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In a state title match-up of teams few predicted would be in Madison prior to the start of the playoffs, it was the ground game of Brookfield East that carried the Spartans to a 42-36 victory over Monona Grove for the Division 2 title.

Things didn't go as the Spartans planned early on however, as MG marched down for a score on its first possession, then a blocked punt was recovered in the end zone by the Silver Eagles for a 14-0 lead less than five minutes into the game.

Brookfield East, who wear "B'East" across the front of their jerseys, responded behind a 10-play, 65-yard drive that resulted in a six yard touchdown run by Sam Santiago-Lloyd on 4th and 1.

The teams traded blows in the second quarter, with Brookfield East rallying to tie at 21 at intermission. The Spartans' ground game owned the action in the second half however, as running back Sam Santiago-Lloyd and quarterback Jake Graf did considerable damage running the football. Santiago-Lloyd got in from seven yards out to put B'East on top for good in the third quarter, though Monona Grove made a push at the end to give themselves a chance at a late onside kick, which was recovered by the Spartans.

Santiago-Lloyd finished with an all-divisions state finals record five rushing touchdowns, racking up 197 yards on 37 carries. Graf was outstanding as well, carrying the ball 25 times for 179 yards, completing three of four passes for 27 yards and a touchdown.

The strong running game led to a huge advantage in time of possession, which was won by Brookfield East 34:50 to 13:10. Monona Grove ran just 43 offensive plays in the game, well below the number they'd like to hit in their fast-paced offense.

It is the first state title for Brookfield East, coming in their first championship game appearance.

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