East Lansing wins gamble to topple Dexter in an instant classic

One night after the Cincinnati Bengals lost by one point to the Baltimore Ravens by going for two at the end of the game, East Lansing took the same risk.

Unlike the Bengals, East Lansing converted their game-winning two-point conversion to defeat Dexter 50-49 Friday night to clinch a spot in the regional.

Dexter appeared upset minded from the start, never turning off the gas in the first half, while taking a 28-14 lead into the break.

The Dreadnaughts went undefeated in the regular season for the second time in three years. They also reached the playoffs for the seventh straight season - after struggling to get there the previous decades.

Dexter looked hungry to reach the regional for the second time in school history, but East Lansing was far from out of this game.

East Lansing suffered three losses in the regular season, but were considered a top-10 team in the state entering Week 1.

The Trojans showed why in the second half, rallying with an impressive and exciting burst of scoring.

With the game on the line, East Lansing had a first down at Dexter’s 18 yard line in the fourth quarter with just six ticks left on the clock. Dexter was nursing a 49-42 lead.

East Lansing scored, dramatically, and was left with a decision. With time expired, the Trojans could attempt an extra point to force overtime, or go for a two-point conversion to win.

The Trojans chose right, converting the two-point conversion and a trip to the regional for the third straight season.