Metrodome turf right up his alley

MITCHELL PETERSEN

Hutchinson, football

Seeing the edges open up in Friday's Class 4A championship game victory over Holy Family, the senior running back/wide receiver felt his eyes get big.

Playing on the fast Metrodome turf only added to Peterson's anticipation. Blessed with exceptionally quick feet and the ability to reach top speed quickly, he knew big plays awaited.

"I'm usually not a big fan of playing on turf, but the Metrodome is different. It's my favorite place to play," said Petersen, who raced around the Holy Family defense for 148 yards rushing and three touchdowns. He also intercepted a pass, returning it 21 yards to set up another score. "I knew they would have a hard time catching me."

The convincing 67-7 victory capped a remarkable season for the Tigers, who finished 13-0 with an average margin of victory of more than 32 points per game.

"It's little bit shocking," Peterson said. "But we were always competing with each other, trying to run harder than each other and get more yards. We came together as a team."

It wasn't until the bus ride home, Petersen said, that the magnitude of what the Tigers had accomplished hit him.

"I realized that it was our last time playing together," he said. "It was such a relief after having worked so long to get there. It really felt good."

KIERSTEN FALCK

Blaine, hockey

The Bengals scored 13 goals in three victories last week, and Falck, a junior forward, had a role in 12 of them. She scored six goals and had six assists, including a five-assist effort in a shutout of Hibbing and a hat trick in a victory at Grand Rapids.

A.J. LAPANTA

Totino-Grace, football

The senior quarterback played his most assured game of the season, completing eight of 11 passes for 219 yards and three touchdowns in the Eagles' 49-21 victory over Owatonna in the Class 5A title game.

DAN FISHER

Eden Prairie, football

The junior fullback's return from injury was a major factor in the Eagles' eighth Prep Bowl championship. He bulldozed Lakeville North for 148 yards on 31 carries in a 28-7 victory in the Class 6A title game.

ABI SCHEID

Elk River, basketball

The freshman center played like a savvy veteran as the Elks won Waconia tournament. She scored 15 points in a semifinal victory over Zimmerman and had a team-high 21 points and 22 rebounds in a 78-75 thriller over the host Wildcats.

MADISON GUEBERT

Eastview, basketball

Considered one of the state's top sophomores, Guebert opened the season with 19 points in a victory over Providence Academy. She scored 29 against defending Class 3A champion DeLaSalle in an 82-59 rout in the Hamline Pat Patterson Invitational.

ERIC YLITALO

Delano/Rockford, hockey

The senior forward helped the Tigers win in Bob Nelson tournament title. He had a goal and an assist in a 3-2 victory over Waconia and scored two goals in a 6-3 victory over host Blake in the championship game.

JIM PAULSEN