Stewartville's Abdimalik Abdi (22) rushes the ball as Dassel-Cokato defensive back Anthony Briseno (3) defends in the second half of the Tigers' 43-22 victory over Dassel-Cakato in the Class 3A championship game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov. 23. ANTHONY SOUFFLE • anthony.souffle@startribune.com

MN high school football state tournament: 2024 Prep Bowl

To some observers, Stewartville has been masquerading as a Class 3A football program all season, culminating with 43-22 Prep Bowl victory over Dassel-Cokato on Saturday.

Too big to fail? Not at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The Tigers (14-0) boasted too much talent in too many places to not repeat as 3A champions. The defeat was so complete, Stewartville widened its margin of victory enough to warrant the mercy rule for a small portion of the fourth quarter.

Stewartville also earned a second consecutive perfect season, and the program’s 28th consecutive victory. Two years go, the Tigers competed as a Class 4A power. The drop in classification was for administrative purposes only.

“We go compete with the guys we have walking our hallways and we’re just blessed to have this group of athletes,” Stewartville coach Garrett Mueller said. “Could we go compete against bigger schools? Maybe. But to go with 28 in a row is really tough. To do that consistently just speaks volumes.”

For more on the Tigers' victory, click here to read this story on startribune.com.

Stewartville's Justice Deno (19) celebrates a stop with his coaches in the first half of the Tigers' 43-22 victory over Dassel-Cokato in the Class 3A championship at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov. 23. ANTHONY SOUFFLE • anthony.souffle@startribune.com