Area football: Pepin-Alma 51, New Auburn 14

Game recap: The Eagles locked up a playoff berth in their regular-season finale by routing the Trojans on the road and finishing with a 4-3 record in the South Lakeland Conference.

"I think we're playing the best ball we have all year," said P-A coach Mike Olson, adding, "We're a young team. I think we've grown a lot this year."

Difference maker: The Eagles' defense intercepted five passes and recovered a fumble.

"The defense put us in some nice position," Olson said.

Top players: P-A sophomore Cole Carroll picked off two passes while senior teammate Danny Kujak intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble.

Carroll also scored the game's final touchdown on a 40-yard run.

P-A sophomore Ryan Erickson rushed for two touchdowns and 84 yards on 11 carries while teammate Jacob Lerum, a junior, completed 8 of 10 passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Lerum also rushed for two touchdowns.

Next up: Division 6 playoffs: P-A (5-4 overall) vs. TBA, 7 p.m. Tuesday

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