ROCHESTER – The rain may have moved out of the area before kickoff, but Apple Valley’s football team still brought plenty of thunder Friday night — rumbling to a 35-29 victory over Rochester John Marshall.

The season opener between two Class 5A rivals featured highlight-reel plays, game-changing turnovers and a frantic finish that left the Rockets just short in front of their home crowd.

Apple Valley senior quarterback Quieris Barnslater showcased his dual-threat ability, throwing for one touchdown and running for another while powering an Eagles ground attack that wore down the John Marshall defense in the second half.

But it wasn’t always easy for the Eagles, who had two first-half drives deep in Rockets territory stall out following turnovers.

Trailing 14-7 going into the second half, the Eagles got the spark they needed when Tylan Ward took the opening kickoff sideline to sideline for an 80-yard score to tie the game. They scored again minutes later after an interception by linebacker Colten Himmelwright led to a rushing touchdown from Malik Quadri.

The Rockets, like they did much of the second half, responded quickly, with an impressive 22-yard rushing touchdown from Arsene Lukong. But turnovers continued to plague the Rockets in the second half; they finished with five total, the last of which led to a 5-yard rushing touchdown by Barnslater.

John Marshall mounted a late rally when quarterback Savy Vath found receiver Trey Ruffin for a 5-yard touchdown toward the end of the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to six. But on their final possession, in Eagles territory with seconds remaining, the Rockets were unable to get the final snap off.

The final score was nearly identical to last year’s result — only flipped. John Marshall won 35-28 in Apple Valley to open the 2024 season.