“It’s probably not a very well-kept secret, but we play 22 different starters as a Class 3A football team,” Weinandt said. “We try to get a lot of guys on the field. I think it’s good for our program, and it’s good for their safety and their health, to keep them fresh. And the way to make it advantageous is to try to go at a fast pace.”
Pequot Lakes (11-1) had won 11 games in a row with a versatile, balanced attack. Quarterback Mike Oseland completed 16 of 23 passes for 212 yards and three touchdowns Saturday.
Stewartville came in known for its stout defensive unit, but Parker Wangen’s route running and hands can’t be taken lightly.
The 6-4 senior wide receiver caught nine passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns in the first half and added a scoring run, leading the defending state champion and No. 1-ranked Tigers to a 33-20 victory over No. 3 Albany in the Class 3A semifinals Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium. It was the Tigers’ 27th consecutive victory.
“Parker is one of a kind,” Tigers coach Garrett Mueller said. “He makes it look so easy. An outstanding talent.”
Stewartville (13-0) scored first when junior running back Abdimalik Abdi plowed in from the 1-yard line four minutes into the second quarter. Wangen set up the touchdown with a 47-yard reception where he broke three tackles and 7-yard catch down to the one on a fourth down-and-5play.
