Tiffin University defensive end Logan Kaminski sacked McKendree quarterback David Bergschneider, then lined up and chased him again.
The ensuing incompletion by the Bearcats' quarterback gave the ball back to Tiffin with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter. All that remained was a kneel down.
The Dragons' 21-game losing streak? Over.
As Kaminski walked off the field, he was greeted by his high school coach, former Columbian mentor Steve Gilbert, who is now working on the Dragons' staff.
It was almost like old times, when Kaminski was starring on Frost-Kalnow Stadium's field for the Tornadoes, under Gilbert's watch.
"He's the guy that's responsible for all this, actually," Kaminiski said, referring to his play. "I had some issues my sophomore year of high school with grades, and he made me stick it out."
Tiffin coach Gary Goff has to be glad for that. In Saturday's 23-13 win over McKendree, Kaminski had four tackles, a sack and a pass breakup.
"Today he got the big sack to ice the game," Gilbert said. "He's just living proof of what hard work will do for you."
Kaminski actually started his collegiate career at the University of Toledo, but a serious knee injury led to him coming home and playing for then-Dragons' coach Dave Walkosky. While his play for TU has been good, the team hasn't been.
Gilbert said his player hasn't changed a bit.
"He never asks any questions," Gilbert said. "He just gives as much as he has all the time. Just like he was in high school. He's playing for the shear love of the game."
Now a senior, Kaminski is hoping that can change.
"This is just one step of the 11," Kaminski said. "There's certainly a momentum that's gonna be swinging with us to get us going. We've got a tough schedule coming up the next couple weeks; just gotta be perfect, play the way we're coached."
Goff said the win was for players like Kaminski, who have have toughed it out over the last few years.
"I told the seniors before the game, 'this is your football team,'" Goff said. "They have stayed here and stuck it out when times were really down. And they deserve this win. This win is to the seniors."
