It was business as usual for Wabasso on Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The Rabbits used a strong defensive effort to outlast Ada-Borup/Norman County West 21-13 to advance to the Class 1A championship game for the first time.

“We have gotten great senior leadership,” Wabasso coach Joe Kemp said. “They have been nothing but business. They come in each week and say ‘We’ve got something to do.’ Now we have another week of work.”

Three seniors made big contributions for the Rabbits (13-0) against the previously unbeaten Cougars (12-1).

Cooper Taylor rushed for 128 yards and a touchdown and caught four passes for 93 yards and a touchdown to pace the Rabbits offense. On defense, Taylor also had one of the Rabbits’ three interceptions.

Colton Taylor, Cooper’s twin brother, contributed a 13-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter and converted three extra points.

Nick Altermatt threw a touchdown pass and had one of the Rabbits’ three interceptions.

The Rabbits, who led 7-3 at halftime, led 7-6 going into the fourth quarter. Colton Taylor’s touchdown and extra point gave the Rabbits a 14-6 lead. It capped a 10-play, 80-drive after a missed field goal try by the Cougars.

Cooper Taylor followed his brother’s touchdown with an interception that ended a Cougars’ drive at the Rabbits’ 8-yard line. On the Rabbits’ second play, Cooper Taylor broke free for a 50-yard run. He capped the nine-play, 92-yard drive with a 6-yard touchdown run to make it 20-6 with 2:47 left.

The Cougars scored a touchdown with 42 seconds left on a 21-yard pass from Jared Brainard to Brett Fetting. Brainard rushed for 118 yards and Vitor Vac Bitu Alves kicked field goals of 39 and 37 yards for the Cougars.

First report

Wabasso outlasted Ada-Borup/Norman County West 21-13 in a matchup of unbeatens in the Class 1A semifinals Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The Rabbits (13-0) led 7-6 going into the fourth quarter before scoring two touchdowns in the final 12 minutes to pull away from the Cougars (12-1).

The Cougars scored their only touchdown in the final minute of play but the Rabbits ran out the clock.

Cooper Taylor rushed for 128 yards and a touchdown and caught four passes for 93 yards and a touchdown to pace the Rabbits offense. On defense, Taylor also had one of the Rabbits’ three interceptions.

The Rabbits gained 336 yards on offense while the Cougars had 261.

The Cougars got two field goals from Vitor Vac Bitu Alves.

Check back later for more on the game,