As I was leaving US Bank Stadium and walking through the Minneota crowd I couldn’t help but notice all the smiles and hugs. Minneota had just won the state Class A football championship game against Springfield.

The football team had just arrived by the exit doors where family and friends were gathered to wait for them. I enjoyed watching moms hug their sons and happy tears were flowing. Pictures were being taken with relatives and friends and it was such a joyful time. I stopped and visited with people as I tried to make my way to the exit doors. It was very crowded and I had to weave myself through the crowd. Some of the football players had the championship trophy with them and it made a good picture opportunity. I did make my way outside of the stadium. It was a fun experience to witness the celebration of winning a state championship with the Minneota community.

It wasn’t the first time the Minneota football team has celebrated a state football championship. It has happened 9 times in school history! They have participated in 17 state football playoffs. It was the 6th championship for Coach Chad Johnston. This Vikings team absolutely dominated teams in the state playoffs! 55 to nothing vs Braham in the quarterfinals. 63 to 6 in the semifinals over BBE, then Friday 43 to 22 over Springfield. That’s at state! Amazing. They were fun to watch.

During the state run I had many people ask me during the week what I thought the score would be and who would win? I’m happy to report that my guesses were spot on! I told people that I predicted that Minneota would beat Braham 60 to 0 in the quarter finals at St. Cloud Tech! They won 55 to nothing! Before the Braham game another broadcaster told me, that this should be a good and close game! I laughed and smiled at him and said “No, it will be 60 to nothing!” I had fun with him after the game and he had nothing to say.

In the semifinal game against BBE, I had told friends that asked me that I predicted Minneota to win 70 to 0! They laughed at me. 63 to 6 was the final score. Then in the state championship game I predicted Minneota to win 45 to 21! I told a friend I thought Springfield would score 21 points because they have a good quarterback and offense. Final score 43 to 22! I texted my friend after the game to brag about my prediction. I was proud of my predictions and I thank the boys for coming through for me!

I’m not a betting man but I surprised myself at how I did. I spend a lot of time doing my homework before games. My friends were impressed! Congratulations to the Minneota Vikings football team on an outstanding season. Now onto winter sports!