No, they wouldn't have lmao they would've lost to Fayetteville. Surber is the more prototypical QB, I get it. But Cassidy possessed a clutch gene Surber doesn't. Against Fayetteville McKenzie got the ball down 17-18 with about 2:30 left on their own 18 or 19. Cassidy marches them all the way down to their own for a lollipop fg to win. Cassidy was 3 of 4 for about 45-50 yards and had a 20+ yard run. If I'm not mistaking, Taylor didn't get a touch on that drive. On the other hand, leading 34-18 starting the 4th quarter with 2nd down and goal on MASE's 5 or so that drive ends in an Interception. Long story, short 2 more ints followed as well as a snap over the head of the punter and McKenzie loses. I want to say they mustered 3-4 first downs in the quarter. These things are not the same. You can argue 2022 was better than 2024 and I agree but the level of comp played wasn't anywhere close. 2022's road to a Championship was much tougher and 2024 McKenzie cruised until they didn't.