Let’s go, Spartans!

On Friday, November 21st, the Low Seed North Orono Spartans defeated the Low Seed South Kasson-Mantorville KoMets in the 4A Prep Bowl Final, securing their first state football championship in school history with a 21-14 victory.

The game kicked off at one o’clock with a sizable crowd and an atmosphere filled with excitement.

On the opening drive, #6 WR Dane Kanwisher broke free for a rushing touchdown, making the score 7-0 after the PAT

Later in the first quarter, #13 QB Griffin Mauer extended the lead with another rushing touchdown following a Kasson-Mantorville fumble recovered by #26 LB Max Spronk.

Mauer struck again in the second quarter with his second rushing touchdown of the day, sending the Spartans into halftime with a commanding 21-0 lead.

The momentum shifted in the second half, however. Kasson-Mantorville #5 QB Grady Babcock connected with #4 RB Jeremiah Peterson, scoring a 38-yard receiving touchdown at the end of the third quarter. After forcing an Orono punt, the KoMets scored again on the ensuing drive, tightening the score to 21-14.

On the next Orono possession, Mauer threw an interception, giving the KoMets the ball near midfield with about 5 minutes left in the game.

A three-and-a-half-minute drive brought Kasson-Mantorville to the Orono 31-yard line, where the Spartan defense held strong. Facing 4th-and-2, Babcock threw an incomplete pass, resulting in a turnover on downs.

From there, Orono drained the final minute and a half, clinching their first-ever state title! The final score was 21-14.

Congratulations, Spartans!