Facing second down in the third overtime, Rosemount stopped trying to grind out yards and put the game on kicker Kenny Watkins.

Watkins booted the ball home from 25 yards to clinch a 24-21 victory Wednesday at Lakeville North. The Irish (7-1) earned a share of the East Metro White subdistrict title and might have overtaken the Panthers (7-1) for one of the four No. 1 seeds in the Class 6A playoff bracket. Section 3 coaches meet Thursday morning to vote on seeding.

For a senior who had never had a chance to kick a game-winner, Watkins made his first count for a great deal.

"I was feeling good tonight, feeling confident," Watkins said. "I was ready."

Lakeville North kicker Dylan Smith's 19-yard field goal attempt sail wide right at the end of regulation. Panthers coach Brian Vossen spread the blame, however. He said the team's "three legitimate chances" to close out the game fell short each time — a hard but valuable lesson.

"Anyone who saw the game knows we had it and we blew it," Vossen said. "I imagine we'll be a No. 2 seed now, but if you're going to lose — lose now, not later."

With the score tied 7-7 entering overtime, the teams turned to their playmakers. Wade Sullivan put the Panthers ahead 14-7 on his 26th rushing touchdown of the season. The Irish drew even with Griffin Lanoue's 12-yard touchdown catch on fourth down.

"We ran a wheel post, and I had complete trust in the call and in Cody [Hogan] to make the throw," Lanoue said.

With the score tied 21-21 after two extra sessions, Lakeville took the ball and proceeded to go backward. Rosemount outside linebacker Dan Johnson helped tackle Panthers ball carriers for losses on second and third down. A fourth-down end zone heave fell incomplete.

Two plays later, Watkins ended the game and the regular season for Rosemount on a high note.

Sullivan carried the ball more than 40 times Wednesday but Rosemount's stout defense limited him to just 130 yards.

"He's got to be either No. 1 or No. 2 in terms of the best player we've faced," Johnson said. "We had to contain him and not let him get to the edge."

David La Vaque • 612-673-7574