Class AAAA Semifinals Kasson-Mantorville 24, Becker 20
Posted: Thursday, November 18, 2021 - 7:35 PM
In the matter of moments Thursday night, the Kasson-Mantorville football had visions flash before them, images that ranged from its season ending to being on the verge of program history.
The KoMets completed the reversal of fortune when senior quarterback Matthew Donovan hit senior running back Brooks Buchanan on a wide-open 7-yard scoring play with nine seconds remaining in regulation time to lift Kasson-Mantorville to a 24-20 victory. The win sends the KoMets (9-3) into a Prep Bowl Championship game for the first time in 11 state tournament appearances. Donovan powered the fourth-quarter surge by accounting for two rushing touchdowns and throwing the winner to Buchanan. He finished with 134 yards on 25 attempts and threw for another 66 yards
Just moments earlier, it was Becker (11-1) that thought it might be destined to play for another championship in its storied history. Sophomore kicker Zachary Bengtson buoyed those hopes when he made a 26-yard field goal with 1:30 remaining in regulation. But Kasson-Mantorville answered with a 12-play, 80-yard drive that hit a crescendo on 3rd and 4 from the seven.
Senior fullback Carter Callahan spurred Becker with 106 yards on 18 carries. Junior quarterback Ryan Bengtson chipped in 10-of-18 completions for 132 yards and two touchdowns.