Mora's Comeback Falls Short Against Pine City

Mora traveled to Pine City on Tuesday night.

For the 2nd time in nearly as many weeks, the Dragons and Mustangs would hit the field for their rivalry game. The last time out, Pine City was able to get the shutout win at home. But this time, there was more on the line than just pride, the winner would move on to the section semi finals on Saturday.

The Mustangs started the game with the ball, but they went three and out forced to punt the ball. It wound up being a great punt that set the Dragons up inside their own 10 yard line. So the Dragons drive began, and it got off to a quick start, first play resulted in a first down. They methodically marched down the field, but a Tucker Johnsen 45 yard run set them up with first down and goal. A few plays later he would punch it into the endzone, and after the successful 2 point conversion they lead 8-0.

Their defense much like it had all year played superb, slowing the Mustangs offense and forcing them into 3rd and longs and more punts or turnover on downs. Neither team had many possessions in the 1st half, each only had a couple. This was in large part due to the Dragons taking a ton of time off the clock on each of their drives. On one of the final drives of the 1st half, the Dragons would punch it in again with Johnsen to take a 14-0 going into half.

The 2nd half started well for Pine City, they were able to run the ball well and were moving the chains. But just as the drive reached the Mora side of the 50, they fumbled and the Mustangs recovered. While Mora didn't score on this drive, the momentum was building for their squad. A few drives later they were finally able to cash in on the momentum they were gathering. Stratton Nelson would scamper in from 28 yards out to get his team with 8. All of a sudden the game was flipped on its head and it seemed like Mora was going to make the comeback. The Dragons offense continued to sputter, while they did move the ball, they didn't find the success they had earlier in the game. The Mustang offense was finding success, but not able to translate that into more points. The game drew late into the 4th, Mora had one last try to tie the game. They were moving the ball well and found themselves in the redzone. It was now or never, a bobbled snapped set them back but not out of it. The Pine City defense came up big on third with a sack and now it was 4th and long. The Mustangs could not convert the 4th down and gave the ball back to Pine City. The Dragons melted off the rest of the clock and won the game!

Pine City will travel to Annandale on Saturday.

Congrats to Mora on a great year!