Hayfield's chances at qualifying for the postseason came down to its season-finale with Kenyon-Wanamingo for the second consecutive year, and the Vikings emerged victorious -- again -- with an 18-6 triumph Wednesday night in Kenyon.

James O'Connor rushed for 152 yards and two touchdowns as Hayfield (1-7, 1-4) earned its first win of the season at the last possible moment. Kenyon-Wanamingo (0-8, 0-5) ended the year with a loss to the Vikings -- again.

"We'd been down this road before," said Hayfield coach Vince Reynolds. "The kids responded well."

The Vikings kept the ball on the ground and gained 193 yards behind O'Connor, who is closing in on the school's career rushing record with at least one game left to play. Hayfield travels to Blooming Prairie (6-2) Tuesday night in the opening round of Section 2AA playoff action.

"We'll just play the games we've got to play," Reynolds said. "I'm proud of the guys. They've really overcome some things and kept their heads up."

Kenyon-Wanamingo struck first with its second-quarter touchdown, but Hayfield came right back on the following possession. O'Connor capped the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run, and George Evjen netted the extra-point kick for a 7-6 lead.

Evjen nailed a 38-yard field goal midway through the third quarter and Hayfield rolled the rest of the way.

"That gave us a little spark, we really came alive after that," Reynolds said. "For us I think that was the turning point of the game."

The field-goal attempt was Hayfield's first of the season.

Evjen, a defensive back, also had seven total tackles, an interception on K-W's first passing attempt, and a fumble recovery. Carl Bamlet had six tackles, one quarterback sack and a fumble recovery.

O'Connor scored on a 4-yard run to lift the Vikings to the final 18-6 score later in the third quarter.

O'Connor has 690 yards rushing this season despite missing two games at the beginning of the year. His career total of 1,790 yards is 73 shy of the school record (1,863) held by Chris Steele, who played in 1992-93.