LAMBERTON -- Red Rock Central's game on Saturday against Wabasso brought new meaning to the phrase 'Every second counts.'
The Falcons ended the game with a 26-20 victory to advance to the Section 3A championship game against Adrian, but had to survive a dramatic ending.
"It was a little more than we bargained for, but it came out in our favor, so that was good," RRC head coach Isaac Jenniges said.
The game was tied 20-20 nearing the end of the fourth quarter when Dylan Bunting (20-for-35 passing, 310 passing yards, four touchdown passes) connected with Tyler Erickson (seven receptions for 124 yards, three touchdown receptions) to give the Falcons the lead.
The ensuing kickoff pegged the Rabbits inside their own five-yard line, and two plays later only 0.6 seconds remained on the clock.
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On the next play the Rabbits passed the ball around to keep the ball alive, when a bizarre penalty gave them new life.
"We thought we heard a whistle on that side, so our kids all went running out on the field, but their guy was still running down the sideline," Jenniges said. "We ended up tackling him at the 10, then we got flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct for having too many men on the field."
The Rabbits were given the ball at RRC's four-yard line with no time on the clock, giving them one more chance.
The Falcons intercepted the ensuing pass in the end zone to finally end the game.
The game was a back and forth affair throughout, with the Falcons falling eight back to end the third.
A touchdown pass from Bunting to Jeff Decock (two receptions for 56 yards) and a successful two-point conversion between Bunting and Erickson tied the game to set up the dramatic finish.
RRC accumulated 347 yards on offense, and were led in rushing by Daniel Maras (20 carries for 46 yards). George Rogotzke had nine receptions for 120 yards.
The Falcons' championship game against Adrian will take place on Friday in Marshall.
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"They're going to be a good team," Jenniges said. "They're going to be physical, and we're going to have to come ready to play. Hopefully we can move the ball on them and give ourselves a chance to win the game."
Wabasso 0 14 6 0 -- 20
RRC 6 6 0 14 -- 26
