On Thursday, November 13th, at U.S. Bank Stadium, the #3 seed Orono (8-3) defeated the #1 seed Marshall squad (11-0) in a thrilling overtime game.

With packed stands and a gripping atmosphere, the game kicked off at 10:30 am. Each team was determined to reach the state final and was willing to give it their all.

It all started at the beginning of the second quarter, when senior #13 Griffin Mauer threw a 31-yard pass to junior #9 Bennett Halverson. This made the score 7-0 after the PAT.

However, at 1:16 in the third quarter, Marshall was able to put seven points on the scoreboard after a 6-yard rushing touchdown and a PAT.

The game was still tied 7-7 by the end of the fourth quarter, meaning that it was going to be decided in overtime.

At the beginning of overtime, Marshall scored on a 4-yard rushing touchdown, along with a PAT. In response, #13 Griffin Mauer threw a 10-yard touchdown to #85 Simon Vinton, making the score 13-14.

To punch their tickets to the state final, Mauer found #20 Lincoln Stinar for a two-point conversion from the 18-yard line, following a foul on Orono due to spiking. Ultimately, this sealed the game and made the final score 15-14.

This will be the first-ever state final game Orono has played in.

The Spartans will play either Kasson-Mantorville (10-1) or Grand Rapids (10-1) on November 21st, at 1:00 PM for the AAAA State Tournament Final… Let’s Go Spartans!