BERLIN- The Berlin Cadet Dolphins of the Salvation Army Red Shield League salvaged their season and kept their playoff hopes alive last week with a thrilling 13-2 come-from-behind victory over the Dover Destroyers.
The Dolphins led the defensive struggle early, 6-0, after a touchdown run by J.J. Purnell late in the first quarter. After an interception gave them a short field, the Destroyers scored a touchdown to tie the game at 6-6 early in the third quarter. Late in the game, Dover recovered a Dolphins fumble and the offense took advantage of the turnover with an 18-yard TD run to take a 12-6 lead.
The Dolphins turned the ball over late in the fourth, which appeared to dim their chances at a comeback, but the defense made a big stand and got the ball back for the offense one last time, but they would need to go 80 yards in under four minutes. With just 22 seconds left, Purnell reversed direction and dashed in for a touchdown to tie the game at 12-12. Purnell then drove up the middle for the extra point and Berlin snatched the late victory, 13-12, to keep its playoff hopes alive.