Cold blankets the Prep Bowl experience

The crowds were smaller than hoped and exposed skin was hard to find, but for the most part, the 2014 Prep Bowl at TCF Bank Stadium wasn't too different form the previous 32 played in the Metrodome.

The temperature at kickoff for the Nine-Man championship between Grand Meadow and Edgerton/Ellsworth, which began at 10 a.m., was 17 degrees. But the field was clear, the sidelines had heated benches and football was played pretty much as usual.

"The cold didn't make much of a difference," said Edgerton/Ellsworth quarterback Jake Post, who would have good reason to complain. The Flying Dutchmen were routed by Grand Meadow 48-0 and trailed 33-0 at halftime "Maybe a little bit after halftime," Post said. "But it was more that we just had a bad game."

There were small signs that the cold did have an effect on the games. Passes seemed to die in the air quicker than normal and balls were bobbled frequently. But the teams have been playing in the cold for weeks and are used to less-than-perfect conditions.

"The cold will not affect our team," Holdingford coach Luke Mitchell said.

That could not be said for those involved with game operations. Everyone from cheerleaders to concessionaires to the television production crew was forced to alter their traditional routines.

At halftime of the games, the sidelines were virtually empty as ball boys, cheerleaders and Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) staff retreated into the stadium as a respite from the cold.

Steve Hurt, who has controlled television timeouts for the MSHSL for 27 years, said he never considered relinquishing his duties despite being forced to remain outside during every game. Hurt is known for his collection of hockey jerseys. He brought extras Friday.

"I'm not going to lose my spot working the penalty box," said Hurt, who also works the state high school hockey tournament.

Despite the chill, concession workers said sales of items such as coffee and hot chocolate were slow. "We have hot chocolate, but it's $6.50 a cup," one concession worker said. "You've got to really like hot chocolate for $6.50."

The great outdoors was certainly less so for the fans. The crowds, if one could call them that, were sparse, smaller than even MSHSL Associate Director Kevin Merkle anticipated. Official attendance for Friday's four games was unavailable.