MiddletownJournal.com

KINGS MILLS — Two plays stood out the most in Monroe High School coach Jason Krause's mind Friday night.

One was a touchdown pass to Taylor Simpson — his second of the game — and the other was an interception by Jared Ferguson at the end of the third quarter that led to a 26-yard field goal by Scott Mann.

But when it was all said and done, a 3-yard first-down run by Ferguson with 57 seconds left proved to be the game-winner as No. 6 Monroe held on to defeat top-seeded Indian Hill 31-28 in the Division III, Region 12 final at Kings Stadium.

Indian Hill (10-3) cut the Hornets' lead to three after Jon Von Deylen pushed his way into the end zone for a touchdown with 3:15 remaining. But the Hornets (11-2) got the ball at their own 20 and converted first downs on three crucial plays, none bigger than the 3-yard run by Ferguson.

"I knew we could get that first down," senior offensive lineman Brett Richter said. "We're all seniors on the O-line, and I just told the guys we had to find it in our hearts to get that first down."

Ferguson, who finished the game with 19 carries for 146 yards rushing and one touchdown, had plenty of faith in his line.

"I knew they would get the job done," Ferguson said. "I just told myself this is it. It's now or never. They have such an explosive offense that we couldn't give them another chance."

Indian Hill trailed by as many as 14 points late in the third quarter, but rallied to keep the pressure on the Hornets.

"We had our opportunities, but we just didn't take advantage of them," Braves coach Kevin Siple said. "Our kids played so hard. They're hurting right now, but later when they have a chance to reflect, they will be proud of what they did."

Siple had one regret, however.

"I'm disappointed in myself for not opening up our offense earlier," the veteran coach said. "Looking back, I wish I had done that now."

Both coaches said earlier in the week that the team that makes the fewest mistakes would win.

The Hornets were hit with eight penalties for 81 yards compared to Indian Hill's one penalty for 16 yards, but it was the Braves' four turnovers that loomed larger.

"Turnovers hurt them," Krause said. "We knew we'd give them this and that because they are a good team, but we felt we'd be OK if we didn't give up the big play."

Indian Hill quarterback Bo Cordell completed 19-of-29 passes for 235 yards and one touchdown. His longest play went for 27 yards, a touchdown toss to Ted Bolser late in the third quarter.

Nick Kereiakes was Cordell's favorite target, catching nine passes for 113 yards.

For the Hornets, Tyler Osterman completed 11-of-18 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns, five of those receptions to his younger brother Jason for 84 yards, and three more to Simpson for 88 yards and two touchdowns.

"I just can't describe this feeling right now," Krause said. "We had a goal-line stand right before the first half ended that was humongous, and Taylor played another great game."

Monroe will play in the Division III state semifinals for the second time in three years next Friday.