Class 5A: Cretin-Derham Hall 56, Brainerd 14

Last update: November 15, 2007 - 10:45 PM

Senior quarterback John Nance threw toward Michael Floyd five times, completing four, on Cretin-Derham Hall's opening six-play scoring drive and the Brainerd (11-2) defensive unit was reeling from the outset. The victory moves Cretin-Derham Hall (13-0) into the Prep Bowl for the sixth time -- its only championship coming in 1999.

"I don't think we got Michael enough touches last week," said Nance, who hit Floyd with the first of his six touchdown passes. The Notre Dame recruit had five catches for 110 yards. "I think the coaches wanted to get Michael touches early in the game."

Nance threw two touchdown passes to Sam Karel and Shady Salamon. He also hit Bo Bona for the final score early in the fourth quarter.

"We have a special receiving corps here," Nance said. The future Gopher completed 15 of 26 passes for 303 yards. "I think we are one of the fastest [teams] in the state."

Karel caught 33- and 45-yard scoring strikes from Nance, the second on the first play of the third quarter to give the Raiders a 36-7 lead. Salamon was on the receiving end of two 20-yard touchdown passes.

RON HAGGSTROM