The Breckenridge Cowboys triumphed over the Murray County Central Rebels with a score of 28-21, securing a place in the Minnesota Class A football championship. The semifinal match took place at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on November 18, 2023. This victory marks Breckenridge’s first appearance in a state championship game since 1995.
Leading the charge for the Cowboys was senior running back David Erlandson, who showcased his exceptional talent throughout the game. Erlandson rushed for 123 yards and scored three touchdowns on 23 carries, while also contributing defensively with seven solo tackles. “It was a whole team effort,” said Erlandson. “My teammates took double teams, got buried to the ground, so I could get the grits and glamour.”
The decisive moment came late in the fourth quarter when Erlandson pushed his way into the end zone from just one yard out, capping off a 13-play, 91-yard drive. This touchdown, achieved at 1:51 remaining in regulation, gave Breckenridge a crucial 28-21 lead. The drive was initiated by Erlandson forcing a fumble from MCC, which was recovered by Kai McDonald at the Cowboys’ 9-yard line.
Breckenridge’s offense wasted no time, scoring quickly in the first quarter. A four-play, 64-yard drive concluded with a 30-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Riley Kappes to Charlie Kratcha, giving the Cowboys a 7-0 lead just 34 seconds into the game. The Rebels responded when running back Carson Lewis broke free for a 37-yard rushing touchdown, equalizing the score at 7-7.
In the second quarter, Breckenridge regained the lead with a one-yard touchdown run by Erlandson at 7:16 before Lewis tied the game again with a 4-yard rush at 1:17 in the half. Erlandson then scored his second touchdown with just one second left in the first half, darting into the end zone for another one-yard score, bringing the halftime score to 21-14 in favor of Breckenridge.
The third quarter saw Lewis notch his second touchdown, tying the game at 21-21 with a 3-yard run. Breckenridge’s defense played a pivotal role, forcing two fumbles during the game. “We’re going 120% every play, so it’s bound to happen,” said Cowboys defensive lineman Henry Slettedahl.
The Cowboys are set to face Minneota in the Prep Bowl XLIII Class A championship, scheduled for 10:00 on November 21, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium. Breckenridge head coach Carson Yaggie emphasized the importance of celebrating the victory while also refocusing for the upcoming challenge. “You celebrate tonight,” Yaggie said. “When we wake up tomorrow, we got a new mission. We got to refocus (and) reflect.”
Erlandson expressed gratitude for the support from their local fans, many of whom traveled over 200 miles to attend the game. “Every single person in our town is here,” he remarked. “I don’t think there’s a single person I couldn’t name. It’s just special.”
