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SMB finishes unbeaten to win its second consecutive subdistrict title

By Ellis L. Williams, Star Tribune, 10/19/16, 9:30PM CDT

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The Wolfpack defeated Providence Academy 24-14 behind freshman quarterback Jalen Suggs' big night.


Freshman QB Jalen Suggs threw for 182 yards, and ran for another 65 yards with several coming on this play for SMB in their victory over Providence Academy. Photo by Brian W Nelson


Soren Birkeland

Trailing 24-14 with the ball near midfield and only 3:18 left in the game, Providence Academy quarterback Jackson Baird took a snap and dropped back to pass on a fourth-and-8.

The SMB defensive line pressured Baird, forcing him to leave the pocket. As he did, the senior was met immediately by blitzing cornerback Soren Birkeland.

Birkeland tackled Baird for the Wolfpack’s third sack. SMB took over on downs and secured the 10-point victory Wednesday to finish the regular season with an 8-0 record.

“It’s the best call we have. I love it,” Birkeland said of the designed blitz. “We wanted to put that play in and with the game on the line I had to get the quarterback.”

SMB, a co-op of players from St. Paul Academy, Minnehaha Academy and Blake that competes in Class 5A, captured the Twin City District Gold subdistrict title for the second consecutive year. Freshman Wolfpack quarterback Jalen Suggs threw for 182 yards and two touchdowns and added 65 rushing yards.

Offensive coordinator Hugh Brown filled in for Wolfpack coach Collin Quinn, who was at the hospital with his wife. Brown and SMB kept things as routine as possible in Quinn’s absence.

“When you have a head coach as good as Collin, you miss that piece but from a logistical standpoint,” Brown said. “We didn’t change much.”

For the Lions, Baird rushed for 80 yards and two touchdowns in the loss. Providence Academy, which competes in Clas 3A. fell to 6-2.

ELLIS L. WILLIAMS

First report

SMB, the 10th-ranked team in Class 5A, finished its regular season with an 8-0 record after defeating Providence Academy, Class 3A's 10th-ranked team, 24-14 at the Blake School to conclude the regular season.

SMB, a co-op of players from St. Paul Academy, Minnehaha Academy and Blake, captured the Twin City District Gold Division title for the second consecutive year.

Freshman Wolfpack quarterback Jalen Suggs threw for 182 yards and two touchdowns and added 65 rushing yards.

Lions senior quarterback Jackson Baird rushed for 80 yards and two touchdowns in the loss. Providence Academy fell to 6-2.

Check back later for more on the game. 

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