{"id":16849,"date":"2025-11-20T15:55:14","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T19:55:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/mmcru-faces-unbeaten-saint-ansgar-for-first-state-title-in-program-history\/"},"modified":"2025-11-20T15:55:39","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T19:55:39","slug":"48362-mmcru-faces-unbeaten-saint-ansgar-for-first-state-title-in-program-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/48362-mmcru-faces-unbeaten-saint-ansgar-for-first-state-title-in-program-history\/","title":{"rendered":"MMCRU faces unbeaten Saint Ansgar for first state title in program history"},"content":{"rendered":"

MMCRU<\/b> makes its historic state title run Thursday. The unbeaten Royals<\/b> face Saint Ansgar<\/b>‘s 12-0 Saints<\/b> for the IHSAA Class A championship<\/b>. Kickoff is 1 p.m.<\/b> at the UNI-Dome<\/b> in Cedar Falls, Iowa<\/b>. This game marks MMCRU’s first Class A state title game<\/b> in program history.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts:<\/p>\n

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  • MMCRU<\/b> enters as the #1 seed<\/b> with a perfect 12-0 record<\/b>.<\/li>\n
  • Saint Ansgar<\/b> brings an unbeaten 12-0 record<\/b> as the #2 seed<\/b>.<\/li>\n
  • MMCRU blanked West Sioux 28-0<\/b> in the Class A semifinal<\/b> on Nov. 13<\/b>.<\/li>\n
  • Saint Ansgar defeated Wapsie Valley 31-6<\/b> in their semifinal matchup.<\/li>\n
  • Kickoff is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 20<\/b> at 1 p.m. CT<\/b>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    How MMCRU Reached the Championship<\/h2>\n

    MMCRU’s Royals<\/b> have dominated throughout the 2025 playoffs<\/b>. The team scored 143 total points<\/b> in their playoff run while shutting down opponents. In the Class A semifinal<\/b>, quarterback Eli Harpenau<\/b> led the Royals to a decisive 28-0<\/b> shutout victory over West Sioux<\/b>.<\/p>\n

    Harpenau has completed 37 touchdown passes<\/b> this season. He threw for 202 yards<\/b> and accounted for four scores<\/b> in the semifinal. Senior receiver Michael Schmillen<\/b> caught three touchdown passes<\/b> from Harpenau in that game. Running back Brayson Mulder<\/b> rushed for 695 yards<\/b> and seven scores<\/b> on the season.<\/p>\n

    MMCRU’s defense has been equally impressive. The Royals recovered 15 fumbles<\/b> and recorded 27 interceptions<\/b> in 2025<\/b>. Senior linebacker Wyatt Alesch<\/b> leads with six<\/b> interceptions. This dominant defensive performance set up the Royals’ historic opportunity.<\/p>\n

    Saint Ansgar’s Championship Path<\/h2>\n

    Saint Ansgar’s Saints<\/b> enter undefeated at 12-0<\/b>. The team has rushed for over 5,000 yards<\/b> collectively this season. Senior running back Korben Michels<\/b> leads the ground attack with 1,497 rushing yards<\/b> and 21 touchdowns<\/b>. Sophomore Porter Schwieso<\/b> has generated nearly 1,000 passing yards<\/b> with 14 touchdown passes<\/b>.<\/p>\n

    Saint Ansgar’s special teams have been dependable. The team made 24 of 31 extra point attempts<\/b> this season. Connor Mullenbach<\/b> leads the squad with seven punts<\/b> returning for an average of over 10 yards<\/b> per attempt. Defensively, Saint Ansgar ranks second in Class A tackles<\/b> with 571 total<\/b> and ranks second in sacks<\/b> with 36<\/b>.<\/p>\n

    Offensive Weapons to Watch<\/h2>\n

    MMCRU’s offense revolves around the Harpenau-to-Schmillen connection<\/b>. Schmillen has 32 receptions<\/b> for 555 yards<\/b> and 15 touchdowns<\/b>. Senior Kamden Bork<\/b> provides additional targets with 31 catches<\/b> for 422 yards<\/b> and 4 touchdowns<\/b>. Senior Gabe Johnson<\/b> is another pass-catching threat with 20 catches<\/b> for 326 yards<\/b> and six scores<\/b>.<\/p>\n

    Saint Ansgar’s<\/b> reliance on the ground game creates matchup challenges. Sophomore Joe Clevenger<\/b> rushes for 950 yards<\/b> on 77 carries<\/b> with 11 touchdowns<\/b>. Senior Connor Mullenbach<\/b> paces receivers with 25 catches<\/b> for 379 yards<\/b> and 7 touchdowns<\/b>. Head Coach Kyle Oswald<\/b> emphasized the importance of execution for MMCRU<\/b>: focus on film study and practice preparation remains essential.<\/p>\n

    What Makes This Championship Historic<\/h2>\n

    MMCRU<\/b> is seeking its first 11-player state title<\/b> in program history. The school previously won eight-player titles in 2012 and 2015<\/b> when operating as MMC<\/b> before merging to form MMCRU<\/b>. Players on this year’s team remember watching that 2015 championship team<\/b>. Now they have their own chance at glory on Thursday<\/b>.<\/p>\n

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    “It just really goes to show all the preparation and hard work you put in throughout the season to be here finally. We just have to go out and perform to our highest and go win this thing.”<\/p>\n