Rochester’s quest for six consecutive state titles under coach Derek Leonard came to an end following a 46-42 loss to Althoff Catholic in the 4A quarterfinals.
Rochester held multiple double-digit leads, but the quick striking Althoff offense allowed the Crusaders to mount comebacks and their defensive unit came up with key, timely stops down the stretch.
Following a touchdown pass from Dan Zeigler to Avante’ Cox, Rochester led 35-26 in the third quarter. On its next drive, Althoff’s Edwyn Brown broke off a rugged touchdown run to cut the Rochester lead to 35-33.
The Althoff defense stopped Rochester on its next offensive posession and the Crusaders manuevered down the field. A Jaylon Bester touchdown run gave Althoff its first lead of the game at 39-35.
Zeigler connected again with Avante’ Cox to put the Rockets back on top 42-39 just a couple of minutes into the fourth quarter. But on the ensuing drive, Althoff decided to go for it on a fourth and two from the three to get down to the one yard line. On the next play, Keenen Young recovered a fumble in the endzone to give Althoff a 46-42 lead with 3:37 left.
Rochester would then march right back down the field, but on third and goal from the 17 yard line, Zeigler’s pass to Collin Stallworth was dropped in the endzone. On fourth down, Zeigler went back to Stallworth, but the two weren’t able to hook up, so Althoff took over on downs with a shade under two minutes left.
The Rockets defense came up with three clutch stops and on fourth down, Jordan Augustine shanked a punt, allowing Collin Etherton to return it to the Crusader 17 with 15 seconds left, giving Rochester one last chance to win it.
On first down, though, Zeigler’s pass, intended for Stallworth was intercepted in the endzone by Edwyn Brown, sealing the Crusaders victory and ending the Rockets season.
Rochester’s 27 game playoff winning streak started in 2010 when the Rockets made their first of five runs to a state championship. Their last loss came in the 2009 semifinals against Metamora, who went on to win the 4A title.
