Dublin "Rocks" Logan, 20-14
All good things must come to an end. Saturday, in front of the largest crowd in the history of Bill Sauer Field, Logan, undersized and undermanned battled Dublin Coffman to the final second. The boys from Logan never quit, and showed why they are the biggest winners in the state this season. This year's Seniors proved once again, that heart, leadership, and determination can overcome all odds. But turnovers are a thing that cannot happen in big games, and the Chiefs learned this the hard way on Saturday night.
It was, as Logan fans have come accustomed to all season, a defensive struggle. Dublin Coffman's Defense took control on Defense in the first quarter, taking over the field position battle. Logan starter from their own 22, but would not get a first down. Dublin would start their first possession on the 50-yard line. Playing the LONG field would plague Logan all night.
Both teams punted back and forth the whole first quarter, as only one first down was achieved by the Chiefs, the only one for either team. The first break of the game would go Logan's way.
A bad snap to Coffman's punter resulted in a blocked punt, and the Chiefs took over on the Shamrock 30. Several plays later, Alex Penrod hooked up with Jason Dicken for a 10-yard score, Adam Puhl added the PAT and the Chiefs took a 7-0 lead. The lead would last six minutes.
The 'Rocks would finally break through with a 22-yard TD pass from Brady Quinn to Ndukwe. It was a 5-play 49-yard drive. The score was tied at 7.
On Logan's next series disaster struck. Alex Penrod was intercepted. After a 21-yard pass to Brandon Barcus, a 19-yard TD run by Gabe Manella put the Rocks on top for good.
The teams went into the locker room with the Rocks leading 14-7.
The third quarter was another defensive battle. But halfway through the period disaster struck for the second time. Alex Penrod was picked off for a second time. But the Chieftain D held tough, and held Dublin to a 45-yard field goal. Dublin led 17-7.
Logan answered right away though. They marched down the field and got to a first and goal from the ten yard line. But several plays later it was 4th and goal, and Logan was forced to attempt a field goal. However, Puhl's kick sailed wide left, and Logan came away with nothing. That brought the end of the third quarter.
Early in the fourth quarter Logan had another big chance to score. Logan ran a trick play that saw Matt Mong take the ball, roll left, and then hook up with Jeremy Coakley streaking down the sideline. The play was to 64 yards, but then a great defensive play cause Coakley to fumble. Several players had a great chance to pick it up, but it was kicked to the 15 yard line where Dublin recovered. Dublin proceeded to drive down the field and score another field goal, putting the Shamrocks on top 20-7.
Logan wasn't done yet. Two big passing plays, a 22-yard pass to Mong and a 34-yard pass to Jason Dicken gave Logan a first and goal on the Shamrock 8. Logan would not be denied. Derek Harden scored the final touchdown of his Varsity career, as Logan closed the gap to 20-14.
Out of time-outs, Logan was unable to recover the onside kick. They took over with just 12 seconds remaining. On first down Penrod fired to Kratzenburg to attempt a spot pass, but the ball sailed out of bounds. On second down the Rocks snuck two players into the backfield, and sacked Penrod, ending the game.
Logan fought to the last second, but turnovers were a killer.
Logan gained 277 yards in the game to Dublin's 151 yards. Alex Penrod was 14-28 for 198 yards and a TD with 2 interceptions. Brady Quinn of Dublin was 6-17 for 90 yards and a TD.
Matt Mong caught 5 passes for 86 yards, and threw for 64. Jeremy Coakley caught 5 passes for 94 yards. Three Logan turnovers were their downfall.
Player of the game for week 11, goes to all 16 Seniors. This group has worked so hard to achieve all of their goals, and they did it. Alex Penrod, Derek Harden, Matt Mong, Colt Thompson, Max Resler, Jeremy Coakley, Chaz Kline, Nic Irwin, Matt Fullerton, Michael Brandon, Chad Kratzenburg, Trent Woodgeard, Adam Puhl, Andy Martin, Andy Lambert, and Dosty Hedges.
Thanks for the ride.
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