Photo by Chris Drummond Greg Schaefer (front) stiff-arms a Minneota Defender as he runs for a first down in the Lakers’ 30-13 win over the Vikings on September 22, 2022.

The Section 5A playoffs will conclude on Friday when the Lakeview Lakers will face off against the Minneota Vikings. Earlier this season the Lakers defeated the Vikings for the first time in school history 30-13 Both teams are coming off impressive road wins in the semifinals with the Vikings defeating No. 1 seed B. O. L. D and the Lakers defeating Dawson-Boyd.

“It going to be an intense football game,” Vikings head coach Chad Johnston said. “It is an exciting time for both teams and this game will be played with a lot of emotion. Both teams will look at things that both teams will be different the next time we face each other. We know we can’t turnover the ball and we did that four times against them and we felt like we hurt ourselves. Our defense has been doing great things all year and in the playoffs. We need to keep doing what we’re doing. Can’t afford to give up big plays.”

Since losing to the Blackjacks in the season, the Lakers haven’t dropped a contest since averaging 50.4 points in each contest. The Lakers have a balanced attack of playmakers all across the field from the bruising running style of Clayton Kosel to the speed and elusiveness of Greg Schaefer. Owen Louwagie hasn’t thrown an interception in the two playoff games and has thrown five touchdown passes. Nathan Fenske has caught three touchdown passes in two playoff games this year. Fenske had his best game of the season against the Vikings with highs in receptions (7) and yards (135) for two touchdowns.

The defending section champion Minneota Vikings’ playoff run has been impressive. Dominating YME in a home victory and shutting out the No 1 team in section B. O. L. D en route to a 21-0 victory

Isaac Pohlen has been on fire in the postseason completing 79 percent of his passes for three touchdowns and no interceptions. Zach Fier also has 195 yards in rushings with three touchdowns and a receiving touchdown as well. Even more impressive is the Vikings’ defense. In the first two games, the Vikings’ defense has allowed an average of seven points per game and 190.5 yards of total offense This defense will be tested against a Lakeview team that has scored 88 points in their first two games.

“It is going to be an aggressive physical game from both teams,” Lakers head coach Scott Hanson said. “We have to be able to win two out of the three categories in offense, defense, and special teams. We have to do what we do and focus on doing our job on the football field. This is what it is all about. Two really good football teams going at it to see who will represent the 5A Section. We are excited for the game and I know they’re excited as well.

Keys to the game

Minneota: It is imperative that the Vikings don’t turn over the ball and that they can stay on the field converting third downs. Keeping an explosive Lakeview offense on the sidelines will strengthen the chances of a Minnesota victory. Defensively, they will have to create some turnovers and have multiple eyes on Fenske.

Lakeview: Continue to be explosive on the offensive side of the ball. Don’t allow the Vikings to make you drive the ball and shorten the game up. Also, the run defense has to improve from last week, as Zach Fier can also break it for long runs. If Minneota is able to run the ball effectively, it can spell bad news for Lakeview.

The Section 5A championship game is being played at SMSU Mattke Field Friday afternoon.

Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m.