Trojan Gridders Advance to State
For the first time since 1989, the New Prague varsity football team has earned a spot in the state tournament. The Trojans, seeded No. 2 in Section 6AAAA, traveled to top-seeded Orono on Friday and came away with an impressive 7-6 win. The victory improved the Trojans' record to 7-3, but more importantly, moved New Prague into Friday night's state quarterfinals against Rocori. Game time is set for 7 p.m. in New Prague.
The Trojans ended their 15-year state tournament drought on the backs of the defense. Darren Geyen had two of the team's five interceptions Friday night. As a unit, the defense took the ball away six times.
The offense was provided by Tony Kubes, who scored on a 51-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to give the Trojans a 7-0 lead.
Orono's Nick Baller made it 7-6 with a 40-yard score early in the fourth quarter, but a missed extra point turned out to be the difference.
In Rocori, the Trojans will face a team that got hot at the right time.
Entering the Section 8AAAA tournament, Rocori was the No. 5 seed with a record of 3-5. It beat Detroit Lakes 25-0 in the quarters; #1 Sartell 19-15 in the semis and #3 Alexandria 8-6 in the finals.
In other state 4AAAA quarterfinal games, Totino-Grace faces Hutchinson, Princeton faces Holy Angels and Mahtomedi will face Lakeville South.
With a win over Rocori on Friday, New Prague would advance to the semifinals a week from this Saturday (Nov. 19) at 5:45 p.m. against the winner of the Mahtomedi/Lakeville South game.
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT HIGH SCHOOL
Tickets for Friday night's game are on sale in the New Prague athletic office and will be until 10 a.m. the day of the game.
Prices for tickets are: $7 adults, $5 students