In a high school football game that came down to the final 93 seconds — Friday night lights at its best — No. 7 Mesa Ridge prevailed over No. 10 Monarch 34-31.

It was almost a night to forget for the Grizzlies, who struggled to stop Monarch’s offense and appeared suffocated by their defense. And penalties, including costly personal fouls, added up to give Monarch a yardage boost, making life that much harder for Mesa Ridge.

But something shifted late in the fourth quarter.

A gutsy conversion on a fourth down led to a touchdown by senior tight end Zander Iwanski, bringing Monarch’s lead down to just three points. A defensive stand forced a punt and Mesa Ridge’s Kobe Dooley (Jr.) caught a bobbled pass and found blockers all the way to the end zone, giving Mesa Ridge the lead with less than a minute to go.

An interception by safety Anthony Smith (Sr.) sealed the game.

“It was a tight game, and we pulled through,” Smith said. “It was a rough game for me, it was a long night, but I locked in. I read the play right and the rest is barbecue chicken.”

The Grizzlies struggled on defense for most of the game. Monarch’s ground game was backed up by effective quarterback play from 6-4 senior Riley Montemayor. But the Grizzlies’ defense stood tall when needed.

Special teams did their part, too, blocking a field goal that ultimately set up Iwanski’s touchdown.

Dooley recorded two touchdowns, one in the first half and another in the second. The second touchdown ultimately proved the most crucial as it secured the game from Monarch.

Though head coach Jerimi Calip had to think long and hard about which player stood out in Friday’s showdown, he ultimately called out Dooley.

“It wasn’t even the touchdowns. … The catch he made on third and long was probably one of the best catches you’re gonna see in any game,” he said. “I don’t know what anyone else’s team has, but I will put our guys against any receiving group in the state.”

In the third round, Mesa Ridge will face the winner between No. 2 Montrose and No. 15 Frederick, who play Saturday at 1 p.m.