High school football season starts in Minnesota

High school football
Stephen/Argyle senior Kip Thorstensen (center, with ball) hands off to junior Taylor Swanson (# 7) during the 2007 9-man division championship game. Stephen/Argyle defeated Waubun in that game, 43-21, for the school's 67th straight win.
Photo courtesy of Minnesota State High School League

Football season begins Thursday night at high schools across the state. One school in far northwest Minnesota is sitting on an impressive winning streak.

Stephen Argyle Central High School, with 103 students, is so small it plays in the division that only lets nine players on the field at a time.

The school, though, has won its last 67 games - including five straight state 9-man championships.

But Athletic Director and assistant coach Kevin Kuznia says those numbers aren't brought up on the field. "I'm sure the parents and family members talk about it a lot , and I'm sure at home and things," Kuznia said. "But it is just a one-game approach and the kids never hear anything about a winning streak from the coaches."

The season for all teams culminates with the state championships. They'll be played at the Metrodome, starting the day after Thanksgiving.

Other defending champions this year include Goodhue (Class A), Caledonia (Class AA), Glencoe-Silver Lake (Class AAA), Totino-Grace (Class AAAA), and Eden Prairie (Class AAAAA).

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