The score read a stunning 50-6 as the final whistle blew, signaling the end of the fourth quarter. The Bomber Football team is advancing to state after crushing the Plainview-Elgin-Milville Bulldogs. After suffering a catastrophic loss to the Bulldogs last year in the 2021 section finals, Cannon Falls got a chance to redeem themselves— and redeem they did. 

Head Coach Dan Meyers stated, “We’ve been working hard all season and getting better each week, so we knew we had the potential to blow PEM out.” The Bombers played them and beat the Bulldogs in the regular season, but the game was much closer. “In the section championship game the guys played amazingly well, and we were able to both get big plays on offense and shut them down defensively,” Coach Meyers explained. 

The Bombers came into the playoffs 7-1, with a loss against Rochester Lourdes. “The 22-25 loss to Lourdes was definitely a turning point for us. Because of the close loss, the guys learned that every play matters and that we are going to have to play with grit and work hard to have success,” Coach Meyers emphasized. 

Senior captain William Regenschied agreed that their loss to Lourdes was eye opening. “It showed us what a loss felt like and just helped us improve and everything we needed to improve on,” he said. 

Another senior Captain on the team, Colton Otto, shared how adaptable the football team is— which can be crucial coming into the state tournament. “For me, one of the turning points for our team was our regular season game against Pine Island. We had 4 or 5 starters sitting out that game with various injuries. Our guys stepped up and proved themselves putting up 80 points on the scoreboard. I think that really showed what our team as a whole is capable of and how much versatility and depth we have,” he commented. 

Despite various ups and downs throughout their season, the Bomber football team is ecstatic about being crowned section 1AAA champions. 

“I am extremely pumped to be going up to state,” shared senior Isaac Fehling. “We haven’t always gotten into the state tournament so I’m just really happy we are in it.” Fehling went on to share about his confidence in his team regarding the state tournament. “I am always confident in our ability to win, but after beating Caledonia in the regular season, it just felt like we could beat anybody anywhere,” he admitted. 

The Bombers picked themselves up after their loss to Rochester Lourdes and never looked back. The game is scheduled take place at the football field in Hastings, a neutral location. They will face Watertown Mayer on November 10 at 7:00 PM.