Recap: Burnsville’s Cory Kallstrom caught a pass from quarterback Kamal Martin on a quick slant and stretched across the goal line with 42 seconds left to give the Blaze (6-1) what Martin called a “statement win.” Fifth-ranked Burnsville (6-1) never led until that final touchdown. Its defense forced four turnovers by No. 3 Rosemount (6-1) and scored a touchdown on a 46-yard fumble return by Stephen Olson Jr. in the second quarter.

Key to the game: Burnsville’s final drive. With no timeouts and 1:59 left, the Blaze took over at the Irish 31 after a short punt and took its time. Martin hit Kallstrom at the 21, and then the Blaze ran the ball on the next two plays, reaching the 12. That’s when Martin passed to Kallstrom for the winning score.

Quote: “We believed. That’s what winners do: find ways to win.” — Burnsville’s Martin, who had two touchdown passes.

One thing to know: Alec Schimmel and Simon Hatlen, two top playmakers who accounted for both Irish TDs, left the game with injuries in the second quarter and did not return.

BRYCE EVANS
 

Burnsville’s Cory Kallstrom caught a quick slant from quarterback Kamal Martin and stretched across the goal line with 42 seconds left to give the Blaze a come-from-behind victory over No. 3 Rosemount Friday at home.

It was Martin's second touchdown pass of the night.

The fifth-ranked Blaze (6-1) never led until the game’s final minute. They overcame a series of mistakes — and an otherwise dominating defensive performance from the Irish (6-1) — to earn a statement victory over a perennial power.

Rosemount scored two touchdowns 54 seconds apart in the first quarter, and it look as though that would be all the Irish needed on a night when the Blaze offense mostly sputtered.

Burnsville forced turnovers on three consecutive possessions in the second quarter. But the Irish defense held the Blaze to just six points in that stretch. The only score came on a 46-yard fumble return by Burnsville’s Stephen Olson Jr.

Check back later for more on the game.