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Trojans Eliminate Eden Valley-Watkins 34-20 in AA Quarterfinals

By Craig Olson, 11/12/21, 4:15PM CST

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Barnesville ran for 284 yards and had 399 yards of total offense on Thursday night as they defeated Eden Valley-Watkins 34-20 in their Class AA State quarterfinal matchup in Alexandria.  The win puts the Trojans up against Chatfield in a semifinal contest on Thursday at 2:00pm at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

“We had one of the best weeks of prep ever and the kids showed that last night,” said Barnesville Head Coach Bryan Strand.  “We played hard and we played fast vs a very good Eden Valley Watkins team.  I felt we were on top and in control the entire game.  I felt we did a great job vs their run attack and the wind for sure helped us in the passing game making it difficult to pass.  We played very physical and our strength really showed.  Offensive line moved them off the ball and created gaps for the backs to run in.  Travis Affield and Kaden Zenzen really elevated their game last night and controlled the line of scrimmage.  Defensively I felt it was the entire unit that shined, Jonny Robideau had himself in just about every running play, either in on tackle or forcing runner one way or the other.  The DB's really had good coverage most of the night, and we mixed things up very well between our zone and man to man pressure D.”

The first quarter was scoreless and the Trojans struck first in the second quarter when Noah Krause connected with Zenzen on a 6 yard TD pass.  Braeden Bredman ran for the two-point conversion as Barnesville took an 8-0 lead. Eden Valley-Watkins responded with a 20 yard touchdown run by Broden Thielen, however, they failed to convert the two-point try and Barnesville held an 8-6 lead.  The Trojans increased that lead to 14-6 at the half on a one yard run by Krause.

The Trojans upped their lead to 28-6 at the end of the third quarter on a 14 yard TD run and successful two-point conversion run by Cameron Heng, and a 34-yard Krause to Zenzen TD pass.

A 2 yard TD run by Landon Neiman and a two-point conversion run by Samuel Nistler made the score 28-14 and a Nistler TD run of 3 yards brought the Eagles to with eight points at 28-20.  Barnesville scored the final touchdown of the night on a Krause to Heng 75-yard touchdown pass, putting the final score at 34-20.

Heng (19 carries, 123 yards) and Krause (16 carries, 96 yards) led the ground attack for Barnesville and Krause completed 3-of-5 passes for 110 yards and 3 scores. Zenzen had two receptions for 40 yards.

Owen Riddle (2 solo tackles, 1 assisted tackle, 2 tackles for loss) and Robideau (5 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, 1 caused fumble) led the defensive effort.  Heng picked off a pass and Bredman and Ethan Larson each recovered a fumble.  Connor Loeks had 3 solo tackles, 5 assisted tackles and a caused fumble.

Eden  Valley-Watkins had 130 rushing yards and 93 passing yards for a total of 223 yards in the game.

“It doesn't get any easier this week, Chatfield is obviously playing really well as they beat the #1 QRF team in AA last night 50-20,” exclaimed Coach Strand.  “We are happy to be going back to US Bank Stadium.  Should be an exciting week.”