Grand Meadow places a star in perfect positionrfect itself well to claim title

Recap: A simple midseason position switch transformed Grand Meadow from a very good team into a great one. The result was evident throughout the Superlarks' convincing victory.

Attempting to keep senior Trenton Bleifus fresh to play quarterback, Grand Meadow started the season with him at safety. After the team gave up 47 points in a loss to Lanesboro, Bleifus was moved from safety to middle linebacker. The defense solidified, keying the run to the state title.

Friday, Grand Meadow gave up only 189 total yards to Underwood, much of that long after the game had been decided. With Bleifus leading on both sides of the ball, Grand Meadow (13-1) rolled to a 28-0 lead before Underwood scored midway through the fourth quarter.

"Coach wanted to save me to play offense, but I knew if I could come up and get closer to the ball, we could be a great defense," Bleifus said. "It feels great to see how well our defense played today."

Key of the game: Bleifus, on both sides of the ball. He rushed for 83 yards and two touchdowns, passed for 111 yards and a score, recorded 10 tackles and broke up a pass.

Quote: "Moving Trenton up from safety to linebacker was the biggest thing for us," said senior lineman Isaac Tangen, one of the Superlarks' captains. "It's amazing how well our defense jelled after that. It's crazy."

One thing to know: Through the first three quarters, Underwood's offense had 86 total yards on 10 possessions and crossed midfield just once.