By Kevin Cederstrom
The Eagles are one win away from playing in the home of the Bison.
A win this Saturday in New York Mills against Osakis in the Section 6A football semifinals, and the Eagles will play for the section championship Nov. 2 at the FargoDome.
New York Mills routed Royalton 46-14 on Oct. 18 in the final regular season game. With the win, and a Browerville loss to United North Central (Sebeka-Menahga), the Eagles earned the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs.
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The Eagles racked up over 500 yards in total offense and scored seven touchdowns on the night.
"We played a very good game," head coach Matt Radniecki said. "I really liked the way we were able to be ready with a short and hectic week."
Senior quarterback Grant Cameron threw for 164 yards and two touchdowns. Cameron connected with receiver Joel Huch for a 71 yard touchdown in the second quarter to put the Eagles up 28-0. Huch had a big night and finished with three catches for 135 yards and one TD.
"Grant is throwing a nice ball now and our receivers are making plays," Radniecki said. "We continued to have success in the passing game and this is going to be important for us as we go into the playoffs."
Defensively, the Eagles put together another solid game and held Royalton to just two scores. Jason Burg led the defense with 12 tackles and Alex Helmeke had 11, while Andy Hendrickx finished with 8 tackles.
"On defense we continued to play well but we need to get more three-and-outs. We sometimes are letting teams hang in there, when if we could get a few stops, we could really put the fire out in them," Radniecki added.
NY Mills had all aspects of its game working against Royalton, including special teams. The Eagles scored first when Burg recovered a blocked punt by Tarrel Flanigan in the endzone. Later in the first quarter Burg broke free on a 41-yard touchdown run.
Radniecki called it an extra special night for the Eagles, who gained the No. 1 seed in the section playoffs after the win and Browerville loss. The win also gave NY Mills a share of the Prairie Conference title with Otter Tail Central, Browerville and Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunberg.
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"Our kids should be proud of this and now we have to focus on the playoffs and one game at a time," Radniecki commented. "We are looking forward to the playoffs and we have to remember that it is a new season now!"
NY Mills beat Osakis, 49-14, on Sept. 8. The Streaks knocked Mills out of last year's playoffs, 44-6, on their way to the State Tournament.
