Minneota proves adage correct, rushes to a title

Recap: Minneota proved that, however cliché, the game of football is indeed won in the trenches.

Behind a big and experienced offensive line, the Vikings rolled up 283 yards rushing en route to a 28-14 victory over Dawson-Boyd in the Class 1A championship game. Garrett Hennen rushed for 179 yards and a touchdown and cousin Cole Hennen added 84 yards and scored the game-clinching touchdown on a 51-yard run with 2:17 left in the fourth quarter.

"From Day 1, we knew the lines would be our strength," Minneota coach Chad Johnston said. "All season, they've exceeded our expectations."

Minneota scored the first two times it had that ball, getting all but 22 of the 145 yards on those drives on the ground.

While the offensive line was blowing open big holes, the Vikings defensive front was getting well-acquainted with Dawson-Boyd quarterback Jess Hansen. Hansen completed 22 passes for 170 yards, but he was under duress all game and was sacked nine times.

Minneota (13-0) won its fifth state championship and first since 2009.

Key of the game: Trailing 20-7 late in the second quarter, Dawson-Boyd moved 56 yards to the Minneota 5, but the Vikings defense stopped the Blackjacks on four straight plays as time ran out in the first half.

One thing to know: Minneota and Dawson-Boyd both play in the Little Sioux Conference and are a mere 28 miles apart.

JIM PAULSEN