CALEDONIA — Caledonia and Chatfield renewed their rivalry in the season-opening football game on Friday. But it might not be the last time the two teams from the new Southern Football Alliance Blue Division meet this season.
Caledonia, which has won the past three Class AA state titles, scored with 2:11 remaining to rally past Chatfield 19-18.
Caledonia handed Chatfield both of its losses during the 2012 season en route to its fifth state title in six years.
"They're gunning for us," Caledonia quarterback Mason DeMorett said. "They have to be sick of losing to us. But they're a great team; I expect them to be back."
If the two teams were to meet again, it would be in the Section One, Class AA tournament. Both teams expect that to happen.
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"It was frustrating," Chatfield running back Jake Neis said of Friday's loss. "But we'd rather lose now. We plan on seeing them again in the sections."
The loss was frustrating for Chatfield because the Gophers led most of the game. They were in front 12-0 after one quarter. They trailed briefly, 13-12 at the half, before scoring on their first drive of the third quarter. That lead lasted until the closing minutes.
"We'll see them again," Chatfield coach Jeff Johnson said. "We'll see them in the (section) finals for sure."
Caledonia, which has now won 27 straight games, expects as much.
"We knew it was going to be a dogfight with Chatfield," Caledonia coach Brent Schroeder said. "I give Coach Johnson a lot of credit. We expect to see them again (this season)."
