Minnesota Duluth wins D-II crown

The celebration was just the beginning for Minnesota Duluth coach Bob Nielson and his team Saturday when the inevitable question was asked about what it means to the university to have won its first NCAA Division II football championship.

“I guess it means we’re not a hockey school anymore,” Nielson said as players around him began laughing.

Ted Schlafke threw for two touchdowns to lead Minnesota Duluth to its first NCAA Division II football championship with a 21-14 win over Northwest Missouri State at Florence, Ala.

The Bulldogs (15-0) had never won a Division II playoff football game before this season.

Northwest Missouri (13-2) lost in the championship game for the fourth consecutive season.

Division III semifinals

Mount Union 45, Wheaton 24: At Alliance, Ohio, Nate Kmic gained 310 yards and scored three touchdowns to become college football’s career rushing leader and lift the Purple Raiders (14-0) to a win over the Thunder (11-3).

Wisconsin-Whitewater 39, Mary Hardin-Baylor 13: At Belton, Texas, Jeff Donovan threw for three touchdowns to lead the defending national champion Warhawks (13-1) past the Crusaders (12-2).

Saturday’s winners will meet for the fourth year in a row for the championship.