By Guy N. Limbeck
Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN
Usually the week after the state football semifinals, the championship games are played. But not this year.
Following the state semifinals on Nov. 14-15, the teams in the six classes had an extra week off before playing in the state title games, which will be Friday and Saturday at the Metrodome. The title games have traditionally been played following Thanksgiving since the tournament was moved into the Metrodome in 1982.
"I think it’s a good thing," Houston coach Jason Freed said. "It allows guys to heal up. I think teams will be physically fresh and ready to go."
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Houston will play Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley in the Nine-man championship game on Friday at 10 a.m.
"The coaching staff, it gives them a lot of time to prepare and gives us players time to prepare," Houston quarterback Andy Sires said.
Caledonia coach Carl Fruechte has guided the Warriors into three state Class AA title games this decade. The Warriors will try to defend their state title when they face Luverne in the AA title game on Friday at 4 p.m.
"We’re just trying to keep the same routine," Fruechte said of having an extra week off. "We just want to go through the same motions."
Fruechte also said the week off helps the players recover from ailments.
"It’s a good thing," he said. "It gets them a little bit healed up."
Players who compete in winter sports do have to wait an extra week to join their new team, however.
"That hasn’t been a problem," Fruechte said. "Our winter coaches have been excellent."
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And of course these players are going for a state championship. In Houston’s case, that would be the first in school history. The extra waiting might be the hardest part.
