In a battle of two tough defenses, one score was enough to win. St. Thomas Academy senior running back Sean McFadden scampered into the end zone from 6 yards out with 1:25 to play in regulation. That was the only score of the game as the Cadets (10-1) advanced to the state semifinal next Friday in Minnetonka. St. Thomas Academy nearly scored right before halftime, but the Cadets were stopped on the 1-yard line as time expired.
Key of the game: Both defenses made big plays all game, but St. Thomas Academy's defensive unit was just a bit better. The Cadets held North St. Paul (8-3) to just one first down in the first half.
Quote: "It's a crazy game. We knew going into it it was going to be a defensive battle. They have a great defense, we have a great defense. Both of us run the same offense, so we knew that was going to be tough. It just feels great."
– St. Thomas Academy's McFadden
One thing to know: The same two teams faced each other in late August, and St. Thomas Academy won 35-14. The Polars then reeled off eight consecutive victories until Friday's rematch.
TYLER MASON
