Nine-Man Prep Bowl preview: Grand Meadow vs. Underwood
Grand Meadow Superlarks (13-0) vs. Underwood Rockets (13-0)
Jim says: Grand Meadow is shooting for its third consecutive Nine-Man state title in this rematch of the 2013 championship game. The Superlarks don't mess around, getting down to business quickly. They've outscored opponents 462-66 in the first halves of games and have won 35 games in a row, the longest active streak in the state. The reason? They don't beat themselves. They have been penalized only 47 times and committed only 14 turnovers.
The pick: Grand Meadow 36, Underwood 20
David says: Underwood boasts a three-pronged rushing attack, with the starting backfield of Coy Thorson, Dylan Kalenze and Justin Masloski combining for more than 3,800 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns. The Rockets, playing in their third consecutive state tournament, have experience. And they crushed previously undefeated Ely. So, in a year of upsets, why not pick the Rockets to avenge their 2013 loss?
The pick: Underwood 34, Grand Meadow 31
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The Wild went 0-for-4 against Los Angeles and have failed to score in their past 14 power-play opportunities.