Coming into the game, years of frustration in this storied rivalry fueled the Cougars to come out hot and fast. The Mankato East offense used their passing game to control things early, putting a touchdown on the board. The game became a defensive stalemate with the possessions on both sides of the ball ending after 3 and outs. Following the mostly defensive half, the Scarlets changed up their offensive approach with a long touchdown pass to tie up the game with 3 minutes left in the 2nd quarter. The Cougar offense responded, however, with a methodical drive culminating in a touchdown on the ground to take a one score lead into halftime. The second half was all Cougars with their defense coming up big forcing fumbles and interceptions that set up their offense to capitalize and put points on the board. The game ended with a final recovered fumble by Mankato East on their own 20-yard line followed with a touchdown drive to give East the win in the 2025 Kato Jug game. The 28-7 victory will long be remembered by the Cougars who beat the Scarlets for the 2nd time in the last 3 meetings.