Two undefeated teams, each boasting a perfect 12-0 record, will clash for the Class A Iowa high school football state championship on Thursday. Saint Ansgar is set to face MMCRU at 1 p.m. inside the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. The championship game will be available to live stream on YouTube via Iowa PBS.
Saint Ansgar Saints
The Saints’ offense is powered by a sensational sophomore quarterback, Porter Schwiesow. He has demonstrated veteran poise, completing 71 percent of his passes for 989 yards with 15 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Schwiesow has also contributed 143 yards and two scores on the ground.
The running game is spearheaded by senior Korben Michels, who has been dominant with 1,628 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns, averaging an explosive 14 yards per carry. Michels is also a significant threat in the passing game, with 19 receptions for 359 yards and seven touchdowns. The attack is further bolstered by seniors Connor Mullenbach, who has 530 rushing yards and 388 receiving yards, and Joe Clevenger, who has tallied 851 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.
Defensively, Saint Ansgar is led by senior Chase Haugen, who has recorded 17.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Clevenger leads the team with 90 tackles, while Michels adds 12.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. In the secondary, Trey Johanns has secured five interceptions, and Mullenbach is a special teams weapon with three return touchdowns.
MMCRU Royals
The Royals’ offense is commanded by junior quarterback Eli Harpenau, who has elevated his play throughout the postseason. Harpenau has thrown for 1,814 yards and 28 touchdowns while adding 403 yards and nine more scores rushing. The backfield features Bryson Mulder with 683 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, complemented by John Schmillen’s 450 yards and seven scores.
Harpenau effectively distributes the ball to a talented group of receivers. Michael Schmillen is the primary target, with 24 catches for 664 yards and 14 touchdowns. Kamden Bork and Gage Johnson provide reliable secondary options, combining for 51 receptions, 849 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
On defense, the Royals have been a force, creating 43 turnovers with 27 interceptions and 16 fumble recoveries. John Schmillen has been a standout, logging 18.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. As a unit, MMCRU has amassed 84 tackles for loss and 25.5 sacks, with significant contributions from Eli Schlenger and Brandon Dreckman. The secondary is a no-fly zone, led by Michael Schmillen with nine interceptions and Wyatt Alesch with six.
