Ascension Catholic's hopes hung in the balance late in the Division IV select state title game against Riverside Academy.

The Bulldogs trailed 28-7 in the third quarter but stormed back to cut the deficit to just a touchdown. The Ascension Catholic defense forced a Rebels' fourth down from the Bulldogs' 18.

After a false start, Riverside attempted a 40-yard field goal. Ascension Catholic tried to ice the kicker with a timeout, but William Rauch's kick slowly wobbled its way through the middle of the uprights to make it 31-21 with just 2:05 left in the game.

Ascension Catholic (11-3) failed to score again and fell 31-21 to Riverside in the Division IV select state championship game on Thursday in the Caesars Superdome.

"It was never a question in my mind," Bulldogs coach Taylor James sa

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