Waseca football team prevails 14-13 in nailbiter of a semifinal

The Waseca High School football team made school history last Saturday, defeating Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton 14-13 to earn the school's first-ever trip to a state championship football game. 

"It was great," said Waseca head coach Brad Wendland. "I'm just so proud of these guys."

"This is awesome," said WHS senior Deron Russell, who earlier in the week was named a Minnesota Mr. Football finalist.

It wasn't easy, though. The Bluejays survived a big and talented DGF squad, turning back the Rebels with two goal-line stands and coming up with key stops throughout the game.

Key plays included Russell's touchdown catch in the waning seconds of the first half, and William Mansfield's block of the Rebels' PAT kick after their second touchdown.

"I'm really proud of the team and how much we battled through adversity," said senior Jordan Johnston. "It feels great."

The Bluejays return to U.S. Bank Stadium this Saturday to face Annandale in the Class AAA state championship game. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

For more on the semifinal game, see Pages 12 and 10.