MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (KKWS/KNSP)— The Staples-Motley Cardinals are heading to the Prep Bowl for the first time since 1988 after defeating the Chatfield Gophers 36-24 in a thrilling Class 2A State Semifinal at U.S. Bank Stadium on Friday night.

Led by an explosive offense and a dominant second-half defensive performance, the Cardinals remain undefeated this season at 12-0. Running back Colbe Tappe was the star of the night, racking up 185 total yards and four touchdowns, including a pivotal 51-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

The Cardinals offense struck quickly, scoring touchdowns on their first four drives to take a commanding 30-14 lead. But the Gophers would hang around, closing the gap to 30-22 at the halftime break.

After combining for 52 points in the first half, both teams would combine for eight in the second half: a one-yard Tappe touchdown for Staples-Motley, and a Chatfield recorded a safety on snap on a Cardinals punt that sailed out of the back of the endzone. The Cardinals’ defense took over in the second half, holding Chatfield to just 69 yards and forced two turnovers.

Staples-Motley will face Jackson County Central in the Prep Bowl on Friday, Nov. 22, at 4 p.m. The Cardinals, who were winless just two seasons ago, now stand one victory away from their first-ever state championship.

SCORING:

Chatfield 6 16 0 2 – 24

Staples-Motley 16 14 6 0 – 36

SCORING PLAYS:

Q1-

SM – Tappe 1-yd TD run (Rutten to Schultz 2PT) 7:04

SM – Kuhns 7-yd rec TD from Rutten (Rutten to Beachy 2PT) 3:41

CHAT – Carrier 26-yd TD run (2PT field) 1:18

Q2-

SM – Tappe 14-yd rec TD from Rutten (2PT railed) 9:52

CHAT – McMahon 21-yd rec TD from Rowland (Rowland to Carrier 2PT) 7:16

SM – Tappe 51-yd TD run (Rutten to Tyrell 2PT) 5:41

CHAT – Carrier 54-yd rec from Rowland (Rowland to Carrier 2PT) 4:50

Q3-

SM – Tappe 1-yd TD run (2PT failed) 0:39

Q4-

CHAT – Safety 7:05

TEAM STATISTICS

Rushing: SM 41-192, CHAT 34-150

Passing: 13/19, 192; CHAT 8/18, 171

Total: SM 60-387, CHAT 52-321