Sartell-St. Stephen jumped out to a 14-0 lead with touchdowns on its first two possessions of the game and was threatening to blow St. Thomas Academy out.
But the Cadets responded with a better run-pass balance and have three impressive drives since then -- two for TDs and one that ended deep in Sartell territory -- to come back and force a 14-14 tie at halftime.
Both teams came into the 4A football semifinal undefeated, and the game has lived up to advance billing. The winner will play whichever undefeated team prevails in tomorrow's semifinal between Mankato West and Totino-Grace.
Sartell-St. Stephen's Joshua Kremer leads all rushers with 97 yards on 15 carries, including a 9-yard TD run to open the game.
St. Thomas Academy, meanwhile, has done most of its major damage through the air. QB John Garry has completed 8 of 9 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown.
