Mason defeats Detroit King in Division 3 semifinal with late interceptions
CHELSEA, MICHIGAN- The Mason Bulldogs (13-0) defeated the King Crusaders (7-6), with the Bulldogs securing two late-game interceptions to secure the 26-20 victory and the school’s first state title game appearance on Saturday at Chelsea High School.
Here are the key takeaways:
A tale of two first half defensive strategies
Both teams displayed defensive dominance in the first half.
For Mason, its high-flying defensive secondary kept the Kings' offense under wraps, thwarting the constant barrage of 40-yard pass attempts by King. While the secondary gave up two touchdowns, Mason defensive backs managed to keep the game at a manageable 13-10 deficit to end the first half.
King's defensive strategy revolved around dominating the trenches and pressuring the Mason front line at all costs. During the first half, there was a clear strength gap between the two teams in favor of King, whose defensive front routinely pressured and sacked Mason while making any run attempts meaningless.
While King secured a late first-half touchdown with fifteen seconds left, their first lead came because of their defensive dominance.
Second half defensive wwitch
The second half was highlighted by a momentous switch for Mason, who performed late-game heroics to secure the Saturday victory. Entering the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs found themselves down 20-17 after Crusaders quarterback Darryl Flemister III tossed his third touchdown for the game.
However, after finding a way to match the Crusaders offensively, scoring a go-ahead 24-20 lead, The Bulldogs secured a game-defining interception and march down to the 1-yard line before being held scoreless by the stout King defense.
In what appeared to be a classic three and out, forced by the Mason defense, the Bulldogs capped off their masterful defensive display by blocking the ensuing King punt and earned a safety to secure the final 26-20 lead.
While King was able to get the ball back with a minute remaining in the game, it appeared too little, too late, as Mason’s late-game defense came up big once again, courtesy of an interception by senior Nick Wells, who secured the Bulldog’s ticket to Ford Field.
Coming up clutch
Both teams fought fiercely throughout tonight’s Division 3 semifinal matchup. However, one of the difference makers was Mason’s ability to convert in late-down situations.
The Bulldogs frequently found themselves in third and fourth-down situations; this is where they shined, as the offense, led by a hobbled quarterback in junior Carson Carswell, routinely converted to extend their drive and led to late-game points and their eventual victory.
Whether it was a tricky reverse play to convert on third and eight or Carton tossing a 3rd down, 40-yard pass to senior Cole Ries, The Bulldogs’ ability to make the late-game and late-down plays helped win tonight’s matchup and send them to the division three finals.
Coach said
Mason’s victory was a monumental reason for celebration, making the school’s first time earning 13-wins in a season.
Mason coach Gary Houghton called the victory “amazing,” and stating: “I couldn’t be prouder of them. They took their licks in the first half, we made some adjustments, and those kids played exceptional football.”
Following tonight’s victory, The Bulldogs will move on to the MHSAA Division 3 finals to face Forest Hills Central Rangers (12-1) on November 26th at Ford Field.
