2024 Football, Class AAA Semifinals: Dassel-Cokato 29, Pequot Lakes 26
Posted: Saturday, November 16, 2024 - 5:55 PM
Things were looking bright for the Pequot Lakes football team on Saturday, Nov. 16 during the Class AAA semifinals of the Minnesota State High School League’s Football State Tournament at U.S. Bank Stadium. Not only were the Patriots seeking their first-ever berth in a Prep Bowl Championship Game, but Pequot Lakes held a 19-point lead over Dassel-Cokato midway through the third quarter.
The Chargers, on the other hand, knew what it takes to get to a championship game. After all, they were the Class AAA runner-up in 2019 and the champion in 2021.
In a stunning reversal, Dassel-Cokato stormed back with a 22-point surge to post a 29-26 victory. Senior running back Kobee Thielen capped the rally on a 6-yard scoring run with 47 seconds remaining in regulation. Moments later, senior receiver Ryder Barrick made an acrobatic catch on a pass from senior Cole Veith to complete the all-important two-point conversion play that gave the Charges (11-1) a three-point advantage.
Pequot Lakes (11-1) was not able to muster a comeback of its own as time expired when the Patriots were near midfield.
Thielen finished with two touchdowns as did senior running Caleb Smock. Veith rushed for 113 yards, Thielen had 85 and Smock chipped in 77.
Senior quarterback Mike Oseland powered the Patriots with 212 passing yards and three touchdowns.
