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Bangor proved to be the stronger, more physical football team, and it led to a 20-14 victory in the Division 7 state championship game over Pepin/Alma, the first title in school history.

It was a bit of deja vu for Pepin/Alma, as the game played out very similar to last season's 17-12 loss to Owen-Withee. Both teams, Pepin/Alma went down by multiple scores only to rally back within a touchdown late. However, with the opportunity to get a stop on defense and get the ball back with a chance to take the lead, the opponent converted for some key first downs to run out the clock.

Bangor opened things with an impressive 82-yard touchdown drive, with runs accounting for all ten plays. The drive culminated with a 1-yard Andrew Piske touchdown plunge, as he went over 5,000 yards rushing for his career earlier in the drive. Pepin/Alma responded with a 46-yard drive of its own, but it ended on a turnover on downs.

Bangor marched down the field again, as a 77-yard drive was capped off by a rare pass, 23 yards from Kellen Kravik to Sam Johnson, as the Cardinals went up 14-0.

Facing a key 3rd and 7 from their own 46, Pepin/Alma went with a middle screen to Caden Haake, which he took to the house for a 54-yard touchdown, pulling the Eagles with 14-7.

The score remained that way heading to the fourth quarter, but Pepin/Alma squandered a pair of opportunities, twice getting inside the Bangor 35 only to come away with no points.

Bangor capitalized, going up 20-7 on a 6-yard Andrew Piske touchdown run with 8:57 remaining. 

Pepin/Alma wouldn't go down without a fight, embarking on an 18-play, 64-yard drive that featured three fourth down conversions, including a 1-yard scoring run by Caden Haake to make it 20-14.

Bangor recovered the ensuing onside kick, and converted a 4th and 1 to help run out the clock and secure the victory.

It is the second straight runner-up trophy for Pepin/Alma, while Bangor takes home its first gold ball. 

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