ARVADA, Colo. — The No. 10 Pomona football team wasn't supposed to end their season this early.
A second half rally on Thursday night against No. 23 Castle View in the 5A playoffs ensured the journey isn't over yet.
The Panthers escaped with a 14-7 win at the NAAC after trailing the Sabercats 7-0 at halftime. Senior Noah Epley got Pomona on the board midway through the third quarter with a TD to make it 7-6.
After a failed PAT, the score held until late in the fourth quarter, when Panthers senior Dominick Nichols busted off a long run for a touchdown to give Pomona a 12-7 lead with just 2:52 left on the clock. A successful two-point conversion helped seal the win.
On deck for Pomona is a trip to the Sweet 16 next weekend against No. 7 Regis Jesuit. The winner of that game will advance to the 5A quarterfinals and likely a showdown with No. 2 Cherry Creek.
Castle View QB Nathan Schmidt hit junior Ace Malone for the team's lone score of the night on a touchdown strike of more than 80 yards in the first half. The Sabercats finished their 2021 season with a respectable 6-5 record.
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