It can be hard to translate regular season success to the playoffs, but the North Branch Vikings had no problem doing just that on Thursday. They came out on top against Benilde-St. Margaret's by a score of 38-27. North Branch is really starting to get used to good results now that the team's won 12 straight.
North Branch's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Austin Anderson led the charge by rushing for 179 yards and two touchdowns while picking up 8.1 yards per carry. Tyler Minke also helped out as he racked up 118 rushing yards.
North Branch's victory bumped their record up to 12-1. As for Benilde-St. Margaret's, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 6-8.
North Branch will take on Hutchinson at TBD on Thursday. Hutchinson will be looking to extend their current eight-game winning streak. Benilde-St. Margaret's does not have any more games scheduled as of now.
