Class AAAAA Semifinal Mahtomedi 34 Robbinsdale Cooper 7

Mahtomedi stretched its late-season winning streak to six consecutive games with a 31-0 victory over Robbinsdale Cooper in the Class AAAAA semifinals on Thursday, Nov. 19 at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Zephyrs used a potent and balanced attack of big-strike offense and suffocating defense in earning a spot in a Prep Bowl Championship game for the first time since 2007. Mahtomedi will play the winner between Rogers and Mankato West in the last game of the Prep Bowl championship feast on Saturday, Nov. 27 at 4 p.m.

Mahtomedi (10-2), making its 15^th state tournament appearance, was the Class AAAA runner-up in 2007. The Zephyrs were also the Class AAAA runner-up in 2002 and the Class AAAA champion in 2005.

Sophomore quarterback Charles Brandt accounted for two touchdowns, one a 1-yard run to open the scoring and another on a 4-yard strike to junior tight end Ramsey Morrell. The defense got in the scoring act as well. Midway through the third quarter when senior defensive back Gunnar Woods intercepted Robbinsdale Cooper junior quarterback Jaxon Howard and returned the ball 68 yards untouched into the end zone to push Mahtomedi’s lead to 28-0.

Senior kicker Joseph made two field goals, from 33 and 38 yards, respectively, in building a 34-0 advantage. After opening the season 4-2, Mahtomedi suffered two consecutive setbacks in Weeks 5 and 6, respectively. Since that loss, the Zephyrs have rattled off six victories in a row.

Robbinsdale Cooper (9-3) had a short field to work with late in the fourth quarter and made the most of the opportunity with a 4-yard scoring run from senior running back Camden Roayl.