Cant think of a game before where

fail swoop,
It should be fell swoop: a cut that fells a tree in one stroke.
Your use of the word "fail" is unnerving.

As for "so much is resting on one game", there is only a play-off place at stake. It might not mean that much. It's possible to get promoted with it - but improbable.

However, you've got to be in it to win it.