Mahnomen/Waubun vs. Deer River

Recap

The Mahnomen Waubun Thunderbirds took an early 14-0 lead in the State Quarter Finals only to see the Deer River Warriors score 26 unanswered points and go on for the win 26-14.  The Thunderbirds would lead 14-0 midway through the 2nd quarter while their offense fired on all cylinders and their defense was able to limit the Warriors offense to minimal success.  It would be a special teams play that would start the momentum swing before half when Deer River would block a Mahnomen Waubun punt and then recover it in the end zone for a touchdown.  The Thunderbirds would get the ball back and drive down with time in the 2nd quarter winding down, and attempt a field goal which would hit the left upright and would be no good.  Mahnomen Waubun would go into the half leading 14-6.  In the 2nd half Deer River would turn up the intensity on the offensive and defensive line making it tough for the Thunderbirds to get anything going offensively.  Deer River would then put another score up to cut the lead to 14-12 and then would take advantage of Thunderbird fumble which would result in a score to give the Warriors the lead in which they would keep for the rest of the game.  With one more score late in the 4th quarter Deer River would punch their ticket to US Bank Stadium and a State Semi Final appearance at 12-0 while Mahnomen Waubun ends their season at 9-2 graduating 12 seniors.

MW stats

288 yards total 187 rushing 101 passing

Curtis Mehr 75 yds rushing

Dennis Ashley 101 yds passing

Tyson McArthur 91 yds receiving

Deer River stats

198 yards total 191 rushing 7 passing

Tygh Gullickson 83 yds rushing

Sam Rahier 72 yds rushing 2 tds

comments from MW coach John Clark Jr