It’s the fourth quarter of the IHSAA Class 6A boys’ semifinal football game, there are 2.3 seconds left, players are set at the 1-yard line, and Senior quarterback Santana Allen knows this much: this is the last play of the game and the last chance before the Bears even entertain a regional appearance. The last time the Lawrence Central Bears held a sectional title and contended for a regional title was in 2012: Allen and his running back, Albert Gooden III, were 5 years old.

This past Friday, October 31st, Halloween was the last thing on anyone’s mind in Lawrence Township. All eyes were on Friday night lights as the semi-finals brought Lawrence Central and Lawrence North together for the second time this season. The last time these two teams faced off was in August during week one of the high school football season, with Lawrence North coming out on top 34-27, marking their third consecutive regular-season win over Lawrence Central. 

Going into the game, Lawrence Central was the underdog. Few expected them to win, and all odds were stacked against them. Late in the second quarter, Lawrence Central proved everyone wrong by breaking the 0-0 tie with a touchdown by Sophomore, wide receiver Cameron Vaughn. At halftime, the score was 7-3, with Lawrence North’s only points coming from a field goal. 

The second half continued the intense battle, with both schools showing why they’re top contenders. 

The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair, leaving Lawrence North ahead 17-13. Just before the conclusion of the third quarter, Allen suffered a potentially game-ending injury to his dominant throwing hand. Allen recalls, “ I was very emotional. I couldn’t move my fingers, I was honestly scared.” 

Coach Patterson played it safe by putting Junior and defensive back Errol Kerns III in at quarterback to run a series of run plays with Senior Albert Gooden III and Junior Jamari Simmons to his right and left. “We prepare weekly for ‘what if’ situations and various game scenarios,” said Coach Patterson, “ so he’s [Kerns] had plenty of reps on the offensive side. When Santana went down, we were ready.”

The fourth quarter began with Lawrence North in possession of the ball. Lawrence Central’s defense was playing the game of their lives, with Kerns forcing a crucial fumble. However, Lawrence North managed to score a touchdown by running back Izayveon Moore, bringing the score to 24-20 and putting all hope for a Lawrence Central win under the ground. There was still time left on the clock for Lawrence Central to make a comeback. 

Things were looking promising with Kerns pushing the ball down the field. “Errol stepped in and executed at a high level. His unique skill set at quarterback brought a different dynamic to our offense and created some challenges for LN’s defense,” remarks Coach Patterson.

But for those who could see Allen, things seemed dismal. Allen was visibly upset, tears running down his face. With Allen on the sideline and the clock winding down, there wasn’t much that could be done besides hope. That’s exactly what senior Albert Gooden III had in his LC team. “We trust our coaches, trust our players, and we went out and executed,” Gooden stated.

Originally, Allen was told by Lawrence Central trainers that there was no way he could return to the game, but Allen had other plans. “[I] had [the trainer] put some tape on, and I went back in,” Allen said. Allen could be seen from the sidelines, practicing, testing his throw, shaking his head in defeat, and practicing some more. With minutes left in the game, Allen ran back onto the field to retake his spot at quarterback. The Lawrence Central stands erupted in cheers as he returned. As he returned, the LC team buckled down for what were their final moments before a bitter loss or euphoric win. 

Lawrence North found themselves in the same position Lawrence Central was in almost three months ago: trying to stop a last-minute touchdown. With Allen playing through an injury, there was only so much he could do. The best option was to run the play up the middle and push the Bears into scoring position.

Suddenly, Lawrence Central found themselves at the 1-yard line with less than 3 seconds left on the clock. The student section had moved from the stands to press against the fence in front of the track, ready to witness a Bears’ victory. Allen ran the ball up the middle once again, fighting for the touchdown, but the Lawrence North defense wasn’t giving in. They tackled Allen, forcing the ball to fly out of his hands and into the end zone. For a brief moment, the crowd went silent.

Moments later, running back Albert Gooden III pounced on the ball for an LC touchdown, “As I see the ball leaving, I’m like ‘Oh snap,’” Gooden says, securing the win for the Bears, 26-24. Students in the crowd erupted into cheers. Gooden’s instincts saved the day. 

Allen remarks on Gooden’s quick thinking, “Throwing the ball would have been hard, but Albert got on it, and it’s exciting.” Gooden added that he knew he just had to jump on the ball before anyone else did. “ I’m just glad I was at the right place at the right time, and I was able to seal the game.” 

Decatur Central faced North Central on Friday, October 31st, and came away with the victory.  With the win over Lawrence North secured, Lawrence Central will now host Decatur Central on Friday, November 7th, for the sectional title.