By Guy N. Limbeck

Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN 

Rochester Community and Technical College isn't expecting the same Central Lakes football team this time around.

RCTC (10-0) will face Central Lakes (9-1) in a battle of nationally-ranked teams for the Minnesota College Athletic Conference football state championship on Sunday in St. Cloud. The Yellowjackets, ranked 10th in the nation, beat 12th-ranked Central Lakes 27-6 in the fifth game of the season in Rochester.

"They were missing some key players," RCTC coach Brad LaPlante said. "They're going to be a better ballclub than the first time we faced them. They're playing with more confidence."

The Raiders also have their top quarterbacks this time around. In the first meeting both Andrew Maskall and Colt Gatzemeyer were hurt and did not play. The Raiders were forced to use a tight end at quarterback and the results showed as Central Lakes completed just 8 of 25 passes for 108 yards and three interceptions. Yellowjackets defensive tackle Teddy Chapa returned one of those interceptions 63 yards for a touchdown.

Maskall is expected to start Sunday.

"I think he makes them more mobile and dangerous," LaPlante said.

The coach said the Yellowjackets' defensive ends have to have a strong game to contain Maskall.

Dennis Taute of Central Lakes also led the Southern Division in rushing during the regular season. But earlier RCTC held him to a mere 23 yards on 15 carries.

"We know we still have to stop the run first," LaPlante noted.

RCTC quarterback Carey Poarch threw three TD passes in the first meeting. He has 15 touchdown passes this season, 10 going to Chris Hicks.

The Yellowjackets have a perfect mark going into the game and their confidence is high. RCTC has won 15 straight games dating back to last year.

"It's going to be a tight game," RCTC sophomore linebacker Chris Magdalina said. "We respect every team we play, but we're going to come up with a win."

RCTC is looking to win its 10th state title in the past 13 years. Last year the Yellowjackets had a 12-year run in the state finals snapped when they missed the playoffs on a tiebreaker.

"Last year is kind of stamped in everyone's mind because we got shoved out of the playoffs," LaPlante said. "Getting back to the state championship (game) is a pride thing. ... It's what the kids play for when you play college ball."

There are 0 comments - Display All Comments