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St. Anthony starts fast, doesn't let up in avenging state tournament loss

By MATT STEICHEN, Special to the Star Tribune, 10/16/19, 7:30PM CDT

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A 102-yard interception return for a touchdown by Troy Ellison on the game's first drive triggered a 43-7 victory over St. Paul Johnson

St. Anthony’s Jonathon Kieren (21) carried for over 72 yards and had three rushing touchdowns, helping his Huskies defeat the Governors 43-7 at home Wednesday night. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine

St. Anthony’s Jonathon Kieren (21) carried for over 72 yards and had three rushing touchdowns, helping his Huskies defeat the Governors 43-7 at home Wednesday night. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine

St. Anthony’s 2018 season ended in disappointing fashion when it blew a 22-point lead in a 24-22 loss to St. Paul Johnson.

Coach Todd Niklaus brought up that state tournament quarterfinal loss Wednesday after his Huskies took a 20-point lead over Johnson midway through the second quarter.

“I brought the whole team together and reminded them that they can come back on us,” Niklaus said. “We played so hard and so physical after that, and really got after it.”

The Huskies (7-1), ranked ninth in Class 4A, scored on their next drive and didn’t let up as they pulled away for a 43-7 victory.

Senior running back Jonathan Kieren capped three consecutive drives with touchdowns as the Huskies built a 27-7 halftime lead. His 7-yard score with 32 seconds left in the first half was his 26th touchdown of the season.


Kieren

“Last year [against Johnson] we broke down in the second half,” Kieren said. “We made sure that didn’t happen again. Everybody stayed locked in and stayed aggressive.”

Kieren’s presence in the St. Anthony running game opened up things for quarterback Josh Cary. He threw touchdown passes to fellow seniors Owen Martin (48 yards) and Troy Ellison (78 yards) in the second half.

Ellison started the scoring with a 102-yard interception return for a touchdown on Johnson’s first drive of the game.

“A lot of teams focus on the run, and that opens up things for us,” Kieren said. “I’m glad those guys can make it fun and get us the win. Their success is my success.”

St. Paul Johnson’s Joe Moberg makes a reception with just seconds remaining in the first half to score the Governors' lone TD Wednesday night. The Governors lost to the Huskies 43-7. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine

St. Paul Johnson’s Joe Moberg makes a reception with just seconds remaining in the first half to score the Governors' lone TD Wednesday night. The Governors lost to the Huskies 43-7. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine

First report

St. Anthony used a fast start Wednesday to avenge last year’s state tournament quarterfinal loss to St. Paul Johnson.

Senior defensive back Troy Ellison returned an interception 102 yards for a touchdown on the game’s first drive and the Huskies, ranked No. 9 in Class 4A, never trailed while closing out the regular season with a 43-7 victory.

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