This state quarterfinal game, played at Miller Statium, pitted the Ponies against an undefeated Apple Valley squad that boasted of a division-one running back and an excellent quarterback operating behind a massive offensive line. The Pony defense, led by all state guard Brent Larson, along with tackle Jim Nelson, was equal to the occasion and able to shut down their vaunted attack. Junior quarterback Greg Brown directed the Pony attack behind the consistent blocking of the offensive line, anchored by seniors Mike Schmitt and Dennis Weimann. Senior co-captain and all state running back, Aaron Oden, spearheaded a grind-it-out attack by the ball-control minded Ponies. The victory advanced the Big Red to the state semifinals the following week and eventually to the state championship game against a powerful Burnsville team whom they defeated 36-33 to claim the title.