For much of the first quarter the Pembroke Dragons were in for a long, tough night, falling behind quickly 30-8 in their eight-man semifinal playoff game against the Perry Hornets.
It was a long evening but an exciting one with the Dragons battling all night to regain the lead and then hold on for the win 74-68.
Garrett Totten had nine carries for 175 yards and three touch downs, plus three receptions for 68 yards and two TDs.
QB Connor Peterson rushed 13 times for 93 yds and a TD and was 4 for 7 passing for 142 yards and three TDs.
Tyson Totten ran for 59 yards on three carries and scored a touchdown. He had one reception for 74 yds and a TD.
On special teams, Avery Ferreira returned kickoff 45 yards for a touchdown.
On defense, Connor Peterson had 12 tackles a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Tyson Totten, 10 tackles and one interception. Keith Neureuter, three tackles, and two interceptions, with one returned for a 98 yard pick-six. Brandon Florian, four tackles and four sacks. Peter Farrington, five tackles a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Chase Guzdek, seven tackles, and a sack.
"I am so proud of how our young men responded to adversity tonight," said Head Coach Jamie Johnson. "We were down 30-8 at the end of the first quarter and they could have just thrown in the towel. But they kept their faith in each other and kept playing hard.
"Perry had a great game plan and came ready to play but our guys just stuck with it and believed they could win this game. I couldn’t be more proud of them."
Photos by Elizabeth Gabbey.
