11/14//08 Lake Orion vs Sterling Heights Stevenson W 38-36

WOW.  If you missed this game you missed one of the most improbable finishes you will ever see in a football game. 

With 6 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter the Dragons had this game under control and everyone on the field and in the stands was planning for the next playoff game.  The score at that time was 35 to 7 for the Dragons.  Then the tables turned and the Stevenson Titans started to move the ball and play some defense.  4 touchdowns later, including one 2 point conversion, and the Titans we leading the game 36 to 35 with 3:40 to go in the game.  The Dragons still had time and although the team and fans were dumbstruck with the Titan comeback, all knew there was time to come back and win the game.  The Dragons moved the ball to the 50 yard line but their drive and their playoffs hopes were dashed when a pass on 4 and 7 was knocked down and Stevenson took over 1st and 10.

The Dragon fans started to head for home, the team was dejected, what had just minutes earlier looked so great, now looked like another tough loss against a Macomb team.  All that was left was some kneel downs by the Titans and then we go home.  On first down the Titans QB did kneel down and the Dragon’s used there last time out, stopping the clock with 1:35 to go.  On second down the Titans ran the ball for a 2 yard loss that used lots of clock.  On third down the Titan QB, who had a brilliant 2nd half, decided to scramble around so he could waste more precious clock.  He was brought down for a 14 yard loss but who really cared, there was almost no time left on the clock.  The Titans called timeout before their final play with 12 seconds left in the game. 

During the time out the fans on the Dragon side just grumbled and stared in disbelief.  The Dragon players were dejected and angry.  Seniors were thinking this was it, the end of my football season and for many the last football game they will ever play.  Coach Bell yelled for the offense to get together for one last bit of instruction.  As he barked out plans to the team for the final seconds, there were surely players and even coaches in the huddle that doubted we had a chance to come back.    On the other sideline the feeling was different.  They had just witnessed their team put the finishing touches on one of the greatest comebacks in school history.  They were jubilant and celebrating and now planning for their next playoff contest.    

The Titans just had to get this last punt off and then knock down one Hail Mary pass and the game would be over.  The punt, from around the Titan 30 yard line was good, the Dragons went for the block but couldn’t get to it and Charles Fleck had to call for a fair catch at the Dragon 40 yard line.  9.1 seconds left, no time outs and very little hope for the Dragons.    However, maybe the freshman quarterback, Sean Charette, could connect one last time and then who knows.  Charette took the snap looked quickly and hit Fleck for about a 25 yard gain when he quickly ran out of bounds.  One last look at the clock, 2.5 seconds left and the Dragons have the ball at the 32 yard line.  Coach Bell sent out the Field Goal team to try and make a 49 yard Field goal.  The career longest for kicker and all purpose everything player Jeff Heath was about 32 yards.  Heath ran out ready to kick.  The snap and hold were perfect, the ball was kicked high and far.  Time stood still as everyone in the stadium watched to see what the signal would be from the referee.  It looked good but sometimes the angle is tricky to see from the side.  The ref raised his hands for the signal of touchdown as the clock ran out.  Bedlam broke out on the field.  The Dragons mobbed the Kicker, the Titans fell to there knees in disbelief.  The stands on our side erupted with happiness, high fives, hugs and handshakes.  The stands on their side were quiet and no one was really sure what they had just witnessed.   The Dragons win 38 to 36 in a game that will not be forgotten by anyone in attendance.

 The Dragon’s are now in the semi finals and will play Dearborn Fordson next Saturday for a chance to play in the championship the following week.  Come out and support the Dragons.