In a second half when both offenses marched up and down the field, it was Tipton who got the final score in a 42-36 win over Harrisburg.
With the exception of Harrisburg’s final drive when its one attempt at a game-winner was unsuccessful, every second half drive ended in a score. Trailing 12-8 to start the half, the Bulldogs grabbed their first lead on a trick play.
That touchdown pass was caught by Bryce Ott. The two-point conversion failed. Tipton scored and converted the two-point try on the next drive to go up 20-14. With 3:34 to go in the third, Harrisburg’s Rylee Robinson had an 11-yard rushing touchdown, but the Bulldogs again couldn’t convert for two.
Tipton’s next score and two-point conversion came with 12 seconds left in the third. Trace Combs had a six-yard run on 4th and 1 from the 10 to set up a four-yard rushing touchdown with 8:37 left. Harrisburg ran the Philly Special to Combs on the two-pointer to tie the game at 28.
Tipton’s Lucas Cashman had a 47-yard rushing touchdown with 6:02 to go. Here was Harrisburg’s response…
Another successful two-point try tied the game again. On its final drive, Tipton had an explosive play to convert on 3rd and 8, and the Cardinals’ game-winning score came on 3rd and goal.
The first half was largely controlled by Tipton with the Cardinals grabbing a 12-0 lead before Harrisburg got on the board.
Caleb Sager was named the Freeman Financial and Insurance Outstanding Player of the Game. Tipton lost a scoring chance late in the half when it fumbled the ball away at Harrisburg’s 4. The Bulldogs finish the season at 7-5. Tipton plays Penney in the state semifinals.
Harrisburg coach Brennan Claas Postgame:
