Falcons stop Trojans, 20-7 in semifinals

The New Prague Trojan's football playoff game with Faribault started on a high note, as Joe Hatch gave the Trojans a 7-0 lead, running back the opening kick 84 yards for a touchdown.

Unfortunately for the Trojans, that would be their only score of the game as the Faribault Falcons shut down New Prague's running game and played error-free football on their way to a 20-7 win to advance to the Section championship game. The Falcons will play at Northfield for a berth in the state Class AAAA tournament.

New Prague maintained their 7-0 lead throughout the first half, with Faribault getting a touchdown in the final minute of the second quarter, but hitting an upright on the extra point. New Prague led at halftime 7-6.

But Faribault would score on the first two possessions of the second half. The Falcons ate up more than eight minutes on their final touchdown and controlled the action in the second half. About the only mistake they made was when they chose to go for a first down on a fourth down near midfield with less than two minutes to play. The Trojans sacked quarterback Jake Salaba.

However, the Trojans gave the ball right back as sophomore quarterback Nick Johnson threw an interception on the next lay, ending New Prague's hopes.

Johnson was playing because Ben Trewartha had injured his ankle on the previous series. The Trojans were driving to pull to within one touchdown and Trewartha sprinted to his right and was tackled near the sideline.

New Prague Coach Jim Benick said the Falcons played a great game.

They executed. They didn't turn the ball over and they didn't have any penalties. We didn't do those things

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