Detroit Lakes, MN (KDLM) – The Mahnomen/Waubun Thunderbirds gave three-time defending state champion Minneota everything they could handle Saturday, but ultimately fell 28-14 in the Class 1A semifinal, ending their season against a Vikings program riding a 45-game win streak.
Despite the loss, the Thunderbirds proved they belonged on the same field as the dynasty program, matching Minneota nearly yard for yard.
Mahnomen/Waubun’s defensive game plan frustrated the high-powered Minneota offense for much of the afternoon. The Thunderbirds successfully shut down the Vikings’ dangerous outside running attack, forcing the defending champions to earn every yard up the middle.
Senior Blake McMullen was a force on both sides of the ball, using his imposing 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame to execute crucial plays at quarterback and defensive end. McMullen’s dual-threat ability kept the Thunderbirds competitive throughout.
The Thunderbirds matched Minneota’s intensity, finishing with 240 total yards to the Vikings’ 242 in what became a physical, hard-fought battle between two well-coached teams.
A blocked punt just before halftime shifted momentum decisively in Minneota’s favor. The special teams miscue gave the Vikings a short field, which they converted into a touchdown by quarterback Tristan Sussner, one of his two rushing scores on the day.
The sequence highlighted how evenly matched the teams were – in a game decided by inches and key moments, one special teams breakdown proved costly.
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