![Rochester Lourdes running back Zach Jungels celebrated with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the first half. ] Shari L. Gross ï shari.gross@startribune.com Rochester Lourdes led Pierz 15-14 at the half in a 3A semifinal game inside U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/GFLZBLLT2DPIVGZMFYDCDW2OLQ.jpg?&w=1080)
Fairmont (11-1) vs. Rochester Lourdes (13-0), 1 p.m.
Following Fairmont's 29-14 victory over Perham in the semifinals, coach Mat Mahoney characterized his group as "kind of a finesse team." That doesn't mean the Cardinals are soft. Quarterback Garrett Myren has requisite size and can make plays with his arm and his feet. The receivers are long and athletic and give Myren big targets. The defense spent much of the game in the Perham backfield and made it difficult for the Yellowjackets to establish their offense. Rochester Lourdes is a much different challenge. The Eagles run a basic option from an I-formation with quarterback Matthew Hayford and backs Zach Jungels and Jake Groteboer are big and physical. They're not shifty, but they run downhill and through arm tackles. Groteboer is at his best on defense, an instinctive hard hitter with surprising closing speed. His five tackles for loss in the semifinals repeatedly mucked up Pierz drives. The Eagles' physicality wears opponents down.
• Jim says: Rochester Lourdes 30, Fairmont 14.
• David says: Fairmont 28, Rochester Lourdes 21
