SMB running back Siegel Howard (22) scored a rushing touchdown against Waseca in the second half Thursday. Photo: Aaron Lavinsky ¥ aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com
Jalen Suggs doesn’t know where it comes from. Natural ability, with an added scoop of football instincts, he supposes. How else to explain his ability to so frequently make something good out of the potentially bad?
The junior quarterback rushed for 77 yards, often when plays were breaking down, and passed for 160 to lift the SMB Wolfpack to a 23-15 victory over Waseca in the Class 4A semifinals.
Repeatedly forced to run for his safety against an aggressive Waseca pass rush, Suggs’ speed and elusiveness frustrated the Bluejays all game.
“He’s unbelievable,” SMB coach Colin Quinn said. “He got a first down on one fourth-down play, I don’t know how he possibly did that.”
“I just try to play on instincts,” Suggs said. “I’ve been playing this game since I was 4 years old.”
Jalen Suggs' legs and right arm, along with some strong running by Siegel Howard, lifted the SMB Wolfpack to a 23-15 victory over Waseca in the Class 4A semifinals.
Suggs, the junior quarterback, repeatedly rescued the Wolfpack from trouble with his ability to turn potential losses into significant gains. He also heaved a 53-yard bomb to tight end Kaden Johnson, setting up a 15-yard touchdown run by Howard that gave the Wolfpack breathing room at 23-15.
Howard finished with more than 120 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
SMB, a fourth-year cooperative program made up of players from St. Paul Academy, Minnehaha Academy and Blake, will play next week in its first Prep Bowl.
Check back later for more on the game.