Trailing Hillsborough by one point with less than one minute to play, King was in game-winning territory at the Terriers’ 5-yard line. A third-down play would either seal a Lions win with a touchdown or set up a chip shot field goal. Instead, quarterback Darian Wright mishandled the snap and Hillsborough linebacker Luis Clough recovered the fumble for a 28-27 Hillsborough victory.
“That was such a competitive game,” Clough said. “It’s just something I haven’t experienced to the fullest, a goal line stand. It’s just crazy.”
Hillsborough (3-2 overall, 3-2 district) quarterback Dwayne Lawson led the Terriers to the one-point lead. His 40-yard touchdown pass to Jon Hughes cut the King (4-2, 2-2) lead to 27-26 with less than four minutes left in the game. Head coach Earl Garcia gambled and went for the two-point conversion. Lawson converted.
“It was a game where no one could seize the momentum,” Garcia said.
King trailed 12-6 at halftime but dominated the third quarter, minus one play. Paul Harper scored a 6-yard touchdown run to give the Lions a 13-12 lead. Then Hillsborough provided a gift. Lawson threw a pass behind the line of scrimmage that was fumbled. King defensive lineman Nicholas Munera returned the loose ball 35 yards for a touchdown and a King 20-12 lead.
Hillsborough quickly recovered. Running back Kenny Gunn outraced the King defense for an 80-yard touchdown run. Lawson dove over the offensive line for a two-point conversion to tie the game at 20.
Hillsborough will host Chamberlain next Friday. King travels to Robinson.