Last Saturday the South football team was playing for their tenth state title against Jackson Memorial. It was their twentieth trip to the state championships and the second in the last three years.To get there this year they beat Burlington Twonship in the first round 25-0 and then Neptune in the semifinals 27-3. They were going up against a tough Jackson Memorial team who had just broke the school record (twice) for largest margin of victory.

In the first half Jackson dominated over South, putting up 21 points to South’s 3. The Eagles’ defense could not stop Jackson’s run game and their offense could not get anything going. But on the final play of the second half, a big hit by Maxx Imsho caused an interception, and that was a turning point in the game.

In the third quarter, Jackson was driving downfield and came within the 1 yard line, but a goal line stand by a tough south defense held them and caused a turnover on downs. That turnover set up one of the biggest plays of the game: a 96 yard touchdown pass from Matt Mosquera to Tom Marron. This really turned the momentum in South’s favor. In the fourth quarter, Cole Rogers pulled out a 79 yard run for a touchdown. With a successful two point conversion, South was within 3 a mere field goal. Jackson was forced to punt, which gave South 3 minutes to drive 87 yards to win. With 14 seconds left, Mosquera is sent in for a 39 yard field goal attempt, which is blocked. But a penalty on Jackson gives South a second chance and 5 yards closer. So with 9 seconds left, the ball is snapped, and its a fake field goal attempt. The pass meant for Nolan Pereless is tipped, and South loses 21-18. They almost completed the comeback, but fell just short.

Regardless of its tear-jerking conclusion, South’s 2014 Football season was a memorable one, from its record-breaking defense to its promising corps of juniors on offense. The tradition of the football program at South is as strong as ever.