Marceline’s Pass to End Zone Lands Incomplete on Final Play of Quarterfinal

Marceline’s season ended with a 13-7 state quarterfinal loss versus Adrian Saturday. The Tigers reached the Blackhawks’ 10 yard line and operated a fourth and two play with five seconds left.

Colin Schowe with the call on 99.9 The Captain and centralmoinfo.com. Marceline’s possession started on its 22 yard line with 1:08 and zero timeouts. Tigers head coach Mark Ross analyzed the final play.

Junior quarterback Jacob Stallo completed six passes on the last drive, including three for 39 yards to fellow junior Sam Gillman.

Aside from the final possession, Adrian’s defense dominated much of the afternoon. Stallo finished with an unofficial 188 yards while First Team All-Conference running back Hunter Nelson added 27 yards on the ground. Ross evaluated the offensive difficulties.

The teams entered the half tied 7-7 after Stallo found Wyatt Molloy for a 24-yard touchdown with 43 seconds left in the second quarter. In the middle of the third, Adrian lobbed a jump ball into the end zone on fourth down. Junior Colton Bass’ pass fell incomplete, but the officials called defensive pass interference to extend the drive. Bass then scored on a one-yard sneak. Ross shared the explanation he received on the controversial call.

Marceline closed the year 10-2 while 10-1 Adrian faces top-ranked Mid-Buchanan in the semifinals. Ross revealed his postgame message to Marceline, who captured a second straight district title and sixth straight conference championship.

Marceline returns all of its starters in 2021. Hear a full postgame interview with Tigers head coach Mark Ross below.

Marceline head coach Mark Ross: