For Marion Local, Saturday’s Division VII State Championship was just “business as usual”.
The Flyers imposed their will on Dalton for 48 minutes, winning a 14th state title with a dominant 38-0 performance.
Marion Local: Another Dominant Playoff Run
Coming into Saturday, Marion Local had shut out all but one of its playoff opponents, outscoring teams 250-7.
Even during the regular season, the only teams that came close to taking down the Flyers were Wapokoneta and Versailles, both of which play in higher divisions.
Dalton’s Starts Strong
Despite winning 13 straight games and beating Caldwell 55-7 in the state semifinal, Dalton entered the game as the heavy underdog.
However, at least in the early stages of the game, it looked as if the Bulldogs were going to strike first.
Colin Pearson found Kaden Russell for a 37-yard pass to put Dalton into Marion Local territory.
Colin Pearson connects with Kaden Russell for a 37 yard gain on Dalton’s opening drive!@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/JBDDvcpWLe
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) December 2, 2023
However, that would be the final first down of the drive. After forcing a turnover-on-downs, Marion Local quickly began to show why they are one of the best small school programs in the country.
The Flyers Stay Grounded
While Marion Local did complete a few passes through the air, the running attack is really what allowed them to pull ahead early.
Touchdown runs from Kyle Otte and Ethan Heitkamp gave Marion Local a 14-0 lead to end the first quarter.
2023 Division VII State Championship 🏆
1Q | 0:55
Marion Local – 14
Dalton – 0Marion Local rolls down field again, capping off a six play drive with a 1-yard TD run by Ethan Heitkamp.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/ZnCJii3GEb
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) December 2, 2023
A Three Headed Monster
Even when the offense wasn’t on the field, Marion Local still found ways to score.
With 8:18 to play in the second quarter, Griffin Bruns intercepted a short pass attempt near the red zone and returned it to put the Flyers in front 21-0.
2023 Division VII State Championship 🏆
2Q | 8:18
Marion Local – 21
Dalton – 0🚨 Pick-6 🚨
Dalton gets near the red zone, but the drive is abruptly ended by a Marion Local INT return, courtesy of Griffin Bruns.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/nPm3uJGP2R
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) December 2, 2023
The score quickly became 28-0 after Victor Hoelscher returned a punt 64 yards for a touchdown. The return set the Division VII State Championship record for longest punt return touchdown.
2023 Division VII State Championship 🏆
2Q | 5:55
Marion Local – 28
Dalton – 0Victor Hoelscher sets the D-7 title game record for longest punt return. The special teams TD goes for 64 yards to increase Marion Local’s lead.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/7qLV715JWb
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) December 2, 2023
Dalton held Marion Local to a 19-yard field goal to end the first half, but the running clock rule would still take effect for the second half.
The Flyers continued to dominate from that point forward, as they went on to win the Division VII State Championship by a score of 38-0.
The Dynasty Continues
Marion Local has won a state-best 14 state championships, all of which have come since the year 2000.
The Flyers run in 2023 might be remembered as one of the most dominant to date. The final scores of their playoff games were; 63-0, 69-0, 28-7, 48-0, 42-0, and 38-0.
Whether they are in Division VI or Division VII next season, expect this legendary program to continue its domination of small school football.
Link To Final Stats: https://ohsaaweb.blob.core.
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