Based on their previous game on October 16, a punishing 31-19 victory by Hermantown over Duluth Denfeld at Public Schools Stadium, Saturday night’s Section 7AAA prep football semifinal at Centricity Stadium has all the markings of another Hawks’ rout.
The Hunters' defense couldn't stop Hermantown super-sophomore halfback Martin Sleen, who rushed for 261 yards and three touchdowns, and the Hawks’ burly and physical linemen dominated on both sides of the ball.
“I thought our first game came up a little short with all the hype that was raised about it,” Hermantown head coach Mike Zagelmeyer said of the Northeast Red regular season-ending game. “I thought we were pretty sloppy in the first half and had some unnecessary penalties. Credit Denfeld for part of that, but we thought there were moments where if we weren't our own worst enemy that maybe we could have taken a little more control of the game.
“We allowed Denfeld access to some momentum and that's all they needed for their playmakers to make our lives more uncomfortable than it had to be. Obviously, Taye (Manns, senior halfback) had a nice game against us (142 rushing yards, one touchdown), which is to be expected from a player of his caliber. I just thought, in the end, we were able to counter Taye with a few more big plays of our own. Martin Sleen was fantastic for us, but we had others step up and play effectively, namely our offensive line. I liked the way our offensive line played. Overall, we know we will need to be better if we want to beat them again.”
As for Saturday’s rematch, in a win-or-go-home game, Zagelmeyer said he would like to see his team start strong.
“We need to make sure we control the ball, eliminate the penalties, have our playmakers perform to the level we expect from them, and then limit Denfeld's big plays,” the legendary, veteran coach said. “If we do that, I like our chances.”
Momentum is also key this time of year, Zagelmeyer said.
“We need to make sure that we keep our emotions in check and not allow ourselves to get rattled by any potential momentum swings,” he said. “It should be a fun night of football and we are looking forward to it. It will be the last time our seniors ever get to play at home and I believe they will be up for the challenge.”
The Hawks are as healthy as can be expected at this point of the season, Zagelmeyer said.
“We have dodged a few bullets in that we haven't had any major injuries,” he added. “But like all teams at the end of the regular season, we have some nagging things, along with some bumps and bruises, but nothing that is going to keep anyone out of a game such as this.”