Breckenridge’s season opener on the road against Otter Tail Central came down to an extra point in the final minutes. The extra point sailed wide right with the Cowboys trailing 28-27 and the Bulldogs ran the clock out when they got the ball back to claim the 28-27 victory in Battle Lake on Thursday, Sept. 1.
It was the second year in a row that OTC bested Breckenridge in the season opener.
Cam Nieto, who ran for over 200 yards when the Cowboys ended the Bulldogs’ season last year, was the star of the show again in the season opener. The senior running back went for 122 yards and a trio of touchdowns on 23 carries. His scores came from distances of 17, 7 and 8 yards.
Gavin Pederson also found the end zone, bulldozing in from three yards out to make it a 14-14 game heading into halftime. The senior had 84 yards on 20 carries.
Bailey Evans went 6-9 for 67 yards in the loss, tossing a pair of interceptions with one of them being taken to the house.
The Bulldogs, who have earned a reputation for their formidable rushing attack nearly every season, scored all of their offensive touchdowns through the air. Jack Mekalson finished the day 6-10 for 187 yards and a trio of TDs.
Breckenridge is on the road again with a 7 p.m. Friday game against Parkers Prairie.
