This game was a fiercely fought battle between two very good football teams played at John Marshall Stadium in Rochester before a sold out crowd. Much of this state quarterfinal game was played between the 20-yard lines. Big plays, both offensively and defensively, were the hallmarks of this contest which went down to the wire. The defense, behind the stellar play of veterans Nate Dwyer, Paul Diercks, Mike Darrington, along with Linebackers Pete Zoller and Matt McDonald, were able to keep the John Marshall attack in check. Trailing in the fourth quarter, it was gut-check time for the offense. The Ponies, behind solid blocking from the offensive line anchored by center Branden Simonet and tackle Kevin Matthews, were able to keep the winning drive alive when quarterback Jason Jordan hit receiver Adam Runk with a deep pass up the near sideline. Combined with a couple short hookups with Brad Putnam, this put the Ponies in scoring position. Running back Brian Deering scored a two-point conversion and the official clock expired with the two teams deadlocked at 21 points each. Overtime saw the Pony defense rise to the occasion and completely shut down the Rocket attack. The Big Red offense seized the moment and scored from nine yards out on a lead option to Brian Deering, who went untouched! The victory kept the Ponies 26-game winning streak alive advancing them to the state semifinals.