Pequot Lakes at Annandale

Preview

The Pequot Lakes Patriots scored two 4th quarter touchdowns to rally past Annandale and clinch a trip to US Bank Stadium.

It was a turnover filled first half as the teams combined for three interceptions and two lost fumbles. The Patriots, who committed three of the turnovers, relied on their defense and was able to hold off the Cardinals. Bryar Nordby picked off a pass and returned it to the Annandale 34 which set up the only score of the first half, an 11-yard run by Nordby. The conversion was good and Pequot Lakes lead 8-0 at the break.

Annandale switched things up with in the 3rd quarter and dominated, going on back-to-back scoring drives to take a 15-8 lead. The Patriots defense was able to get a stop as the 4th quarter began, and the offense got back on track. John Paul Elsenpeter capped off an 8-play, 65 yard drive with a 4-yard touchdown run, and the two-point conversion put Pequot Lakes up 16-15. After stopping Annandale on downs and both teams out of time outs, on a 4th and two play, Nordby busted through a seam and sprinted 41 yards for another score with 1:55 left.

Going for two to make it a two-possession game, Annandale was able to stop it to keep the margin at seven, 22-15. With one last chance and a penalty that backed them up, Annandale completed a pass on 3rd and long only to have the ball stripped by Landen Brill and recovered by the Patriots’ Blake Spiczka. Pequot Lakes took a knee and advances to the semifinals.

The Patriots (11-0) will face Dassel-Cokato (10-1) at US Bank Stadium Saturday 11/16. Pregame is set for 1:15pm on KLKS Talk 100.1 & rjbroadcasting.com.

Annandale finishes the season at 10-2, with their two losses to D-C and Pequot Lakes.