class 3A New London-Spicer 36, Rochester Lourdes 16

New London-Spicer shook off some early-game jitters, made a defensive statement and rolled over No. 1-ranked Rochester Lourdes. With a roster bursting with terrific athletes, such as running back Adam Essler, receivers Shane Zylstra and Jarrett Hatlestad and fullback/linebacker Ben Bruening, it seemed a matter of when, not if, the Wildcats got rolling. It happened early in the second quarter. Trailing 7-0 and gaining momentum following a goal-line stand, the Wildcats unleashed their stars. Essler ran 92 yards for a touchdown. Zylstra caught a 10-yard pass for another score. Hatlestad took an end around 27 yards for a third touchdown. In a span of 10 minutes in the second quarter, New London-Spicer turned a potential two-touchdown deficit into a 20-7 lead.

Key to the game: New London-Spicer's goal-line stand in the first quarter. The Wildcats kept Lourdes from taking a two-touchdown lead and used that momentum for their offensive onslaught.

The quote: "Playing our first time in the Metrodome, we were a little nervous. That goal-line stand really helped our confidence , just knowing we could stop them" – Ben Breuning

Worth knowing: Not counting a run-out-the-clock possession with 39 seconds left in the first half, New London-Spicer scored on five consecutive possessions spanning the second and third quarters.

Jim Paulsen