Four overtimes and a stripped ball in the semifinal game against Keenan brought these two teams together.
After nearly seeing their dominance during the regular season dwindle away, Dillon had to prove why they deserve to be in the interhall championship game despite being the number one seeded team.
After meeting the challenge as Dillon defeated Keenan, the team will once again be tested as they face the No. 2 seed and defending champions Siegfried.
Dillon's path to the championship game included several obstacles including four overtimes and the inability to score points. Despite struggling for most of the game, Dillon was able to find the end zone and conquer Keenan 13-6.
Although the Ramblers are seeded second, Siegfried comes experienced as the defending champions will be playing in their third consecutive stadium game. But each time Siegfried reaches the championship game, it is a new experience.
"It is a different team with different players and different attitudes," Siegfried team captain Vince Sicillano said.
Coming off of a 10-6 victory over Morrissey last Sunday, Siegfried dominated the game after overcoming early struggles in the first quarter. The momentum quickly shifted for the Ramblers as defensive end Kevin Phipps stripped the ball from Morrissey's quarterback Marty Mooney.
Giving Siegfried confidence, the Ramblers took the lead by halftime and never looked back.
Despite having to face the number one seeded team, Siegfried remains confident they can avenge their loss against Dillon in the 2001 championship game.
"We're not nervous, we're ready ... our goal was to go to the stadium and defend the title," Sicillano said. "[Dillon] is the best team in the league and it is fitting that we will meet them in the championship game."
After last year's victory, Siegfried has remained confident as the team has become stronger in numbers and has gained greater support from the dorm.
Siegfried is more focused upon winning the championship and bringing the victory to the seniors for the last time rather than giving into all the excitement surrounding the game.
"If you give into the hype, that is when you don't show up to play the game," said Sicillano.
In order to become victorious, Siegfried will have to defeat Dillon, who overcame a scare in the second round of the playoffs. After four overtimes, reality set in for Dillon.
"It was a gut check," Dillon team captain Kevin McCarthy said.
Dillon now realizes that more focus needs to be placed upon fundamentals in preparation for Sunday's game. They also hope to rely upon running game and quick defense led by senior Robert McBride to stop Siegfried's game.
Dillon's offense has only allowed a total of 17 points in six games.
"The [defense] has never let up," Dillon quarterback Michael Johnson said. "The defense has carried us the whole season."
Although the victory is important to Dillon, playing in the stadium is a unique experience that Dillon does not take for granted.
"[The championship game] is a special event and with it being a part of the legacy, everyone wants to do their best," McCarthy said.
Dillon has been the team to beat all season with a perfect record. It is Dillon's goal to prove that they belong in the championship.
"We are definite we can prove our number one ranking." Johnson said.
