As if Lakeville North and Lakeville South weren't close enough in everything from proximity to style of play, overtime was needed between the two football teams Saturday at South.

In a Class 5A, Section 1 semifinal, Dajon Newell's 3-yard touchdown run on North's third play in the extra session won the game 12-6 for the Panthers.

It is North's first victory over its crosstown rival since Lakeville added a high school five years ago.

"Rather than wish, these kids showed they can," North coach Mike Zweber said. "I don't know how we got through it -- we had plenty of things we could have done better."

True, the third-seeded Panthers (8-2) were flagged for a mountain of penalties, stalled on a host of drives and in the second quarter had an 8-yard punt.

But when your defense shines as North's did Saturday, there's plenty to smile about.

South, the second seed, opened with a 15-play, 84-yard drive but was halted at the 1. North's defense three times stopped South (7-3) on plays inside the 3.

It remained scoreless until North broke through on a 26-yard run by Newell with 6 minutes, 50 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The kick missed low.

Just when it looked like South was going to answer, again North's defense shored up. On the ensuing drive, the Cougars again stalled at the 1.

South quarterback Gavin Duecker did score from a yard out on the next drive early in the fourth quarter, but the kick was blocked.

South had the first overtime possession, but a pair of Panthers sacks thwarted any momentum.