—Messenger photo by Dana Recker Fort Dodge head coach Andi Adams hugs Mackenzie Alstott and celebrates with her team after winning Saturday night’s game against Mason City at Rogers Park.

On paper, it looked like a slam dunk. Reading between the lines, Andi Adams knew Fort Dodge’s Class 4A regional quarterfinal game against Mason City here Saturday would be anything but. The homestanding Dodgers did escape and advance with a 3-2 victory over the Mohawks to conclude an emotionally draining 24 hours for Adams’ squad. Fort Dodge (28-13 overall) now visits Marshalltown (22-18) Monday at 7 p.m. for a berth in the regional finals, which will be back at Rogers Park on Wednesday. Fourth-ranked Southeast Polk and Ankeny meet on the other side of the Region 4 bracket. The victory — and even the game itself — gave hurting Dodger players a chance to distract themselves from Friday’s devastating news. Graduated FDSH senior Justin Bradley died at his home late that night, leaving an entire community both stunned and saddened. Adams called it ‘‘one of the hardest days of my life, both as a coach and a friend to these kids.