Dover pulls off an epic comeback to upset Tri-Valley
By: Louis Marko
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DRESDEN, Ohio (WOUB) – The #11 Dover Crimson Tornadoes traveled to face the #3 Tri-Valley Scotties in a Region 11, Round 2 playoff matchup.
Dover looked to build off their dominant upset against #6 Granville last week, while the Scotties were looking to continue their own domination after their victory over #14 Carrollton.
The Scotties kicked things with their pass game and quickly scored by way of a 40-yard passing touchdown from quarterback Max Lyall to wide receiver Ryan Lamonica, making it 7-0 in a little over a minute into the game.
Another score for the Scotties would come quickly as after a Dover punt. They mixed in some rushing offense and capped their second drive with a 6-yard rushing touchdown from running back Isaiah Doyle. In a flash, it was 14-0 to Tri-Valley.
The 1st Quarter was a story of Tri-Valley dominance, despite a Dover punt that landed at their 2-yard line, The Scotties went 98 yards down the field culminating with Max Lyall sneaking in for a touchdown, extending the lead to 21 at the end of the 1st.
Once it seemed like it was going to be a long night for the Tornadoes, they immediately flipped the switch in the 2nd.
Dover finally got on the scoreboard with a one-yard rushing touchdown from quarterback Jack Judkins, making it 21-7.
After the defense stepped up and forced a punt, the Tornadoes quickly drove down the field on their next drive and score again by way of an 8-yard passing touchdown from Jack Judkins to running back Justice Hughes. It cut down their deficit to 21-14 in an instant.
The Scotties came right back on their next drive however, as a 16-yard touchdown pass from Max Lyall to Keaton Haun got them back on the board and made it 28-14. That would be the score going into halftime.
The second half had a wild start as Tri-Valley would intercept Dover, then give the ball right back to the Tornadoes through a fumble on the ensuing drive.
Dover did not waste their second drive of the half as Judkins would have a 13-yard touchdown to pull the Tornadoes within one score, 28-21.
Both teams went back and forth for the rest of the 3rd quarter as Max Lyall would find Keaton Haun again for a touchdown. Jack Judkins would once again rush it in on Dover’s ensuing drive.
It was 35-28 heading into the 4th.
The Tornadoes forced a fumble within the first three minutes, giving them the opportunity to tie.
The offense was so close in doing so, as Jack Judkins would find Justice Hughes for an electric 30 yard passing touchdown. But a penalty after the play would push the extra point back, and kicker Jameston Marlatt missed. Tri-Valley would cling to a 35-34 lead with six minutes left.
The Tornadoes did not quit, as the defense would force a punt. It gave Dover one last opportunity with 3:32 left.
Dover ended up getting within range to win the game and it was all up to Jameston Marlatt.
With the season hanging in the balance and redemption on his mind, he would nail a 42-yard field goal, giving Dover a two-point edge.
A last second Hail Mary attempt from the Scotties couldn’t connect, and the comeback became a reality.
After seemingly being down and out, the Dover Crimson Tornadoes showed no quit and full determination for the rest of the game and earned their improbable comeback and upset with a 37-35 win.
The Dover Crimson Tornadoes continue their magical playoff run, improving to 10-3 where they will face #2 Steubenville (12-0) next.
The Tri-Valley Scotties ended their season with an 11-2 record.