By Sarah K. Simon
Cook County fell to Kittson County Central (KCC) at Grand Rapids High School in the State 9-Player Football quarterfinals on November 6, ending both the Vikings’ undefeated run and their season.
The Bearcats quickly took control, scoring on the first play of the game with a 71-yard touchdown run. Just a few minutes later, they struck again on a 22-yard run followed by an extra point. By the end of the first quarter, KCC led 35-0.
In the second quarter, the Bearcats added two more touchdowns, bringing the score to 49-0. Cook County held them scoreless from that point on but couldn’t find the end zone themselves.
KCC entered the matchup with an undefeated record of their own. They’ll face Fergus Falls Hillcrest Lutheran Academy on November 13 at U.S. Bank Stadium in the state semifinal.
It was the Vikings’ first trip to the state tournament in nearly two decades, a milestone that capped a standout season for the program. Though their run has come to an end, few would argue they proved themselves a force to be reckoned with and a team that will be fun to watch in seasons to come.
