Marion Local Takes Down Dalton For State Title

It's now 48 straight victories for Marion Local who capped off an undefeated season with a 38-0 victory over Dalton to claim the 2023 Division VII State Championship.

It's the 3rd consecutive state title for the Flyers (16-0), who stopped the Bulldogs (13-2) on a 4th down try and marched 63 yards on 8 plays to take a 7-0 lead on a Kyle Otte TD run. Marion Local's lead would increase to 14-0 before the end of the frame on a short Ethan Heitkamp rush into the endzone, then pushed their cushion out to 4 scores without the offense returning to the field.

Dalton's best drive of the day would end with Griffin Bruns jumping an out route for an interception that he would take back for an 80-yard return touchdown. Then after forcing a Bulldogs punt, Victor Hoelscher would return it 64 yards for another Flyers score to extend their lead to 28-0 with 2:23 remaining before the break.

A late 19-yard field goal would give Marion Local a 31-0 advantage heading into the halftime locker rooms, forcing a running clock to begin the 2nd Half. Otte's second TD run with 3:40 remaining in the 3rd period would account for the last points of the game as both defenses pitched shutouts in the final quarter.

Dalton finishes their best season in program history with the teams first ever trip to the State Final Four.

The State Championship is the 14th for the Flyers, who won their 102nd playoff game in the process. Both are OHSAA state records.

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