A string of heartbreaking interceptions in the second half were too much for the Chippewa Valley Predators to overcome Saturday, as the defending Northern Elite Football League champions fell to the St. Paul Pioneers, 16-14, in the semifinal round of the playoffs.

The loss snapped a 20-game win streak for the Predators, a record dating back to 2009's unbeaten season. It also ends Chippewa Valley's run at back-to-back NEFL titles.

Down 9-7 at half, a sluggish Predators offense finally began to click in the third quarter, marching down to the St. Paul 15-yard line. However, Chippewa Valley quarterback Keldric Stokes' pass to the end zone was intercepted by Terry Jones, ending the drive.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Pioneers stretched their lead to nine on a 75-yard touchdown pass from Alex Neist to Reggie Houston that gave St. Paul a 16-7 lead. The Predators responded midway through the quarter with a 24-yard scoring strike from Stokes to Anthony Saincilaire to pull Chippewa Valley within 16-14.

A late interception from Stokes would set the Pioneers up in Predators territory, but St. Paul gave the ball right back on a fumble, setting Chippewa Valley up for a final drive. However, another pass from Stokes found its way to the opposite team, as Nate Beulah came up with a clinching interception with less than two minutes to play.

With the loss, the Predators finish the season at 9-1 overall, and 7-1 in the NEFL.