#5 RCTC Football Stuns #3 Minnesota West in Thrilling 27–26 Comeback Victory
In one of the most dramatic turnarounds of the season, Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) pulled off a stunning upset over #3-ranked Minnesota West Community & Technical College, edging out a 27–26 victory on the road. The Yellowjackets overcame a 19-point deficit and a sluggish first half to deliver a statement win that showcased grit, resilience, and explosive playmaking.
Minnesota West came out firing, building a 26–7 lead by halftime behind a balanced offensive attack and a pair of touchdowns from quarterback Armon Vinson, including a scoring strike to Ethan Pridgen. The Bluejays looked poised for another win, but RCTC had other plans.
The second half belonged entirely to the Yellowjackets. RCTC’s defense tightened up, forcing three interceptions. Robert Hawkins, Trenton Bronaugh, and Coaleon Johnson each had picks, helping RCTC shut out Minnesota West over the final two quarters.
Offensively, RCTC leaned heavily on its ground game. Running back Kyron Burroughs was a workhorse, racking up 170 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown. Quarterback Devin Gonzalez added 55 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, including the go-ahead score in the fourth quarter that capped a 13-point third quarter surge and gave RCTC its first lead of the game.
Gonzalez also threw for 169 yards, spreading the ball to six different receivers. Tyheim McNeil led the receiving corps with 67 yards on five catches, while Jayden Homuth and Cam Miller each contributed big plays to keep drives alive.
Special teams played a crucial role in the win. Kicker Chase Karpowich went 3-for-4 on extra points and averaged 58.6 yards on kickoffs, helping RCTC control field position. Bobby Jackson added 41 yards on punt returns, and McNeil’s 52-yard kickoff return helped set up a key scoring drive.
Defensively, RCTC was relentless. Johnson led the team with 10 solo tackles, while King General Thompson and Daniel Graham combined for 2.5 sacks. The Yellowjackets forced two fumbles and recovered both, further stalling Minnesota West’s offense.
Despite being outgained in return yards and trailing in time of possession, RCTC’s opportunistic defense and explosive rushing attack proved decisive. Minnesota West’s three turnovers and inability to score in the second half ultimately sealed their fate.
This win marks a signature moment for RCTC’s season, knocking off a top-three opponent and showcasing the team’s potential heading into the final stretch. With momentum on their side and a resilient core, the Yellowjackets have firmly placed themselves in position for a high seed in the MCAC playoffs.
