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Class 5A preview: Simley vs. Mankato West

By Star Tribune, 11/20/14, 8:26PM CST

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Simley Spartans (10-3) vs. Mankato West Scarlets (11-1)

CLASS 5A

Saturday, 4 p.m.

Simley Spartans (10-3) vs. Mankato West Scarlets (11-1)

 

Jim says: It’s hard not to pull for an underdog like Simley. The Spartans have been on the short end of many a beating over the years — coach Rex King played on the team that lost to Hastings 84-0 in 1998 — so they deserve a moment in the sun. Unfortunately for them, Mankato West is the type of team that will give Simley’s defense fits. Quarterback Ryan Schlichte is a terrific passer, and he can run, too, getting 23 carries in the Scarlets’ semifinal victory over St. Michael-Albertville. As solid as Simley has been, the Spartans will need a few breaks to hang with the Scarlets.

• The pick: Mankato West 36,

Simley 16

 

David says: Simley is more than a feel-good story. The Spartans added to their list of intangibles last week by being strong in the second half. At no time has the magnitude of the state playoffs proved too much. Simley’s triple-option offense, on the other hand, is a lot to handle. Quarterback Michael Busch (1,197 yards rushing, 14 touchdowns) and running backs Michael Avwunuma (1,095 yards, 16 TDs) and Cole Veith (705 yards, seven TDs) each lend their talents to the cause. Star Tribune All-Metro first-team defensive lineman John Reibert helps control the line of scrimmage.

The pick: Simley 24,

Mankato West 21

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