Game recap: Osseo 17, Prior Lake 14

Recap: It was Osseo's night for redemption. The margin of victory as the Orioles downed Prior Lake 17-14 came on a 34-yard field goal by junior kicker Elliot Kane — who had missed two field goals in the first half — with 2 minutes, 3 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter Friday night.

"My coaches have faith in me and that means a lot," Kane said after Osseo clinched a berth in the Class 6A state tournament. "I said to myself, 'I can hit this.' It was in my range. I knew I would make it."

That Kane had the chance to kick the game-winner was a testament to Osseo's defense, which was on its heels for much of the second half. The Orioles forced a Prior Lake fumble on their own 3-yard line midway through the fourth quarter when it appeared the Lakers were destined to score the go-ahead touchdown. Osseo then drove 70 yards, leading to Kane's game-winning boot.

Key of the game: Osseo's defense, which withstood the physical Prior Lake offense and forced three turnovers.

Quote: "We knew it was do or die down at the goal line. We kept pursuing to the ball and made things happen. We got it done tonight." — Osseo linebacker Andrew Lanners

One thing to know: With the victory, Osseo qualified for the state football tournament for the first time in 19 years.

JIM PAULSEN