Breckenridge secures state tournament berth after defeating Parkers Prairie
The top-seeded Cowboys weathered a late comeback to win 21-14 at the FARGODOME, claiming their second consecutive Section 6A championship.
By Nadia Rahman ·
Breckenridge football players earned their place in the Minnesota state tournament following a 21-14 victory over Parkers Prairie on Saturday. The game took place at the FARGODOME in Fargo, marking the Cowboys' second straight Section 6A title.
The top-seeded team established control early. Senior quarterback Riley Kappes connected with Connor Ernst for a first down, setting up a scoring drive that ended with senior wingback Avery Smith finding the edge for a touchdown. The Cowboys led 6-0 after Parkers Prairie blocked the extra point attempt.
Breckenridge extended its lead in the second quarter. Senior running back Joey Lopez carried the offense into the red zone, and Kappes scored on a keeper. He then ran in a two-point conversion to make the score 14-0. Later in the quarter, Lopez scored again on a sideline run, giving Breckenridge a three-point lead at halftime.
Defensive plays helped maintain the advantage before the break. Jordan Bushman intercepted a pass from Parkers Prairie's Nolan Boesl along the sideline, preserving the Cowboys' momentum.
Parkers Prairie mounted a late rally in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. The Panthers closed the gap to 21-14, but Breckenridge held onto the lead to secure the win and advance to the state tournament.
