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NICOLLET - Stephen-Argyle is accustomed to playing in the Minnesota State Prep Bowl.

The Storm have won six 9-man state titles including five straight from 2003 to 2007.

Nicollet has been to state just three times and were runners-up in its two previous appearances.

But what the Raiders lack in experience, they make up with determination.

"We are at that point where we aren't just happy to be there," Nicollet coach Tom Murphy said. "We beat a very good Ada-Borup team [in the state semifinals] and our objective [today] is to win a state championship."

Finishing second in the other two trips makes the Raiders that much hungrier this time around.

"I feel extremely fortunate to be able to do this for the third time," Nicollet coach Tom Murphy said. "I would really like to win it this time - not to take second again - that will be our goal and our focus this week.

"I never expected this, that's not to take anything away from the kids. I think it's always in the back of your mind if you have a good year, something like this could happen."

It's Nicollet's third trip to state. The Raiders advanced to the championship in 1999 [an 18-8 loss to Stephen-Argyle] and 2002, which they lost to Verndale 24-14.

They hope the third time is a charm when they open the Prep Bowl at 10 a.m. today against Stephen-Argyle at the Metrodome.

"Every time we've gone, we have played Stephen-Argyle [Nicollet beat Stephen-Argyle in the 2002 semifinals]," Murphy said. "It's a pretty good deal that each time you play Stephen-Argyle because it means you don't play them until the semifnals or finals and you are playing them in the Dome."

In Nicollet's two previous games in this year's state playoffs, the Raiders have had to overcome late deficits to win.

They rallied to defeat Grand Meadow 35-28 in the quarterfinals and then came back to defeat Ada-Borup 36-35 in the semifinals to advance to today's state championship.

"We've played two just unbelievable games," Murphy said. "My perfect scenario would be for us to get ahead and hold it this time. But there is no guarantee that will happen.

"The nice thing is that our kids have the confidence that they can come back. But I would prefer not to find out again if we can do it again."

Stephen-Argyle got to this game by defeating Orr 45-16 in the quarterfinals and Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley 21-18 in the semifinals.

The Storm are led by Evan Schindele, who has rushed for 1,108 yards on the season. Jamison St. Germain has gained 857 yards on the year.

They also have a passing game with quarterback John Safranski going 31-for-76 for 799 yards.

"Stephen-Argyle has a nice team," Murphy said. "They are as well coached as anybody in the state. You don't win however many Prep Bowls like they have with out that being the case. And they've won something like 75 of the last 78 games, but I would like to start another Stephen-Argyle losing streak."

Few would have expected Nicollet to even make it to this game based on the state of the program just a few years ago.

The Raiders lost 18 straight games - going winless in 2005 and 2006 - before going 2-7 in 2007.

"Small towns will go through those cycles," Murphy said. "It's not a groups' fault or anything. These kids could have continued to do the status quo and struggle. We had to change what we were doing. We changed how we prepared and the work and time that we put in."

Last year Nicollet improved to 4-6 and advanced to Section 2 championship game.

"Our kids worked extremely hard to get ready for this season and this justifies all of the time that they put in," Murphy said. "When things get tough and you decide to put in some hard work you will realize there is a benefit to working hard."

The hard work has brought the Raiders full circle and now they will have a chance to play for that elusive state title.

"What a great way for our seniors to finish out their careers," Murphy said. "I hope the underclassmen enjoy it but also realize that they need to work harder because there will be targets on our back. But hey, that's next year, and we will deal with that then."