With a spot in the Northern Power Football League playoffs on the line, the Willmar Mustangs looked to be in good shape at halftime tied at 12.

Twenty-four minutes of football later, Willmar’s fate was sealed. Despite winning three more games than a season ago, the Mustangs’ 26-12 loss Saturday means no post-season football for the semi-pro team in its second year of existence.

South Metro, which comprises of players from Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville and Cottage Grove, as well as players from the defunct Farmington squad, scored two second-half touchdowns to clinch the final spot in the playoffs.

Willmar needed to win, or lose by six points or less after beating the Dragons 16-9 in week four.

“We’re pretty much a young team skill position wise besides (running back) David Blom. We have the ability to be successful in the league. We just need to get more people out to play. We went last year from one win to a .500 season this year. I’d say we’re going in the right track to be a playoff team,” Hutchinson native and Mustang wide receiver Josh Goebel said.

With the score tied entering the second half, the Mustangs had trouble finding room to run — something Willmar prides itself on.

Needing to attack the Dragons through the air, Mustangs quarterback Jackson Illies was intercepted three times, including one that went for the final six points midway through the fourth quarter.

Illies, who will be a senior at Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa High School this fall, was able to connect on six passes for 92 yards, including three receptions to Goebel.

Goebel finished the game with three receptions for 60 yards.

To read more about the Willmar Mustangs game, see Tuesday's print edition.

Eric Kraushar is the sports editor at the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sports@hutchinsonleader.com [2].