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MARSHALL -- The Marshall football team is one win away from making another trip to the state tournament.
The Tigers advanced with a 48-14 victory over Hutchinson in the section playoffs, setting up a rematch with Willmar on Friday night. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Willmar, with the winner earning a trip to U.S. Bank Stadium for the state tournament.
Marshall will be looking to make its third consecutive appearance at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Tigers will have to get past a Willmar team that defeated them earlier this season and enters the matchup at 7-0.
Marshall’s offense found its rhythm against Hutchinson, rushing for 270 yards on 37 carries. The Tigers built a 7-0 lead after the first quarter and carried a 28-0 advantage into halftime. Marshall added 13 points in the third quarter and another touchdown in the fourth to secure the 48-14 win.
Magnus Schlenner led the way with six carries for 114 yards and two touchdowns. He also accounted for the only completed pass of the game for Marshall, connecting with Jayden Meister for an 18-yard touchdown.
Tyler Kraft added 41 yards and a touchdown on eight carries, while Brody Riess also rushed for 41 yards and a score on seven attempts. Cannon Craigmile finished with 23 yards and a touchdown on five carries.
Marshall head coach Terry Bahlmann said his team played well but had to work through some early penalties.
"We had five penalties in the first quarter," Bahlmann said. "Some of them were procedural, and I think some guys were a little jittery. Not everybody has played in that kind of game before. We were able to overcome those and get our offense rolling."
Bahlmann credited the team’s physicality and the performance of its offensive line, while also pointing to the contributions from multiple players in the backfield.
"We had multiple backs going, and both quarterbacks played well," Bahlmann said. "Magnus gave us a spark, our offensive line did a great job and our defense was fantastic."
The Tigers’ defense continued its strong stretch, having allowed just two touchdowns over the last three games, with one coming against Marshall’s reserves. Bahlmann said the defense’s physical play helped put Hutchinson in difficult situations, while turnovers and short fields helped create momentum for the Tigers.
Hutchinson entered the game with one of the top offenses in the state, but Marshall did a good job limiting its opportunities. Bahlmann also highlighted the Tigers’ effort against Lex Ostlie, who averages around 30 carries per game and ranks among the state’s leading rushers.
"He got one late, like he did in the first game, but other than that we did a great job of putting them in bad-yardage situations," Bahlmann said.
Schlenner’s 60-yard run helped break the game open for Marshall, which now turns its attention to a familiar opponent with a state tournament berth on the line.
The Tigers previously faced Willmar on the road earlier this season, a game in which the Cardinals came away with the win. Bahlmann said Marshall is looking forward to another opportunity against Willmar.
"We wanted to play Willmar again," Bahlmann said. "We didn’t play very well up there the first time. They hit us with some things, and they’re ranked No. 2. We’re looking forward to the opportunity."
Marshall will travel to Willmar for a 7 p.m. kickoff Friday, with a trip to U.S. Bank Stadium and the state tournament on the line. A win would send the Tigers to state for the third consecutive season.