Bemidji reached the Class 5A state semifinals last year before falling 33-21 to St. Thomas Academy, and another extended playoff run seems likely for the No. 7-5A Lumberjacks — if they can get past Class 5A, Section 8 foe No. 4-5A Alexandria.
Bemidji (2-0, 1-0) routed rival Brainerd 23-0 last week, as junior running back Will Falldorf ran for 212 yards and three TDs. He broke a 72-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to help clinch the win.
After winning just three games all of last season, Alexandria (2-0, 1-0) has been dominant in victories over Buffalo (56-20 on Aug. 29) and Moorhead (35-13 on Sept. 6). Nolan Morical rushed for 169 yards and three touchdowns against Moorhead.