Warriors advance to state football tourney with thumping of Bison

COLLEGEVILLE - The Brainerd Warriors scored 26 points in the first quarter and went on to defeat the Buffalo Bison 33-20 for the Section 8-5A football championship Saturday afternoon at St. John's University's Clemens Stadium.

Reid Mimmack and Kyle Crocker each scored two touchdowns for second-seeded Brainerd. Crocker's scores were a 76-yard run and a 23-yard pass from Mimmack. Warriors running back Jordan Hayes rushed for 123 yards and a score.

The Warriors' defense was steadfast, allowing the top-seeded Bison eight points and 66 total yards in the first half.

Brainerd (7-3) plays Section 7 champion Centennial in the quarterfinals of the 5A state tournament at 8 p.m. Friday at St. Cloud State University's Husky Stadium.