South St. Paul didn’t waste much time taking the lead Saturday against Rocori. When the Packers lost the lead later in the game, they got it back in a hurry, too. This time they held on, securing a 19-14 victory and a berth in the Prep Bowl.

The Packers opened the game with a 40-second, three-play scoring drive, including a 61-yard run from quarterback Dan Pietruszewski and a 15-yard touchdown run from Malik Holmes.

“I saw an open lane, and I hit it,” Pietruszewski said.

Their second score was quick, too. Four plays and 51 yards ending with a quarterback sneak by Pietruszewski for a 13-0 lead in the first quarter.

But Rocori came back and took a 14-13 lead in the third quarter thanks to one of three South St. Paul fumbles. The Packers answered quickly with a 73-yard touchdown run from Pietruszewski to get the lead back, 19-14.

The teams went back and forth with possessions the rest of the way, but the Packers held on.

“I told you this would put a big smile on your face,” South St. Paul coach Chad Sexauer told his players after the game.

The Packers, making their third consecutive state tournament appearance, are looking for their first state title.

“Don’t be satisfied with just making it there,” Sexauer said.