CARBONDALE — In a game that saw a little big of everything, it was something that hadn’t been seen before that turned out to be the difference.
Senior quarterback Callahan Roper’s first career rushing touchdown with 2:11 left helped lift Marion to a 39-35 win at Carbondale.
Early on, the thought of fourth quarter heroics seemed unlikely, as the Wildcats built a 27-0 lead early in the second quarter.
The Terriers chipped away– scoring twice before half to cut it to 27-14, then twice more in the third quarter to grab a 28-27 lead. Carbondale added another score early in the fourth quarter to grab a 35-27 lead.
Blake Winters made a highlight reel catch on a 31-yard touchdown pass from Roper with 5:12 remaining to pull Marion within 35-33. After failing to get the two-point conversion, the Wildcats recovered the onside kick to set up Roper’s game winner.
Jaxson Owen’s interception with 1:13 left sealed the deal for Marion, who is now 5-3 on the season and playoff eligible. The Wildcats can clinch a playoff spot next week at home against Mattoon on Senior Night.
Carbondale falls to 3-5. The Terriers will close the regular season at home against Mascoutah.
