First-timers point toward the Dome

Nate Harrington became Providence Academy's football coach in 2008 and placed a picture of the Metrodome in the locker room.

The significance was clear. Each year the venue hosts the semifinals and Prep Bowl games, and every team dreams to have its moment under the roof.

Providence is one important step closer than ever before. The private school located in Plymouth is one of six teams making their state tournament debuts.

The Lions (Class 3A) are joined by Bigfork (9-man), Dawson-Boyd (1A), Annandale (3A), Faribault (4A) and Prior Lake (5A). Other than Prior Lake, which is playing Friday's quarterfinal game in the Metrodome, each team must win its way inside this week.

The benefits of winning go beyond the scoreboard. Schools celebrate. Communities are stimulated. Programs gain prestige.

"People come out of the woodwork to be a part of it," said Harrington, a member of the 1993 LeRoy-Ostrander team that placed second in the 9-man division. "When I walked down the halls, kids would say, 'Hey.' Now it's, 'Hey, good job,' or 'Hey, good luck.'"

Annandale coach Matt Walter grew concerned earlier this week as school spirit bordered on euphoria.

"I told the guys, 'We need to tone it down or we'll never make it to Friday,'" Walter said with a laugh. Then he added, "These are big moments."

There is much to celebrate considering the Cardinals' 0-4 start to the season. Walter credited players for keeping the faith when other teams might have quit.

Prior Lake coach Matt Gegenheimer can appreciate resiliency. Two seasons ago his Lakers left the Missota Conference and its wealth of Class 4A schools to challenge larger programs in the South Suburban Conference. The competition, coupled with increased dedication in the weight room and in practice, helped the Lakers to state.

"Playing in the South Suburban raised the standard and prepared us to play well," Gegenheimer said. "It's nice to see. The community was starving for this."

David La Vaque • 612-673-7574