Faith Lutheran Stuns Centennial with Epic 28-Point Comeback

In a breathtaking display of resilience, Faith Lutheran High School overcame a staggering 28-point deficit to secure the Class 5A Southern Region football title against Centennial High School on November 17, 2023. Trailing 28-0 late in the third quarter, Faith Lutheran’s remarkable comeback culminated in a game-winning 37-yard field goal by kicker Liam Radke with just 20 seconds remaining, sealing a 31-28 victory.

The Crusaders, ranked No. 6 in the state, will now advance to face the Northern champion, Spanish Springs High School, in the state title game on November 25 at Allegiant Stadium. Spanish Springs, boasting an undefeated record of 12-0, triumphed over Bishop Manogue 48-7 in their respective regional final.

Faith Lutheran entered this matchup with a record of 6-7, having faced significant challenges throughout the season. This victory marks their third straight appearance in the state title game, a testament to the leadership of first-year head coach Jay Staggs. Earlier in the season, the Crusaders had struggled with a 2-7 record but managed to turn their fortunes around with a must-win game against Foothill.

The turning point of the game came after an onside kick recovery in the third quarter, which set up a scoring opportunity that reduced the deficit to 28-14. The momentum shifted further when the Crusaders blocked a punt early in the fourth quarter, allowing them to score again and narrow the gap to 28-20. Despite a false start that pushed Radke back for a 32-yard attempt, he confidently converted a 37-yard field goal, showcasing his poise under pressure.

Quarterback Dominick Folino demonstrated exceptional skill in the second half, throwing four touchdown passes and accumulating a total of 293 passing yards, completing 22 of 29 attempts. His touchdown pass to his brother Gavin Folino late in the third quarter marked the Crusaders’ first score. With 1:30 left in the third, Folino connected with Jaden Mason for a 50-yard touchdown, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.

As the fourth quarter progressed, the Crusaders continued to rally. After blocking a Centennial punt, Folino threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Gavin Folino on fourth-and-goal, pulling the score to 28-20 after a missed extra-point attempt. The defense then forced Centennial into a quick three-and-out, setting up a dramatic equalizer with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Aipa Kuloloia that tied the game at 28-28.

Centennial’s earlier dominance in the game had been fueled by their quarterback, Dunlap-Myvett, who showcased both his passing and running abilities. He opened the scoring with an 11-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter and later connected with Jordan Bostick for an impressive 84-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, extending Centennial’s lead to 12-0. The Bulldogs further capitalized on a one-handed catch by wide receiver Jayden Thomas, who fought through defenders to score again, bringing the score to 20-0 by halftime.

Despite a promising start for Centennial, they could not withstand the surge from Faith Lutheran in the second half. As the final moments of the game approached, the Crusaders demonstrated remarkable grit and determination, culminating in a thrilling victory that will be remembered by players and fans alike.

As the team prepares for the upcoming state championship, the Faith Lutheran community is abuzz with excitement and anticipation, eager to see if the Crusaders can secure their first state title.