The Albert Lea Tigers played the undisputed Big Nine champions.

And from the looks of it, the Rochester Mayo Spartans could win another championship or two this fall.

Mayo, rated No. 4 in the state in the latest Associated Press Class 5A football poll, completed an undefeated regular season with a 56-0 victory over the Tigers at Hammer Field Wednesday night. It was the second straight Big Nine crown for the Spartans, who take an 8-0 record into the section tournament. The Tigers fell to 1-7.

The tone was set early, when the Tigers fumbled on their second play. The Spartans recovered and scored on their first play.

The Tigers ran three plays and punted and, on third down, the Spartans scored again on a 25-yard run.

Then the Tigers fumbled on first down. Mayo recovered, and on second down scored on an 8-yard pass.

A third-down interception ended the Tigers’ next possession and again the Spartans converted quickly, going 55-yards for a touchdown and a 28-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Mayo went on to add 21 second-quarter points to lead 49-0 at halftime, holding the Tigers to 20 yards in the first half.

Albert Lea finished with 90 yards and three first downs.

The Tigers open section playoffs Tuesday, probably at Austin.

RM

28

21

7

0&045;56

AL

0

0

0

0&045; 0

First Quarter

RM &045; Kauffman 22 pass from Penz (Morgan kick)

RM &045; Larson 25 run (Morgan kick)

RM &045; Morgan 8 pass from Penz (Morgan kick)

RM &045; Kauffman 55 run (Morgan kick)

Second Quarter

RM &045; Larson 12 run (Morgan kick)

RM &045; Larson 26 run (Morgan kick)

RM &045; Pearson 70 pass from Penz (Morgan kick)

Third Quarter

RM &045; Bertram 8 pass from Wittenberger (Weets kick)

Fourth Quarter

No scoring

(Contact Jim Lutgens at sports@albertleatribune.com or 379-3437.)