"Devils Repell Spirited Tiger Attack"
Berlin Center - The Devils may be thought of as an offensive team, but it was the defense that won the game over Wellsville 13-6. It was a fourth quarter, fourth and nine play from the Devils 14-yard line with just 1:07 remaining. Wellsville's quarterback Bubba Dowling threw wide of his target as the Devils turned them away.
The Devils scored twice in the first quarter to jump out to a 13-0 lead and then nursed that advantage the rest of the contest. The first score came on a 37-yard pass from quarterback Shane Ewing to receiver Clayton Hull at 10:52 of the 1st quarter to draw first blood. The Devils would score again with just nine seconds remaining in the quarter when Ewing would hit Ed Newhouse on a 11-yard touchdown pass.
The Tigers would go on two long drives in the second quarter, but were turned away on both occassions by the Devils rugged defense. The team would go into halftime with the Devils holding onto they're 13-0 advantage.
Wellsville would once again go on a long drive to start the second half, but were forced to turn the ball over on downs at the Devils 22-yard line. Finally with 11:07 remaining in the game the Devils were able to march 90-yards on 11 plays to score on a 1-yard Dowling plunge. A missed point after attempt left the score at 13-6.
The Tigers would force the Devils to punt the ball following a Ewing sack. The short punt gave the Tigers the ball at the Devil 26-yard line. The Tigers would drive to the Devils 12, but an incomplete pass and a sack of Dowling would set up the fourth down attempt that would fail. The Devils would run out the clock to preserve the victory.
"Rebels down Bulldogs in Showcase Game"
New Waterford - In a game that showcased the ITCL for TV, it was the performance by Rebels quarterback Carter Hill that lifted his team to an impressive 35-14 victory. He would score 2 touchdowns on 13 carries for 148 yards just in the first half.
The Rebels wasted no time in seizing the early momentum as they would drive 80-yards to score first taking the lead 7-0. However, the Bulldogs would not be intimidated as they would answer right back with a drive of their own to tie the game 7-7.
At that point the Rebels line of scrimmage began to take control as Hill would rush for his first touchdown of the night covering 46-yards and putting the Rebels up 14-7. The Bulldogs would try to drive again, but would turn the ball over on a crucial fumble.
The Rebels would basically win the game late in the second quarter when they would score again. This time it was a 4-yard run by Hill with just 31 seconds remaining in the half to put the Rebels up 21-7.
The Rebels would add to their lead in the third quarter, again with Hill scoring and running wild through the Bulldog defense. The Rebels would go up 35-7 before the Bulldogs were able to hit the endzone again, but it was too little too late as the final score would be 35-14.
Pictures and summary curtesy of RebelPhotography
The entire Mahoning Valley had the opportunity to see what the ITCL is all about when East Palestine and Crestview squared off at Rebel stadium tonight. The Rebels showed why they are one of the premire teams not only in the league but in this area with an impressive 35-14 win over the Bulldogs.
In the other big game in the Upper Tier, the Mineral Ridge Rams continued to big impressive as they prevailed over a very good Springfield squad 26-19. The win leaves the Rebels and Rams tied for first place in the league.
Two other games in the Upper Tier saw Columbiana and South Range bounce back. The Clippers were able to get past the United Eagles 21-8 in a hard fought game, while South Range was able to over-power Lisbon on homecoming night 54-6.
The key game in the Lower Tier showcased the Western Reserve Blue Devils holding off a spirited Wellsville team 13-6. The win keeps the Devils even with the McDonald Blue Devils as they were able to win over the Jackson-Milton Blue Jays. 35-0. Leetonia also claims first place as they are 3-0 in the league following they're 21-12 hard fought victory over the Southern Indians.
The Lowellville Rockets were able to make it two in-a-row as they spoiled homecoming night at Sebring. The Rockets pitched the shutout in a 25-0 win.
Now the league leaders will have to guard against any upsets, while several other teams will play with desperation if they hope to win league titles and make playoff appearances. Next week should be another great Friday night of ITCL football!