Unbeaten Hudson is one victory away from claiming the Class A state championship.

The Pirates (12-0) are heading to next week's title game after dismantling Saint Ansgar, 41-17, in the semifinals of the Iowa High School Football Playoffs at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls Friday morning (Nov. 10, 2017).

Christian Seres ran for 197 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries, leading No. 3 Hudson to its first state championship game appearance since 1994, when they last won the title. Quarterback Jacob Murray completed 11 of 19 pass attempts for 165 yards and one score.

The Pirates rolled up 444 yards of offense as a team, and held Saint Ansgar to 358.

Hudson owned a 24-17 halftime edge following a back-and-forth first half. The Pirates extended their lead to 31-17 on their first possession of the second half, when they marched 74 yards to the end zone.

Saint Ansgar (11-1) had difficulty moving the ball in the second half against a squad that shutout its two previous playoff opponents and entered the semifinal allowing only five points per game. Two promising drives -- one in the third quarter and another in the fourth -- both ended in turnovers. Hudson defender Wes Geisler had a hand in both, recovering a fumble and intercepting a pass.

The loss was the first of the season for the ninth-ranked Saints, who were also undefeated a year ago when the fell to eventual state champion Gladbrook-Reinbeck in the semifinals.

Hudson is now on the cusp of winning its third championship in school history (1975 and 1994). Coach Justin Brekke's squad will make the short trip back to the UNI-Dome for the title game at 1:36 p.m. on Friday (Nov. 17).

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