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MUSTANGS VS TOTINO-GRACE - SECTION FINALS
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| Section 2 AAAAA |
W-L-T
|
PF
|
PA
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Totino-Grace |
10 -1 - 0
|
349
|
132
|
| Mounds View |
9 - 2 - 0
|
231
|
100
|
| White Bear Lake |
7 -3 - 0
|
208
|
176
|
| Stillwater |
7 - 3- 0
|
235
|
160
|
| Irondale |
5 - 4- 0
|
179
|
195
|
| Tartan |
4 - 5 - 0
|
126
|
227
|
| Roseville |
2 - 7 - 0
|
183
|
255
|
| North St. Paul |
2 - 7 - 0
|
119
|
212
|
Although the 2011 Mounds View Mustangs fell short of our goal of making another trip to the state tournament when we lost 14-7 to the Totino-Grace Eagles in the Section 2AAAAA title game on November 3 at Totino-Grace High School, it was a successful and memorable season in every other way. We finished with a 9-2 record, and were the runner-up in both Section 2AAAAA and in the Suburban East Conference. We are tremendously proud of the effort and the accomplishments of this football team, which was as inspiring and as tenacious as any Mustang team in memory.
The Mustangs-Eagles matchup was a classic defensive struggle, and the first two scores of the game were a direct result of excellent defensive plays. The only scoring in the first half was a Totino first-quarter interception return of 46 yards for a touchdown, which gave the Eagles a 7-0 lead they held until early in the second half. Early in the third quarter, linebacker Matt Harding intercepted a deflected Totino pass inside Totino territory at the 42. After the turnover, the Mustang offense put together a drive that carried us deep into Totino territory. Faced with fourth-and-two from the 7, quarterback Mike Kerfeld then picked up a critical first down on a keeper to the Totino one-yard line. That key first down set up running back Tyler Hansen's one-yard touchdown run. Alec Tolson's extra point was good, and the game was tied 7-7 with 6:51 left in the third quarter. Unfortunately, the Eagles' offense responded to our touchdown with their longest (and only) touchdown drive--an 8-minute, 16-play, 78-yard drive that gave Totino a 14-7 lead with 10:43 left in the game.
After exchanging fourth-quarter possessions without scoring, we still managed to give ourselves one last chance to win or tie the game. With 1:59 left in the game, we started a drive on our own 43. We quickly moved the ball 37 yards down to the Totino 21 in four plays, highlighted by two passes for first downs from Kerfeld to wide receiver Andrew Justin. Unfortunately, another last-second victory like the 19-18 win over Stillwater was not to be. We were unable to score, turned the ball over on downs, and Totino escaped with a 14-7 win.
The Mustangs were truly inspired by the tremendous fan support. The stands on the Mustang side of the field were so crowded that our fans practically encircled the fence surrounding Jim Totino Field. Even more inspiring was the postgame conduct of our players who--regardless of whether they win or lose--congratulate their opponents respectfully and with dignity. Needless to say, the Section 2AAAAA final was an exciting, well-played football game against a very good Totino-Grace Eagles team that may soon become a perennial Mustang rival.
The coaches have been honored to have worked with every member of 2011 Mustangs football team. We have been truly impressed by the excellent leadership shown throughout the season by the seniors, led by captains Jimmy Jaeger, Quinn Madsen, Phoenix Thompson and Matt Wildes. The 2011 Mustangs have set a great example for hard work, determination and excellence that should inspire the 2012 Mustangs to strive to achieve the same goals. We all will Remember the Mustangs and the 2011 season for years to come.