Stillwater and Burnsville, with identical 12-0 records, entered this state semifinals game and played before a large crowd at the Metrodone. Defensively, the Ponies stifled the potent attack of the Burnsville Blaze behind the aggressive line play of junior tackle Nate Dwyer and senior defensive end Ryan Salmon. Adam Runk, Gabe Ellwein and Ryan Pletcher made their presence known by shutting down the Blaze passing game, while coming up to support the run. Senior Brad Fessler quickly filled from his linebacker position. With just minutes remaining in the first half, Pony quarterback, Justin Hesse, hooked up with wide receiver Adam Runk in the end zone for the go ahead points and the Ponies never looked back. Aaron Runk had his usual strong performance while running mate, Billy McGlynn, had a career night behind the blocking of the offensive line, anchored by Ben Beaudet. The victory earned the Big Red the right to advance to the state finals the following week where they defeated Rochester Mayo for the State Championship.