Champlin Park didn’t need luck to post a 24-22 upset victory at No. 4 seed East Ridge (5-4). The Rebels turned to the classic football playoff game formula, churning out an unofficial 319 rushing yards on 42 carries.
The No. 5 seed Rebels (4-5) won Friday’s first round Class 6A football playoff game and now advance to play Friday at No. 1 seed Lakeville North.
Champlin Park owned the first 23 minutes of the first half. Senior quarterback Preston Thielke bolted for a 77-yard touchdown run on the game’s opening play. Senior Sheikh Dukuly added two interceptions for the Rebels in the first half.
But less dramatic plays spoke to the Rebels improved luck. Champlin Park had been a bit unlucky prior to Friday, losing three of its last four due to safeties or turnovers getting returned for touchdowns. Those Rebels losses before Friday had been by a touchdown or less.
Sure, Jeremiah Schaefer’s apparent touchdown catch was nullified by a penalty. One play later, however, Schaefer’s recovery of a teammate’s fumble prolonged Champlin Park’s drive. A few plays later, Schaefer caught a touchdown that stood.
Trailing 14-0 as the clock ran down toward halftime, East Ridge produced a touchdown. Junior quarterback Cedric Tomes found Charles Green for a 13-yard score with 15 seconds remining in the second quarter.
Thielke opened the third quarter intent on recapturing the magic of his first carry. The effort ended with a fumble. His defense picked up the slack and turned the Raptors over on downs. Thielke showed his appreciation by connecting with Michael Bruggers for a two-yard score and a two-touchdown lead (21-7) in the third quarter.
The Raptors maintained their flight path. Tomes ran a 4-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. A two-point conversion run made the score 21-15.
