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The route wasn't as easy as last year, but the end result was the same for the Arrowhead football team -- a Division 1 championship. The Warhawks broke open a close game in the third quarter and cruised to a 45-24 win over Franklin for championship in the state's largest division.

Arrowhead becomes the first team to repeat as Division 1 champion since Marshfield captured back to back titles in 2001 and 2002.

Things started slowly as the teams traded jabs in the first quarter, with a 25-yard Trevor Ostling field goal accounting for the only points. On the first play of the second quarter, Johnny Duranso found Jake Miller in the end zone to cap a 10 play, 77 yard scoring drive. 

Franklin answered, converting a 12-play drive into a 24-yard Austin Manning field goal, followed by a 4-yard touchdown run from Chad Walton to tie the game at 10.

Arrowhead put together another scoring drive just before halftime, as Miller hauled in his second pass from Duranso to give the Warhawks a 17-10 lead at the break.

The Sabers of Franklin would tie the game one final time early in the third quarter, as Sean McGuire showed off his running ability by plowing in from 8 yards out to knot it up at 17.

The Warhawks dominated from there however, scoring 28 points in the next 12 minutes of game action. Ricky Finco caught a 4-yard score, Charlie Reuteman added a Pick-6, Cody Sellhausen rumbled 66 yards, and Ty Jager streaked down the right sideline for a 70 yard run.

It wasn't just the offense that shined for Arrowhead however. The defense picked off McGuire 3 times and recovered a fumble as well. 

Franklin scored a late touchdown to close the gap, but it was too little, too late for the Sabers.

Johnny Duranso eclipsed the previous D1 finals best with 235 yards, although McGuire would post a higher total in the game. Duranso completed 18 of 29 attempts with 3 touchdowns.

Helped by a 70-yard touchdown run, Ty Jager finished with 104 yards on just 7 carries. Sellhausen went for 75 yards and a touchdown on 6 carries, while Duranso added 55 yards.

Two different Arrowhead receivers set two different Division 1 state final records. Jake Miller's 11 catches were a new best, as he had 96 yards and 2 scores. Rick Finco set a new D1 record with 113 receiving yards on 5 catches to go with a score.

Franklin's Sean McGuire had one of his poorer performances, but still managed to set a new Division 1 finals record with 250 yards passing, completing 21 of 37 attempts. Chad Walton led the way on the ground with 14 carries for 78 yards and 2 touchdowns, while McGuire added 61 yards and a score as well. Robbie Bell was the leading receiver for the Sabers, hauling in 6 passes for 84 yards.

With the win, Arrowhead claimed its 6th state title in 11 trips. The Warhawks also captured Division 1 championships in 1993, 1994, 1996, 2007, and 2012.