Thriller in Elk River: ROCORI Football Cashes In Late To Win Heavyweight Fight, Earn Trip To US Bank Stadium

(KNSI) – Calling the Legion of Doom. What a rush!

Grant Tylutki scored on a sweep from nine yards out with 44.6 seconds left, and Andy Pedroza added the PAT to give ROCORI a narrow 28-27 win in the Class AAAA state quarterfinal round.

The battle of the Spartans was a fitting follow-up to a nail-biting regular season finale between the two teams. Much like the October 18th tilt, Orono had the advantage in the first half.

ROCORI got on the board initially with an 11-yard scamper from Christian Rodriguez. The turnover bug caught up to ROCORI after that, though. Quarterback Will Steil threw a pick-six and fumbled twice. At the break, Orono had a 21-7 edge.

Steil bounced back. He ran in untouched on a keeper from 38 yards out to make it 21-13. The extra point was pulled wide, but ROCORI kept the pressure on. Steil converted through the air on 4th & 16, finding Grant Tylutki for a 26-yard score. The two-point conversion was successful, and the game was even at 21.

Orono kept their composure. A lengthy drive ended with a 1-yard quarterback sneak from Charlie Cordes. He stretched his 6’3″ frame across the goal line, but Orono went for two and failed. Only leading by six, they opened themselves up to the ROCORI go-ahead score.

Class AA

Eden Valley-Watkins 60, Moose Lake/Willow River 0: Complete domination. Quarterback Noah Geislinger shined. He had a part in the first seven Eagle touchdowns. Video game numbers, too. He ran it in from 68 and 75 yards. His scoring throws included 55 and 56-yard strikes.

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