The Chanhassen Storm have returned to familiar territory: the Minnesota Class 5A State Football Tournament.
After a physical, hard-fought 14-0 victory over rival Chaska in a section championship game that was far closer than the final score would suggest, the Chanhassen has advanced to the State Tournament quarterfinals, to be held this Saturday at Osseo High School, starting at noon.
Their opponent — the Section 4AAAAA champion Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders, who earned their spot with a 49-44 upset over top-seeded Mahtomedi in the Section championship. CDH enters Saturday’s quarterfinal with a 7-3 record and an offense that can light up the scoreboard in a hurry.
Meet the ‘Air Raiders’
Long-time high school football fans no doubt recognize the name Cretin-Derham Hall, as the St. Paul school has long been a powerhouse, with 38 state tournament appearances in their history. Gone are the halcyon days of Joe Mauer, Matt Birk, Chris Weinke, Michael Floyd and Seantrel Henderson, but this year’s Raiders are writing their own legacy on the field.
If Chanhassen’s last opponent, Chaska, featured a “ground-and-pound” offense, CDH is “bombs away.” The Raiders, led by first-year coach Kim Royston, a former Raider and Minnesota Gopher, averaged nearly 300 passing yards per game during the regular season, racking up 29 passing touchdowns behind senior quarterback Izaak Johnson, who threw for 425 yards and seven touchdowns in their section championship win.
Johnson has weapons everywhere: junior wide receiver Owen Welk creates big plays downfield, while versatile junior tight end Dre Frierson-Hollie is a matchup nightmare. Senior running back Ja’Dale Thompson adds a dynamic ground game, and senior lineman Henry Malloy anchors both sides of the line.
Storm head coach Cullen Nelson knows his defense will need to flip the script after a physical performance against Chaska’s impressive run game.
“We will spend a lot more time on defending the pass,” Nelson said. “They have a talented QB and a bunch of receiving threats that can make big plays. The running back is very dynamic. Good offensive line up front. We will need to tackle well again this week.”
Seasoned veterans
For three of Chanhassen’s senior leaders — quarterback Nathan Ramler, wide receiver James Kopfmann and linebacker Jack Carlson — this is familiar territory.
“Going to state now three years in a row really helps with the experience part,” Carlson said. “All the starters on offense and defense have been there before and know what it takes to win. And especially losing last year in the semifinals, our team has a chip on their shoulder going into State.”
Kopfmann agreed. “Having been in the last two state tournaments, I know that we can expect to play some great teams. The benefit is that playing in those big games brings pressure, and each year we’ve learned to manage the emotions and excitement that comes with it.”
The Storm offense features Power Five recruits Kade Bush (West Virginia) and Owen Linder (Iowa), but Ramler also pointed out that those doing the dirty work in the trenches should receive huge praise for their success.
“Our offensive line and run game have been awesome all season but for sure in the postseason,” Ramler said. “The tight ends are blocking so well and any of our ball carriers are running super hard and picking up extra yards.”
Nelson was quick to praise some unsung heroes from the postseason so far. “Peter Vidmar (defensive back) played great against Chaska. Our defensive line of Carter Beld, Gavin Anderson and Tim Schuller have played really well. Henri Poulin stepped in on the offensive line due to an injury,” he said.
Carlson also singled out two teammates whose performances throughout the season have been critical.
“Fynn Coenen (on the offensive line) is the hardest worker I have ever met and plays football with so much passion,” he said. “He is a huge factor in why our run game has been so dominant this year. And Rowan Wiese has stepped up for our defense in a big way — he is one of the most physical outside linebackers in the state.”
One Step Away From “The Bank”
Coach Nelson believes Saturday’s game will come down to execution in the critical moments.
“I think this game will come down to who generates more explosive plays and limits turnovers,” he said.
Ramler echoed that sentiment. “I think we need to limit turnovers and negative plays to stay ahead of the chains. Just do what’s within ourselves and trust each other.”
For Kopfmann, it’s about trusting the brotherhood this team has built.
“The biggest thing on my mind is doing my job for the team and trusting that everyone else will do theirs,” he said. “We have a group of hardworking guys that are super committed to each other, our coaches and our community, and we will use that as motivation to get back to ‘The Bank’ (US Bank Stadium).”
Carlson summed up the team’s mindset.
“The biggest key to getting back to The Bank is playing for each other,” he said. “We all know that the job isn’t finished yet, so our job now is to stay close and play for each other, one snap and one play at a time.”
Chanhassen brings experience, a balanced offense and a defense that has made the big plays when it matters most. Cretin-Derham Hall counters with an explosive passing game and the confidence of giant killers.
One team’s season ends Saturday. The other heads to the State Semifinals at “The Bank.”
