Barnesville senior offensive lineman Jonathan Robideau said his team wanted nothing more than Friday's Class 2A Prep Bowl matchup with Chatfield.
"I mean, all year, that's all we've been thinking about," Robideau said. "It's been getting back to Chatfield. Last year, we thought for sure we had it and we felt that they stole it from us. So we've been saying, 'Let's go take it back.'
The Trojans left U.S. Bank Stadium with the championship trophy after a historic 35-20 victory against defending champion Chatfield. The Trojans are finally football champions after settling for second in three previous title game appearances: 1978, 2010 and 2018. They blew a late lead in the semifinals against Chatfield a year ago.
Quarterback Zachary Bredman and tight end Tate Inniger connected for three touchdowns, one shy of the Prep Bowl record. The 6-3, 265-pound Inniger added a touchdown rushing — one play after his pass attempt to a teammate fell just short of the end zone.
Calling on Inniger to throw hearkened back to his younger, more mobile days. He played quarterback from seventh to ninth grade, even working locally with quarterback coach Jeff Trickey, before transitioning to tight end.
"He's not built to be a Power-T quarterback," Trojans coach Bryan Strand said with a smile. "He's pretty good in the tight end role. Good blocker, great hands. He's just the kid that you just cheer for."
Touchdown machine is not a role associated with Inniger. Chatfield's Sam Backer, meanwhile, is a frequent end zone visitor. Listed as a quarterback, Backer entered the game 318 yards from tying the state's record for career rushing yards held by McLeod West's Tyler Evans (7,503 from 1999-2001).
Backer ran for a pair of scores and 182 yards but also lost a fumble and threw four interceptions. Barnesville converted three ensuing possessions into touchdowns.
"Turnovers killed us," Gophers coach Jeff Johnson said. "And they controlled the football."
