Good morning from the Metrodome, where some 60 minutes before kickoff of the 9-man state semifinal game between Lanesboro and Goodridge/Grygla-Gatzke fans were beating down the gates to get into the Teflon bubble (photo evidence below). The folks from Goodridge were especially giddy to get in, and who can blame them. A flock of fan busses left the small town just after midnight to make the long trek to the big city. Said one fan as he waited to get his ticket ripped "I don't think I'll sit for the game. My [hind end] is pretty tired."

So with that, welcome to the state semifinals! It should be will be a great day of football, with one more full round of six games set for tomorrow. But first, today's action. Please note game times are approximate, and do not go in order by class:

9-Man (8 a.m.): Lanesboro (10-2) vs. Goodridge/Grygla-Gatzke (12-0)

1A: (10:15 a.m.) Goodhue (9-3) vs. Barnesville (12-0)

2A (5:45 p.m.) Caledonia (12-0) vs. Ottertail Central (12-0)

3A (3:15 p.m.) Rochester Lourdes (12-0) vs. Albany (12-0)

4A (12:45 p.m.) St. Thomas Academy (11-0) vs. Totino-Grace (10-1)

5A (8:15 p.m.) Rosemount (11-0) vs. Brainerd (11-0)

As you can see, we have some great match-ups with three games today pitting undefeated teams. I have zero horses in the race, but my early nod goes to Lanesboro. Why? Simple. I love "Burros" for a school nickname, and the team just took the field to its fight song: On Wisconsin.

I'm here all day, and will post periodic all-over-the-map Roving Reporter-esque updates here on the blog and on my Twitter account (@stensation). Look for postgame recaps on the blog from our crew of game reporters today: Jim Paulsen, David La Vaque and the affable Michael Rand.

Twenty minutes til kickoff. I think I'll go find a hot dog. (Just kidding ... um, yeah ...)