It wasn’t pretty. Some of that is just how football can be. Chatfield improved to 3-0 by beating Zumbrota-Mazeppa (0-3). The Gophers led just 6-2 well into the second half. They scored in the first quarter after an 11-play 82-yard drive (Sam Backer 32-yard TD run). But Chatfield had just three other offensive plays in the half. One was a bad snap through the end zone for a safety, Z-M’s only points. The other a kneel-down before the half. Z-M had three double-digit play drives, two of which were stopped inside the Gopher five-yard-line. The Cougars ran 35 plays to the Gophers 13 in the half. But Reid Johnson hit Tate Karver on a late third quarter 18-yard TD pass. Backer then ripped off a swift 65-yard TD run early in the fourth. The Gophers prevailed 19-2. Backer (16-178, 2 TDs rushing) led the way, helped by an efficient Johnson (8-9, 66 yards, TD passing), Karver (2-28, TD receiving, defensive interception), and Masyn Remme (3-30 receiving). Willie Holm (6-17, 77 yards, INT passing, 14-76 rushing) led Z-M. The #8 in AA Gophers (3-0) will host #1 Caledonia (2-0) in week four.
#8 Gophers Get By Z-M, Eye #1 Caledonia
