Second Half Comeback Secures Ellwood City’s First Playoff win in 13 years
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Garrett Dollin | November 9, 2024
Ellwood City, PA – Ellwood City’s Cinderella story isn’t over quiet yet.
Ellwood City, who finished the season 9-0, went undefeated in the regular season for the first time since 1944. This comes just 2 years since the Wolverines went 0-25 over the course of 3 seasons. However, Friday night’s contest would be their toughest challenge yet.
The defenses for both teams took control of the first quarter, with minimal offensive production from either side. Christopher Smiley and Ellwood City would threaten to start the second, getting the ball inside the 5-yard line before being stopped on fourth down. South Allegheny’s Ryan Cortes and Drew Cook would make quick work of the turnover, connecting on a slant pass taken 96-yards to the end zone. The Gladiators “bend don’t break” defense came up with another huge stop inside the 5-yard line as time expired, keeping the 6-0 lead heading into the half.
Ellwood City would adjust from their mistakes when faced with a similar situation on the opening drive of the second half. Elijah Palmer-McCane powered his way 4-yards into the endzone, with the extra point from Caitlin Kreitzer giving Ellwood the lead.
Heading to the fourth quarter, a muffed punt from Ellwood City put South Allegheny in prime position to retake the lead. With 9:56 left, Cortes threw behind Camden Lewis who tipped the ball and caught it on the way down to give the Gladiators the lead back. South Allegheny would attempt the 2-point conversion but were stopped
However, it was only a matter of time before Palmer-McCane found the end zone again. With 7:57 remaining, Smiley dumped off a pass to the Wolverines star running back who took it 34-yards to the endzone. Caitlin Kreitzer’s extra point would again give the Wolverines the lead. Both teams would exchange possessions before a turnover on downs put Ellwood in victory formation.
Ellwood City will face off against no. 2 South Park next Friday night, with a trip to Acrisure Stadium on the line. The Wolverines are looking for their first WPIAL title since 1925.
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