Easing into state: Blooming Prairie a seasoned professional when it comes to the big stage
Published 8:06 pm Thursday, November 7, 2019
- BP’s Alex Baldwin runs after the reception against Goodhue in the Section 1A title game. Herald file photo
BLOOMING PRAIRIE — The Awesome Blossoms are about to compete in their fifth Minnesota Class A State Tournament in the past nine years, but this one has a much different feeling than the previous for four trips.
This is the first time the Blossoms have ever advanced to back-to-back state tournaments under head coach Chad Gimbel and BP is focused and ready as the majority of last year’s squad that lost to BOLD 37-7 in the state semifinals last year is looking for redemption.
Gimbel said the experience of this year’s squad has eliminated many of the distractions that a state tournament often brings to a team.
“This week has been as normal as a week going into the state tournament as I’ve ever had,” Gimbel said. “Kids came into practice like its another day and it’s just been another week at school. It seems very regular season-like. Not that the kids aren’t excited, but they have that comfort level.”
BP, which has won every contest by at least three scores this season, will take on Springfield in the Minnesota Class A State Tournament quarterfinals in Janesville at noon on Saturday.

Blooming Prairie’s Alex Baldwin celebrates a touchdown with his teammate Jarrett Larson in the Section 1A title game against Goodhue in Triton Friday. Herald File Photo
Springfield is coming off a 23-21 win over Martin County West in the Section 3A title game. The Tigers put together an 80-yard drive in the final two minutes to win that game, which saw quarterback Derek Sheffler throw for three TDs.
BP senior lineman Jarrett Larson said that BP is well aware of Scheffler’s play-making abilities as the Blossom defense looks to lead the way.
“We’re taking it one practice at a time and one game at a time. They’ve got a good quarterback who can get the ball where he needs to get it and they’re big and physical up front. We need to match that and we’ve got to have eleven guys flying to the ball like we have all year,” Larson said. “Coming up short last year motivated us a little more. We know we have a chance to do something special and we’re just trying to go 1-0 every week.”
BP senior running back Matthew Pryor racked up 223 yards rushing and two TDs in last week’s 59-12 win over Goodhue in the Section 1A title game, but the Blossoms have also shown the ability to air it out this year as well.
“It really starts up front and you’ve got to control the trenches, whether it be pass blocking or run blocking,” Gimbel said. “You have to let the quarterback be comfortable and open up holes for the running back. This week, I feel like we’re going to have be a lot more balanced on offense (than last week).”
Defensively, Gimbel wants his team to stay focused and ready as Springfield can move the ball through the air and on the ground.

Blooming Prairie’s Gabe Hagen pulls in a pass against Goodhue in the Section 1A title game against Goodhue last Friday. Herald file photos
“They’re very balanced and they’re capable, both running and throwing the ball. You’ve got to stop them both,” Gimbel said. “You’ve got to be able to cover up the receivers and mix up the coverages enough to keep them guessing at what you’re doing and you’ve got to be able to pressure the quarterback. Probably the biggest thing is being able to tackle. They’re backs run hard and they’re shifty.”
BP senior wide receiver and defensive lineman Gabe Hagen, who has committed to play football at Division II Minnesota State University, said BP is taking an all-in approach for this week — just like it has done every week of this season.
“We’re just going to go in there like a regular game,” Hagen said. “We want to play physical like we have all year. We just have that mentality where we want to push it every play and never take a play off.”
HOW THEY MATCHUP
Blooming Prairie
- Record: 10-0 overall
- Points per game: 50.2
- Points allowed per game: 8.4
Springfield
- Record: 10-0 overall
- Points per game: 36.9
- Points allowed per game: 6.9