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After Darlington took down two-time defending state champion Saint Mary's Springs in Level 4, there were some that thought that elusive state title was now in the fold for the Redbirds. Regis had other ideas however, as the Ramblers dominated much of the game for a 27-14 victory that was nearly a running clock until the Redbirds made a late push.

Regis blitzed Darlington right out of the gates, scoring 20 points on its first four possessions of the game, holding the high-scoring Redbirds to just 59 yards of offense in the first half.

Forced out of their comfort zone, Darlington had three turnovers in the first half, two on interceptions. The Regis defense would pick off Redbirds quarterback Jared Meister two more times in the second half.

Interceptions played a big role in the second half, as the teams combined to throw interceptions on four straight possessions over the end of the third and beginning of the fourth quarters.

Those Regis interceptions, along with a dropped onside kick, allowed Darlington life despite a 27-0 deficit. The Redbirds scored a pair of touchdowns in the fourth and drove deep into Regis territory in the closing minutes, but the Ramblers defense finally got the game-clinching stop they needed to seal the game.

Noel Ortiz had 132 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries for Regis, while 5-foot, 5-inch Caleb Brickner came up big with 45 yards and a score. He added two interceptions on defense. Samuel Forden caught 4 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown.

The Regis defense held WFCA Offensive Player of the Year Hunter Johnson to just 95 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, with much of his work coming late in the game after his team was down by several scores.

It is the second WIAA state title for Regis, who also claimed the Division 7 title in 2003. Darlington becomes the first team in WIAA history to finish as runner-up four consecutive seasons.

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