So without further adieu… my predictions:

#1 Mondovi (9-0) vs. Grantsburg (5-4)

Mondovi was nearly a Division 4 team, but came in just enough to be the second largest school in D5. They were ranked fifth in D4 and are undefeated. Grantsburg is back in the playoffs after a few years off. They will have their hands full with this recent powerhouse.

#2 Colby (9-0) vs.Ladysmith (7-2)

Colby is ranked number one in Division five with an undefeated record. Ladysmith is ranked 8th. For Colby, this is their third consecutive undefeated regular season and two years ago they won state. Ladysmith's two losses were to Northwestern and Bloomer (both of those teams are in D4 and are ranked third and eighth respectively in D4).

#3 Osseo-Fairchild (8-1) vs. Stanley-Boyd (6-3)

It's the battle of the hyphen in this projection. O-F is ranked #10 in D5 and their only loss was to Colby. S-B is in the same conference as Colby and O-F. They finished with losses to both along with Eau Claire Regis. O-F beat S-B 40-28 earlier this year.

#4 Elk Mound (8-1) vs.Cameron (4-5)

Elk Mound is ranked 7th in D5. Elk Mound's only loss came to Mondovi 26-21 at home. Cameron started the season strong going 4-2 but losing their last three (Grantsburg, Flambeau, Clear Lake).

It is a very difficult draw for the Pirates regardless of who they play. It looks like it will be either Elk Mound or Mondovi and getting by either of them would be a very big upset. However, Grantsburg's running game along with a stout defense have the makings of a team that can pull the upset. The Pirates will have to eliminate every mistake including fumbling snaps and drive-killing penalties.

Post from: We are Grantsburg

My pairing prediction

The Pirates advance to the Sectionals which will be held in Osseo-Fairchild next Tuesday. Their first game starts at 11am and should they win that one they will play at 5pm that evening. Their first game is against the Elk Mound Mounders (17-4 first place in the Dunn-St. Croix Conference). Bracket

The Grantsburg pitching was outstanding tonight as Jimmy Nelson and Nolan Hanson combined for eight strike outs in seven innings. The third inning was the only inning the Clayton/Turtle Lake squad got anything going and it was on the strength of a bloop hit to left and a high chopper in front of home plate. Both of those players came around to score that inning and that was it for them for the game.

I really appreciate the fans at the ballpark. They are very passionate about their home team and are per capita the loudest fans I think Grantsburg has.

Grantsburg is on a roll right now winning their eleventh game in a row (looks like I had a bad source in the previous post).

Congratulations and good luck!

Photo Courtesy of Deb Allaman-Johnson

Post from: We are Grantsburg

Grantsburg wins Regional Championship