Ever since The Paddle was created in 2003 to symbolize the cross-river rivalry between Anoka and Champlin Park, it's been more of a curse than a trophy for the Tornadoes. The Rebels held it for eight successive years.
This year, it happened to fall on the 64th annual Pumpkin Bowl at Goodrich Field.
With a new swagger, an undefeated conference record and 528 total rushing yards, Anoka sealed the Northwest Suburban, Class 5A Section 7 top seed and a first-round playoff bye with a 46-24 victory Wednesday night.
"It's a big deal for us," coach Jeff Buerkle said as the students stormed the field after the victory.
A 17-10 Rebels lead early in the third quarter woke up Anoka, which responded with 21 unanswered points in a mostly dominating second half. The team was led by fullback Josh Werness and a defense that contained Rebels game-breaking running back Chris Sales.
Werness ran for 222 yards and three touchdowns, but he fumbled late in the second half when the Tornadoes were driving.
"We said give him the ball," Buerkle said, referring to a halftime chat.
He came back with a 69-yard touchdown run. The score tied the game at 17-17 and put Werness over the 1,000-yard rushing mark this season.
