Live score recap: Minnetonka defeats Anoka in MSHSL Class 6A semifinal (11/14/2024)

Get score updates from the 2024 Minnesota high school football semifinal between the Tornadoes and Skippers

Minnetonka faces Anoka in the 2024 MSHSL Class 6A semifinal / Mark Bloom

MINNEAPOLIS — The No. 1-seed Minnetonka Skippers (10-2) defeated the No. 2-seed Anoka Tornadoes (8-4) 48-27 in the 2024 MSHSL Class 6A semifinals at U.S. Bank Stadium on Thursday.

The teams looked destined for a close second half after a 21-21 first half. But any notion of the Skippers and the Tornadoes being even teams was dispelled in the second half.

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The Anoka offense only mustered 89 total yards in the second half while the Skippers dominated with 178 second-half yards—all of them rushing yards. The Skippers' defense just needed to shake off the first-half jitters.

"I think it’s definitely the stage," senior linebacker Jack Yerhot said. "I mean, it’s U.S. Bank Stadium, but I think what settled us down is that we’ve got a lot of really great leaders on the team."

It also helps when you have a dominant offensive line. From the first drive, the Skippers offensive line knew they could push the Anoka defensive line.

"We’re a pretty big O-line," senior Aiden Becker said. "We call ourselves 'The Big Nastys.' Once we get in there, when we know we’ve got a big push on the first drive, we know that we can put it to them all game."

Francois led the Skippers with 283 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown. Minnetonka finished with 397 rushing yards, and it would have been over 400 if not for final drive kneel-downs.

“We’re not afraid to throw the ball, but when you run for over 400 yards, why do it," Minnetonka head coach Mark Esch said.

For the Tornadoes, the second-half stings, but it was the first time since 1994 since they've made the semifinals.

“Our goal was to make it to [U.S. Bank Stadium], and we did that," Anoka running back Zachary Welch said.

The Skippers will play in their first Prep Bowl since 2017, and they will play the winner of Maple Grove vs. Shakopee. The Skippers have played both teams this season. They defeated Shakopee 21-13, but they lost to Maple Grove 31-21.

Minnetonka vs. Anoka Class 6A MSHSL Semifinals Live Score Updates

Both teams are on the field, and the game will begin shortly.

First Quarter Updates

Minnetonka receives the opening kick and we're underway.

Minnetonka drives to the Anoka 25-yard line on the opening drive, but the Anoka defense forces a turnover on downs. Six minutes, 34 seconds remain in the first quarter.

TOUCHDOWN ANOKA! Afy Ibekwe take the jet sweep into the end zone from the 5-yard line. PAT is no good. Anoka leads 6-0 with 4:17 remaining in the first quarter.

TOUCHDOWN MINNETONKA! Vincent May catches a pass on a reverse, and he runs into the end zone for an 11-yard reception. PAT is good. Minnetonka leads 7-6 with 1:16 remaining.

End of First Quarter: Minnetonka 7, Anoka 6

Second Quarter Updates

TOUCHDOWN ANOKA! Ibekwe catches a 17-yard touchdown pass from Payton Podany. Luke DeChene rushes in the 2-point attempt. Anoka leads 14-7 with 11 minutes remaining.

TOUCHDOWN MINNETONKA! Quarterback Caleb Francois finishes a long drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. PAT is good. Minnetonka and Anoka are tied at 14 with 7:55 remaining in the first half.

TOUCHDOWN MINNETONKA! After the Skippers' defense forced the firts punt of the game, Francois runs in a 29-yard touchdown during the next drive. PAT is good. Minnetonka leads 21-14 with 4:38 remaining.

TOUCHDOWN ANOKA! Podany finds Charlie Hendrickson down the sideline for a 29-yard touchdown pass. PAT is good. The game is tied at 21 with 1:25 remaining.

HALFTIME: Minnetonka 21, Anoka 21

Minnetonka has 239 total yards in the first half with 219 on the ground and 20 through the air. Anoka has 219 total yards with 162 passing yards and 57 rushing yards.

Teams are back on the field to warmup for the second half.

Third Quarter Updates

Anoka receives the kick and we're underway.

TOUCHDOWN MINNETONKA! Chase Conrad scores on a 15-yard run. PAT is good. Minnetonka leads 28-21 with 7:55 reamaining in the third quarter.

TOUCHDOWN MINNETONKA! Francois with a 10-yard touchdown run. PAT is pending. Minnetonka leads 34-14 with 2:19 remaining in the quarter.

PAT is good. Minnetonka leads 35-14 with 2:19 remaining.

INTERCEPTION MINNETONKA! Skippers' defender Jack Yerhot snags an interception and he returns it 24 yards to the Anoka 4-yard line with 15 seconds remaining in the quarter.

End of Third Quarter: Minnetonka 35, Anoka 21

Fourth Quarter Updates

TOUCHDOWN MINNETONKA! Francois with another rushing touchdown, this one for four yards. PAT is no good. Minnetonka leads 41-21 with 11:57 remaining.

TOUCHDOWN MINNETONKA! Francois runs for his fifth touchdown of the game, this one from five yards away. PAT is good. Minnetonka leads 48-21.

TOUCHDOWN ANOKA! Podany finds Ibekwe for his third touchdown of the game. Two-point conversion is no good. Minnetonka leads 48-27 with 3:21 remaining.

FINAL: Minnetonka 48, Anoka 27

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