By Dave DiPasqua, Tigers Radio Network
Kissimmee, Florida – With 33 seconds remaining, Florida High’s Bryson Hill connected with Will Haigler on a 64-yard heave that resulted in a touchdown to knockoff Marple Newtown by a final score of 19-18.
Haigler scampered into the end zone, erasing an 18-point deficit that the Seminoles faced.
Marple Newtown did however control most of the game.
They struck first as Marlon Weathers punched in a short yardage touchdown to put the Tigers on the board, but they would miss the extra point to only go ahead 6-0.
Marple Newtown strikes first! Weathers gets his first rushing touchdown with 40 seconds remaining in the second quarter #TigerPride
— Tigers Radio Network (@MNTigers) August 25, 2017
The defense did their duty, forcing the Seminoles into a pair of fumbles deep in Marple Newtown territory.
The Seminoles’ third turnover of the night came off an Alden Mathes interception late in the third quarter.
3Q, 2:02 – INTERCEPTION BY ALDEN MATHES!! Third turnover forced tonight pic.twitter.com/h1R2tukFEc
— Tigers Radio Network (@MNTigers) August 26, 2017
Quarterback Anthony Paoletti found Dash Dulgerian who raced his way to the end zone to give the Tigers a commanding 18-0 lead.
Dulgerian was the key receiver for the Tigers, eclipsing over 100 yards receiving and making spectacular plays along the sidelines.
Dulgerian from 97-yards for another Marple Newtown TOUCHDOWN!! Paoletti's first touchdown throw of the season makes it 18-0 #TigerPride
— Tigers Radio Network (@MNTigers) August 26, 2017
However, Florida High did not back down despite trailing. They slowly chipped away one drive at a time. One key moment in the game was a goal line stand, where the Seminoles stuffed Weathers at the one-yard line.
With 8:30 remaining, Kevin Sawyer found a running land and scored from 34-yards out to get on the board.
After a Marple Newtown punt, Haigler reeled in a 38-yard reception from Hill to cut the deficit to 18-13. The two-point conversion was unsuccessful as the clock read 5:40.
Marple Newtown attempted to drain the clock with Paoletti plowing over defenders. A crucial penalty forced the Tigers to punt, allowing the opposition one more opportunity and ultimately the victory.
Next Friday the Tigers return home to newly constructed Crozer Keystone Stadium to take on Penncrest with kickoff is set for 7 p.m.