Football: #2 Warriors Blank #3 Gophers, Retake Thrones

It has probably been a long three years for Caledonia football fans. After a decade-plus of dominance that included 10 state titles from 2007 thru 2019, the 2020 season was scuttled by COVID and the Warriors were below five-hundred in 2021. Last year, Caledonia was again strong, but their season was foiled by a 10-8 loss to rival Chatfield in the 1AA title game. Over the last two years, the Gophers claimed the distinction as Southeast-White and 1AA throne-sitter (and state powerhouse with back-to-back title game visits). But by way of a 27-0 week six victory over #3 in AA Chatfield (3-0, 5-0) in a marquee battle of undefeateds, Carl Fruechte’s #2 in Class AA Warriors (4-0, 5-0) are back-back. They have officially grabbed the throne as the White’s best and as the team to beat in 1AA.

The Warriors defense made the Gopher offense look pedestrian. Chatfield had just three first downs in the first half and Caledonia led 20-0 at halftime. For the game, the Gophers had 12 negative-yardage plays, four turnovers, and 162 yards total offense (106 rushing, 56 passing). They came in averaging nearly 450 in total offense, over 300 rushing. The Warriors offense was not gangbusters with 214 total yards (149 rushing, 65 passing), but they used field position to their advantage. All four of their scoring drives started in the Gophers end. Included was their first possession, which began at the 45 due to a 15-yard Gopher penalty on the kick-off. An eight-play drive was capped by an Owen Denstad 1-yard TD run. Caledonia then added to the lead early in the second quarter, going 40 yards in five plays.

Ethan Stendel’s 8-yard TD run, plus Denstad PAT, made it 14-0. Two series later, the Warriors again went just 40 yards. Another Stendel 8-yard TD, on a 3rd and six scramble, made it 20-0 as the half waned. At that point, Chatfield had just one first down, two three-and-outs, and a turnover. The Gophers best two opportunities were a near-miss on a chunk second quarter pass and a third quarter drive that made the red zone (helped by penalties), but ended on downs at the 15. And by that time, the score was 27-0, as Caledonia’s first second half drive (following a Gopher fumble) went just 30 yards in two plays. A Stendel to Josh Beardmore 23-yard TD pass capped it. Denstad (15-66, TD rushing), Stendel (6-9, 65 yards, TD passing, 10-19, 2 TDs rushing), and Beardmore (2-39, TD receiving, 21-yard run) led Caledonia.

Ben Stemper recovered two fumbles. Gabe Curley had a sack and a force. Carson Rowland (15-52 rushing, 6-14, 56 yards, INT passing) was Chatfield’s top rusher. Kail Schott (14-43 rushing, 3-28 receiving) was held in check. The 6’0” 200-pound senior ran for 100 yards-plus in each of the Gophers first five games. Chatfield was without quarterback Parker Delaney (injury). The win guarantees the Warriors (5-0, 6-0) a share of the White title, as they have just one sub-district game left (La Crescent/Hokah). Cannon Falls (3-1, 5-1) and Chatfield (3-1, 5-1) sit in second place (and play week eight).