Breckenridge is moving on to the state semifinals for the first time since 2001. The Cowboys exploded for 28 points in the opening quarter on their way to a 57-14 win over the Barnum Bombers to open up the Minnesota State 1A Tournament.
David Erlandson went for a hat trick of touchdowns to make it a 21-0 game. The senior star claimed sole possession of the single-season rushing touchdown record on his way to 110 yards on nine carries. While his first score from five yards out broke the single-season mark, his third TD of the day from 46 yards put him at No. 1 for career rushing touchdowns. His 32 rushing touchdowns broke the record of 31 held by Chad Desjarlais, who also shared the single season record with Mike Klindt. Erlandson is two shy of his brother Stephen Erlandson for single-season total touchdowns (23).
Junior quarterback Riley Kappes was also up to the century mark by halftime with 116 yards on six carries. He had one score and also threw a touchdown to Cooper Roberts from 23 yards out. The big-play receiver hauled in five passes for 65 yards as Kappes was 8-10 through the air for 92 yards.
Avery Smith and Joel Lopez also had rushing scores in the lopsided victory. The final nail in the coffin was an 89-yard kick return touchdown by freshman Colton Awender.
The starting defense was pitching a shutout when they let the reserves take over midway through the third. Roberts recovered a fumble and Charlie Kratcha nabbed an interception while Aidan Sanchez came away with an onside kick.
Friday’s game in Morris was the final outdoor game of the year as Breckenridge heads to US Bank Stadium for an 11:30 a.m. semifinal clash with Murray County Central. The Section 3A champion Rebels moved on with a 29-26 win over Fillmore Central.
Minneota and Mahnomen-Waubun are slotted in the 9 a.m. game after the top-seeded Vikings took down Lester Prairie 42-6 and the Thunderbirds held off Upsala-Swanville for a 17-8 win.
Tune into the State Semifinal matchup on B92.7 FM.
