Lourdes Repeats As Section Champs With Win Over Dover-Eyota
The Rochester Lourdes Eagles repeated as Section Champions with a 13-0 win over Dover-Eyota Saturday night.
A long fourth-quarter drive that saw Rochester Lourdes milk over 10 minutes off the clock was the big difference maker in a game that saw both defenses come to play. Rochester Lourdes was led on the ground by Jake Groteboer who had 165 yards on the ground and both touchdowns.
Dover-Eyota came into the game with an offense that was known for throwing the football down the field and being able to put points up in bunches, but the Lourdes defense was stout throughout and did not let D-E Quarterback Brady Williams scramble around the field where he finds a lot of success.
The running attack of Rochester Lourdes was just too much for the Dover-Eyota to handle on a night that had continuous rain and cold temperatures.
Groteboer's first touchdown came with just 17 seconds left in the first half to give the Lourdes a 6-0 lead at the break, and then to open up the second half Rochester Lourdes used a combination of Groteboer, Pat Leary and Matthew Hayford to march down the field and get a 13-0 lead.
Dover-Eyota's offense moved the football well in the second half and got into the red zone to start the fourth quarter, but was unable to connect on a fourth-down play. From there, Rochester Lourdes held the ball for the last 10 plus minutes to secure a trip to the State Tournament.
Jack Studer had seven catches for 80 yards to pace the offense for D-E, while Williams was 9 of 12 for 86 yards and one interception.
Leary finished with 85 yards on the ground for Rochester Lourdes, while Zach Jungles ran for 58 yards to help lead the offense.
The Rochester Lourdes Eagles will take on Jordan in the Quarterfinals of the Class AAA State Tournament on Saturday.