Fake is 'frosting on the cake' in Stephen-Argyle's victory

Of all the running Stephen-Argyle did Friday, perhaps the most significant play came from the nimble feet of Robbie Pietruszewski.

On a play appropriately called "elephants left," the 5-10, 274-pound senior bulldozed 8 yards on a fake punt call on fourth-and-3 from the 38-yard line. Three plays later, the Storm went up 30-14 over Nicollet in the Prep Bowl at the Metrodome.

The play resulted in Stephen-Argyle's 30th first down, one of six Prep Bowl records the Storm set in the game.

After the victory, Peitruszewski carried the Nine-man championship trophy off the field as he joyfully celebrated with adoring fans.

"At the last second, the coach called it," Pietruszewski said, noting it was only the second time all year the Storm had attempted that play. "It was pretty sweet. This is all I can ask for."

His teammates were impressed.

"He's a big boy; he can roll some people," said Evan Schindele, who rushed for 181 yards and three scores in the game.

Said Storm coach Mark Kroulik, "That definitely put the frosting on the cake."

Since taking over as Minneota coach eight seasons ago, Chad Johnston has been in the shadow of Minnesota Football Coaches Association Hall of Famer Gerhard Meidt. The former prep coach guided Minneota to three consecutive Class C championships from 1986 to '88, the first Minnesota team to win three in a row.

It took some time, but Minneota got back to state for the first time since 1994 this season, and Friday's 42-21 Class 1A victory over Adrian brought another championship to the proud town.

"All I've ever heard about was the 1980s and the Gerhard Meidt days and how big Minneota football is," Johnston said. "So for this group to bring back a state title is very important to our staff. Obviously everybody is behind us, and this is a very big thing."

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown's offense knew it could count on GAC in Friday's Class 2A final.

The play, pronounced "gack," is designed to free up wide receiver Jordan Gregor when the defense commits to stopping the Buccaneers' potent running attack.

On Friday, Gregor turned the GAC into some major YAC (yards after catch). He caught two passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns in the 33-22 victory against Moose Lake/Willow River.

"He just runs a seam," quarterback Conrad Masberg said. "They jammed him, but there was no safety. I knew he could get by one guy."

The play went for 68 yards in the first quarter. Was Masberg surprised to see it work again in the third quarter?

"Not really," he said. "I saw single coverage and knew he'd be wide open again."

• Total attendance at the Prep Bowl on Friday: 15,554.