BLOOMING PRAIRIE — Blooming Prairie senior John Rumpza is one of the ten finalists for the Mr. Football award, which is given out annually to the best high school football player in the state of Minnesota.

Rumpza and the Awesome Blossoms had their season end on a 14-6 loss to Minneapolis North in the Class A state quarterfinals Friday.

“It’s a pretty cool honor,” Rumpza said. “The season didn’t end quite like we wanted it to and it’s definitely bittersweet.”

Rumpza knew he was a candidate for the award before the season, but he didn’t think he’d have much of a chance at it since he plays for a smaller school. Rumpza is the second BP football player to be a Mr. Football finalist as former BP quarterback Spencer Ohm also received the honor.

Rumpza finishes his BP career with the second most career TD passes (112) in Minnesota history and the second most career passing yards (8,991) in state history.

BP head coach Chad Gimbel said it’s the things Rumpza does outside of football that make him stand out.

“I can’t say everything John has done for us,” Gimbel said. “He’s an outstanding football player, but he’s a better leader, a better kid, a better role model and a better person.”

Gimbel said Rumpza had a lot of input on the offense this season as he a made a big improvement from last year. Rumpza said he could feel himself getting better this season.

“I feel like I took a big step from my junior year to my senior year,” he said. “I feel like there’s been a big increase in being able to read defenses and make more athletic plays.”

Rumpza, who also plays basketball and baseball for BP, is nearly certain he will play football in college, but he’s not sure what level he will be at yet. He has garnered interest from Division II schools and a couple of Division I schools.

“I’m looking to get into the weight room and hit it pretty hard,” Rumpza said. “Hopefully I can stay consistent with that throughout the rest of the year. I’ll have to work on just football throughout the next few seasons, and that’s something I haven’t done before.”

The Mr. Football banquet will be held November 30th in St. Louis Park.