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By Justin Criado

Published: Friday, October 26, 2012, 10:22 p.m.
Updated: Friday, October 26, 2012

Just like their Week 3 matchup, Perry and Allderdice came down to the end.

With 1:54 left and first-and-goal at the Perry 3, Allderdice running back Patrick Ferguson fumbled into the end zone. It was recovered by Perry's Shakeem Cox to give top-seeded Perry a 13-7 win in the City League semifinals. The Commodores (7-2, 6-0) will face defending champion USO next week in the championship at Cupples Stadium.

“Never get used to it. We just make it hard on ourselves,” coach Bill Gallagher said of his team's recent trend of defending late leads with defensive dramatics.

Allderdice (3-6, 2-4) forced a quick three-and-out on the opening drive, then drove 72 yards down the field to take an early lead. The Dragons couldn't maintain another solid drive, committing four turnovers. Allderdice had one final prayer in the final seconds, but Bishop Gethers' pass fell short of the end zone. Allderdice outgained Perry, 231-146, in total yardage and held the first-down advantage, 13-8. But it was the crucial downs that Perry owned.

“Every snap counts, no matter if it's the first snap or last snap,” Allderdice coach Jerry Haslett said. “And that last play could have counted.”

Last week, Perry defeated USO, 12-6, to capture the No. 1 seed. The Commodores used a late goal-line stand to secure the win.

“That's a very talented team,” Gallagher said. “Hopefully, it's a good game. We'll do our best to get ready.”

Justin Criado is a freelance writer.

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