Rochester, MN - The MCAC football playoffs got off to a rip-roaring start on Saturday as the #2 seed RCTC Yellowjackets took on the #7 seed Bluejays of MN West at the Rochester Regional Stadium.  A back and forth game saw the Jackets take 31-28 lead in the last minute of the game to secure the win and advance to the second round.

RCTC got off to a quick start leading 10-0 early and then 17-7 at the half. From there the game got interesting as MN West scored the noext 14 points to take a 21-17 lead.  The Jackets then recalimed the lead in the third quarter 24-21.  The Bluejays then scored with under 2 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter to lead 28-24.  The Jackets Joseph Russell then expertly lead RCTC down the field for the game-winning touchdown with 19 seconds remaining and sent the Jackets on to the semifinals.

RCTC got 484 yards of total offense including 401 yards passing ad 3 TD's from Russell.  He was 31-51 in the game.  Tony Edwards III had 13 catches for 181 yards receiving.  Jaylen Williams had 5 grabs for 76 yards and a TD, while Cam Miller added 6 catches for 6o yards and a score.  Luke Sigler also had 6 grabs for 53 yards and a TD.  Barry Kpeenu rushed for 55 yards on 13 carries, while Austin LeFlay had a 1 yard TD run.

RCTC had 7 sacks in the game, lead by Tri Ginn and Javieane Stevens with 2.5 each.  Tayjhon Turley had a solo sack, while Carter Ellis and Jaxson Carrington picked up a half a sack each.  Ellis lead the Jackets with 9 tackles in the game.  Jah'Quii Roberts had 7 tackles, while Aspen Hataway added 6.

RCTC will now host #3 seed Mesabi Range on Sunday, October 27th.  Kick-off is set for 1:30pm at the Regional Stadium.  The winner will advance to the MCAC title game at St. Cloud State University.