Top-seeded Murray County Central remained undefeated as the Rebels beat fourth-seeded Martin County West 20-10 in the semifinals of the Section 3A football playoffs Saturday in Slayton.
The Mavericks got on the board first as a 24-yard field by Brandon Bagwell gave MCW a 3-0 first-quarter lead.
MCC would take the before the first quarter ended on a six-yard touchdown run by Carter Benda. The try for two was not good.
The Rebels still led 6-3 at halftime before scoring two TDs in the third quarter.
Abram Paulzine scored from six yards out and then Benda scored his second touchdown, this one from four yards out.
MCW got its final points in the fourth quarter with Christian Bachenberg throwing a five-yard TD pass to Tanner Sinn, with Bagwell kicking the PAT.
Both teams were stingy on defense.
Martin County West had 273 yards offense (83 rushing and 190 passing), while Murray County Central had 247 yards (144 on the ground and 103 in the air).
Bachenberg was 16-for-29 passing for 215 yards. He was the team’s top rusher with 31 yards on six carries.
Sinn caught five passes for 72 yards and Zach Anderson four for 74 yards.
Wyatt Williamson was credited with 14 tackles for the Mavericks. Max Olson and Jacob Fiala had eight apiece.
MCW ends its season with a 6-4 record.
MCC (10-0) plays Tracy-Milroy-Balaton (8-2) in the championship game at 2 p.m. Friday in Marshall. The Panthers beat Springfield 29-19 in the other semifinal.