MARATHON -- A second half comeback attempt by the Dolphins came up short as Marathon High School lost to LaSalle High 35-21.

It was the homecoming game for the Dolphins, and also their last game on the season, as the Fins finished up the year 4-6 and out of the playoff race.

"They played hard," Dolphins coach Lance Martin said after the game. Martin praised his team's effort after a slow first half that saw them go down 21-0. "They could have just rolled over."

The Fins got off to a rough start as senior running back A.J. Freeman fumbled the ball on the first play from scrimmage on his own 28. LaSalle took advantage of the short field and scored on a sweep play from the 5-yard line.

Marathon went three and out on their next possession, and LaSalle returned the ensuing punt all the way back to the Dolphins 17 yard line. After seemingly stopping LaSalle in their tracks in the red zone, LaSalle was able to cash in on a fourth down 11-yard touchdown pass with 3:16 left in the first quarter, going up 14-0. LaSalle added another 29-yard touchdown pass midway through the second quarter to give them an impressive lead heading into halftime.

It was Marathon that would strike next, as quarterback Nyran Ross hooked up with wide receiver Kenyatta Scott on a 58-yard touchdown pass down the sidelines. Ross had to dance away form pressure before launching the pass, and the extra point brought the Dolphins within 14.

LaSalle answered right back with a touchdown on a 65-yard option pitch, pushing the lead back up to 21.

Scoring next for the Dolphins was senior running back A.J. Freeman, who punched it in from the four on the Dolphins' next possession. That drive featured another long-distance connection between Ross and Scott, this time for 37 yards, which set up the score.

Once again however, LaSalle kept the game out of reach, starting off its next drive with a 77-yard run, putting the Lions at the Dolphins' 1-yard line. They would go on to score, giving them 35 on the night.

The Dolphins kept things interesting in the fourth quarter, with Ross scoring on a quarterback keeper with 6:34 left in the game.

The Dolphins were able to recover the onside kick, giving them a chance to stay in the game, but an interception thrown by wide receiver Shane DiPaolo on an option pass sealed their fate. LaSalle ended their season with a 6-4 record.

"We don't quit," Freeman said after the game, waxing nostalgic about the end of his high school career. "It was good while it lasted ... I'm going to miss it."

Martin said that next year's team is expected to be a young squad.

"We have some young skilled kids," Martin said. "We will have to wait and see."