LAKERS FALL SHORT DESPITE LATE GAME HEROICS

Photo Credit : Kelly Summers Photography

Andover, OH- In a big time OHSAA playoff clash, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers fought valiantly but fell just short against the Dalton Bulldogs, ending their season with a nail-biting 27-25 loss. Despite an intense fourth-quarter effort marked by multiple goal-line stands, the Lakers’ season concluded with a remarkable 10-2 record, including an undefeated run through the NAC.

The game began with Dalton striking first when the Bulldogs capitalized on a fumble recovery, running it back 30 yards to take an early 7-0 lead. Pymatuning Valley’s Elliot Jones responded with a booming 35-yard field goal, putting the Lakers on the board and narrowing the gap to 7-3.

In the second quarter, Dalton’s quarterback Hignight connected with Tomlinson on a 40-yard touchdown pass, extending their lead to 14-3. Pymatuning Valley’s offense fired back with a 72-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ryan Croston to Jayce Faulkmen, energizing the Lakers’ sideline and closing the score to 14-10. Dalton, however, struck again just minutes later with Hignight and Tomlinson connecting for another touchdown, though Pymatuning blocked the extra point to keep the deficit manageable at 20-10. Just before halftime, Jones nailed another long 37-yard field goal, sending the teams into the locker room with Dalton ahead 20-13.

The third quarter saw the Lakers surge. Croston powered his way into the end zone on a 2-yard run, though the extra point attempt missed, leaving Dalton with a slim 20-19 lead. The Bulldogs responded with another Hignight-to-Tomlinson touchdown pass, stretching their lead to 27-19. But the resilient Croston once again electrified the crowd, breaking free for a 57-yard touchdown run. A failed two-point conversion attempt kept Dalton’s edge at 27-25 heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth, Pymatuning Valley’s defense held strong, making multiple goal-line stands to give the offense a chance. Despite a relentless push, the Lakers couldn’t find the end zone again, ending their season with a hard-fought 27-25 loss. As the Dalton Bulldogs advance to face the Springfield Tigers in the Regional Semi-Final, the Lakers conclude a memorable season, proudly finishing undefeated in conference play and making a significant playoff run.