” said Gophers running back Jacob Neis, who rushed for 105 yards and intercepted two passes. “I know we were stuck on about the half-yard line but I told my line, ‘We need to put our hand in the dirt and take it to them.’ That’s what we did.”

Quote: “I’ve kicked farther field goals than that before. I just shanked it.” Chatfield’s Nate Skare, who missed a 34-yard attempt, badly, in the first quarter before hitting from 19 yards out in the fourth quarter.

One thing to know: Friday marked Chatfield’s first state championship since winning three consecutive Class C titles from 1994-96.

Chatfield pounded out a 17-7 victory in the Class 2A Prep Bowl title game Friday against Minneota/Lincoln HI at the Metrodome.

Nate Skare and Jacob Neis made plays on both sides of the ball. Neis rushed for 105 yards and intercepted two passes. Skare, the quarterback, kicked a field goal and added a touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

Chatfield’s state championship was its first since winning three consecutive Class C titles from 1994-96.