After senior running back ELIJAH CAMPBELLfumbled for the second time in the first four minutes of the Twin City football championship game against Minneapolis Washburn, St. Paul Central
football coach SCOTT HOWELLspoke softly as he addressed an assistant coach, but his words rang true.
“Like I told them before, you can’t believe the hype. You’ve got to play football.”
Howell, on the field while communicating with the assistant coach up in the press box booth of James S. Griffin Stadium, then encouraged his team to “hang in there.”
Photos by Mitchell Palmer McDonald
His players listened, resulting in a 24-21 win for their third-straight TC title. Campbell, who ended up getting a key interception, and backfield mate GABE WALKER matched Washburn’s outstanding ground-gaining duo of JEFFREY JONES and RAYMONTE MAYNARD.
Quarterback back FELIX TAYLOR connected twice with receiver THEO HASLOW for scores, and GUSTAVO ORTIZ converted a last-second field goal to win it for the Minutemen, who finished the regular season undefeated.
Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mmcdonald@spokesman-recorder.com.
Reach the MSR staff at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.