Faith Lutheran Stages Dramatic Comeback to Claim 5A Region Title

In a stunning display of resilience, Faith Lutheran’s football team overturned a 28-point deficit to defeat Centennial 31-28 in the Class 5A Southern Region title game on November 24, 2023. The victory not only secured the championship for the Crusaders, ranked No. 6, but also propelled them into the state title game, marking a remarkable turnaround for a team that had struggled earlier in the season.

The game started poorly for Faith Lutheran, as they found themselves trailing 28-0 late in the third quarter. Despite the daunting scoreline, the Crusaders refused to give in. The turning point came when kicker Liam Radke successfully converted a 37-yard field goal with just 20 seconds remaining. This kick sealed a comeback that will be remembered by fans and players alike, as Faith Lutheran advanced to face Northern champion Spanish Springs on November 25 at Allegiant Stadium.

Faith Lutheran, now 6-7 for the season, had experienced a rough start, including a 2-7 record before their decisive regular-season finale against Foothill. Under first-year coach Jay Staggs, the team has made significant strides, especially after suffering defeats in the last two 5A Division II state title games to Bishop Manogue. The Crusaders now have a chance to earn their first state title since those losses.

The comeback was fueled by several key plays, including a successful onside kick recovery in the third quarter that led to a touchdown. This allowed Faith Lutheran to narrow the gap to 28-14. A blocked punt early in the fourth quarter further energized the team, setting up another scoring opportunity. Quarterback Dominick Folino played a pivotal role, throwing four touchdown passes in the second half and finishing the game with 293 passing yards on 22 of 29 attempts.

The scoring began for Faith Lutheran when Folino connected with Gavin Folino for a 3-yard touchdown late in the third quarter. After the onside kick recovery, he then found Jaden Mason for a 50-yard touchdown pass. Faith Lutheran continued to build momentum, blocking a Centennial punt which set up a fourth-and-goal scenario. Dominick Folino completed a 1-yard pass to his brother, Gavin, bringing the score to 28-20 after a missed extra point.

The Crusaders’ defense played a crucial role in the fourth quarter, forcing Centennial, who ended their season at 7-5, into a three-and-out. Dominick Folino then executed a well-placed 25-yard touchdown pass to Aipa Kuloloia, tying the game at 28-28 after a successful two-point conversion.

Centennial had dominated the first half, largely due to the efforts of quarterback Dunlap-Myvett. He showcased his dual-threat capabilities, initially scoring on an 11-yard run and later connecting with Jordan Bostick for an 84-yard touchdown pass. Another touchdown followed when Dunlap-Myvett threw a remarkable one-handed pass to Jayden Thomas, extending Centennial’s lead to 20-0 after a two-point conversion.

Despite the challenging first half, Faith Lutheran maintained their composure and executed their game plan effectively. As the final whistle blew, the jubilant celebration of the Crusaders marked not just a victory, but a testament to their perseverance and teamwork.

As the team prepares for the state title game against Spanish Springs, which boasts an undefeated 12-0 record after defeating Bishop Mangue 48-7 in their regional title match, Faith Lutheran aims to capture their first state championship and continue their impressive postseason journey. The upcoming matchup promises to be an exciting conclusion to the season.