Thompson passed for 306 yards and three touchdowns in the first half. The two teams paid scant attention to running games in the half, posting a combined 9 total yards rushing before halftime.
Things continued to go Alexandria’s way after halftime. Thompson-to-Gorghuber kept rolling, this time for a 28-yard score, making it 35-14 Cardinals with 4:43 left in the third quarter.
“Offensively, we were able to do what we wanted to do, and that’s throw the ball,” said Alexandria coach Mike Empting. “We got time, Chase kept plays alive with his legs, and our receivers were winning their one-on-ones.”
Any hopes Owatonna’s had for a comeback were severely damaged when Theis left the game holding his right shoulder. He spent the remainder of the game on the sideline, his shoulder pads removed and his right arm in a sling.
Alexandria scored once more in the fourth quarter, when Thompson found Evan Klute for a 17-yard touchdown. Thompson finished the game 24-for-38 for 396 yards and five touchdowns.
Alexandria will play Elk River in the final at 4 p.m. Saturday. The teams played each other in the final game of the regular season, Elk River winning 44-34.