Wahpeton, ND, In a game that will be remembered as one of the most thrilling finishes in the MCAC, #3 Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) stunned #1 North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) with a dramatic 41-40 victory on October 18, securing the regular season MCAC title in the process.
The showdown between two powerhouse programs lived up to its billing, with both teams trading blows in a high-octane first half. RCTC and NDSCS each posted 14 points in both the first and second quarters, heading into halftime deadlocked at 28-28. The third quarter belonged to NDSCS, who surged ahead with 12 unanswered points, appearing to seize control of the game. But RCTC wasn’t done.
In the fourth quarter, the Yellowjackets mounted a gutsy comeback, scoring 13 points while shutting out the Wildcats. The decisive moment came late in the game when Jeiel Rolle Sanders intercepted a pass and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown, flipping the momentum and ultimately sealing the win. Sanders’ pick-six was one of two interceptions for RCTC, with Coaleon Johnson also contributing a 75-yard return.
Quarterback Devin Gonzalez led the Yellowjackets’ aerial attack, completing 25 of 53 passes for 332 yards and two touchdowns. His favorite targets were Tyheim McNeil, who racked up 120 yards and a touchdown on five catches, and Bobby Jackson, who added 113 yards on 10 receptions. Cole Thompson also found the end zone, contributing a key touchdown in the second quarter.
Despite being outgained in total offense—RCTC posted 400 yards to NDSCS’s 537—the Yellowjackets made the most of their opportunities. Their defense bent but didn’t break, forcing three turnovers and holding NDSCS scoreless in the final frame. T’Kyerian Gray anchored the defense with 12 total tackles, while Daniel Graham and King General Thompson each recorded half a sack.
On the ground, Kyron Burroughs led RCTC with 40 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Gonzalez added 10 yards on scrambles. Special teams also played a pivotal role, with Chase Karpowich going 5-for-5 on extra points and averaging 64.3 yards on kickoffs.
For NDSCS, quarterback Jacob Mattick threw for 335 yards and four touchdowns, connecting with Ishmael Emmanuel-Holloway for two scores and 155 yards. Michael Douglas Jr. and Tellise Clark Jr. combined for 190 rushing yards, but their efforts were undone by two costly fumbles and the late-game defensive collapse.
The win not only capped an undefeated regular conference season for RCTC but also solidified their status as MCAC champions. The Yellowjackets now turn their attention to the postseason, where they’ll look to continue their remarkable run. RCTC will have a first round bye in the playoffs, before hosting the semifals on Sunday, November 2nd.
