It's a simple formula many coaches use to win football games at this level:
Establish the run on offense, stop your opponent's rushing attack on defense.
It sounds simple, but when a trip to the Metrodome is on the line, things get a bit more complex.
St. Michael-Albertville's rushing attack is all about controlling the clock and riding the healthy legs of senior Chris Kartes. The senior ran for a key touchdown and more than 100 yards, including several key first downs on a key fourth quarter drive that iced the game for the Knights.
"Chris is really running well for us right now. He's one of those guys where, getting that bye for the first round, he got some rest and came back strong tonight," said head coach Jared Essler.
For the Sabres, it's all about running back Darek Stachowski. Sartell's version of Gunnar Bloom torched Moorhead for more than 250 yards of offense as The Sabres offense built a 17-7 lead in the first half.
But that sets up well for a Knights defense that has stopped the run well in eight of its 10 games so far. Only Chisago Lakes - who had a huge second half on the ground back in the Knights' homecoming games, and Rogers in their overtime win used the rush effectively against STMA.
"Our guys are flying to the ball, making plays right at the line," Kartes said.
Sartell threw the ball seven times against Moorhead for two scores and 110 yards. That's not their normal game. In a Central Lakes Conference win over Tech, they had just 14 yards via the air.
Conversely, STMA receiver Dallas Freeman has a couple of 100-ya'd receiving games to his credit.
"Just go, try to make a play," Freeman, the Knights' go-to guy for a big play, said. "We are doing a lot of things well, as a team. It's been a fun ride so far."
The Knights and Sabres kick off a 7 p.m. Thursday night at Husky Stadium in St. Cloud. The winner will play in the 5A semis Friday, Nov. 15.
The game will be broadcast in KRWC AM radio, and live streamed on the station's website.
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