Totino-Grace parlayed a big halftime lead into a 30-21 victory over Orono in the state semifinals Friday, giving the Eagles an appearance in the Class 4A championship game against Becker at next week’s Prep Bowl.
Fourth-quarter field goals push Totino-Grace into Class 4A Prep Bowl
Marquel Keten rushes for 189 yards and a touchdown while catching two passes for 29 yards for Totino-Grace, which put up 405 yards of total offense against Orono.
Marquel Keten rushed for 189 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for 29 yards for Totino-Grace, which put up 405 yards of total offense.
Totino-Grace defeated Orono during the regular season, winning a low-scoring 11-8 decision on Oct. 4.
Friday was a far different affair.
Both teams moved the ball efficiently for most of the game, but it was a spurt toward the end of the second quarter that proved decisive. Trailing 7-3, Totino-Grace scored 21 points in a span of six minutes, turning the deficit into a 24-7 halftime lead. The Eagles had chunk-yardage plays of 71, 20 and 64 yards during the 21-point rally.
Keten capped the scoring run with a 64-yard scoring play with 10 seconds remaining before halftime.
“This game was just as physical,” said Totino-Grace coach Jay Anderson, comparing it to the Eagles’ first game against Orono. “Our guys just did a great job of making plays.”
Orono responded in kind after halftime. The Spartans scored twice in the third quarter, pulling to within three — 24-21 — on short runs by Franklin Stevenson and Charles Cordes.
“I knew our guys would respond,” Orono coach Joe McPherson said. “We just needed a break or two.”
But Totino-Grace maintained their lead thanks to the leg of left tackle Jimmy McNeil. McNeil, who doubles as the Eagles kicker, made consecutive 36-yard field goals in the fourth quarter to help keep Orono at bay.
“We’re always confident in Jimmy,” Eagles quarterback Jake Person said. “He’s got a big leg, and he’s got ice in his veins.”
Totino-Grace (12-0) will make its first championship game appearance since winning the Class 6A state championship in 2016. The Eagles dropped to Class 4A after the 2023 season.
Orono finished the season 9-3.
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