Penalties cost Cougars, Wolverines prevail

Week 2 Friday night action spotted the Wolverines hosting the Carlynton Cougars - a matchup last year that saw the Wolverines break the longest losing streak in the WPIAL of 27 games. This year, things were different - both teams were coming into Week 2 1-1 on the year looking to start a new streak with a win. The Wolverines did just that while doing something they haven’t done since 2011 - start the year with two wins in the first three weeks.

First quarter action saw some sloppy play to start with both teams having drives that were stopped either on three downs or close to midfield. Ellwood City started their first two possesions with turnovers, which kept the Cougars close early.

The Wolverines were finally able to break through after a punt by Carlynton set the Wolverines up at their own 37. Ellwood City quickly got to the other side of the field as a personal foul against the Cougars gave them 15 yards the easy way - this was the theme on the night.

SR WR #8 Michael Walters had a big night, helping the first scoring drive for the Wolverines with a big catch that got the Wolverines down to the Cougars 17 yard line. From there, a couple running plays later, JR RB #2 Elijah Palmer-McCane was able to get in from one yeard out, making the score 6-0 EC. The PAT kick by #19 Caitlin Kreitzer was no good (wide left), keeping the score 6-0 with 31 seconds left in quarter one.

Second quarter saw more action, but it took another 7 minutes before points were put up on the scoreboard. Back and forth action was settled by once again WR #8 Walters making a great slant over the middle catch from QB #12 Chris Smiley form 7 yards out. The 2 point pass conversion was failed, keeping the score 12-0 Ellwood City with 5:29 remaining in the first half.

After once again a couple of penalties and plays in the backfield for the Cougars, a bubble screen pass from QB #7 Devonte Dean to RB #9 Ryan Lewis on the far side of the field for about 6 yards turned into a 52 yard scamper by Lewis who took on three tackles and traveled about 70 some yards across the field to the endzone. The PAT kick by #17 Mateo Carrasco was blocked by lineman #73 Evan Tweddell to keep the score 12-6 in favor of the Wolverines.

Ellwood City received the ball one more time and was starting a great drive, but just like the penalty issue, timeouts also became a factor as well. The Wolverines had to burn a timeout during an out of bounds play while just missing the endzone on four downs. After the turnover on downs, the Cougars just ran out the clock with the halftime score reading 12-6 in favor of the Wolverines.

Second half action saw the Cougars receiving the ball first with a good feeling of only being down by six points. But penalties and lack of discipline caused issues early and late for the Cougars in the second half. This time, discipline was not there for the Wolverines as they jumped offside on a crucial 4th down play near midfield. The very next play #9 Lewis took the pitch back and scampered 48 yards to the endzone to make the score 12-12. The 2 point pass conversion was failed, keeping us tied with 8:59 left in the third quarter.

Once again back and forth action occurred as both teams could not finish off drives, let alone stay away from the penalties. Ellwood had an opportunity for points late third quarter, but a series with two penalties and a missed opportunity on fourth down followed by a timeout took away the opportunity for points.

On the flip side, the Cougars took the ball and drive all the way to the Wolverines 35 yardline, but a big stop by the Wolverines defense on fourth day kept the Cougars offense at bay.

Most of the pressure though fell on the Cougars as even when the score was tied they seemed to be “behind the eight ball” as the Wolveriens continued to move the ball forward with each drive, just without points.

Almost 10 minutes of gametime went by as finally the Wolverines were able to break through as #2 Palmer-McCane was able to cap off a drive from 17 yards out, adding his sccond score of the day. The score was helped out by an amazing catch from #8 Walters who went up and caught the pass by Smiley for 36 yards. With that being said, the PAT kick after the touchdown was good by #19 Kreitzer to make the score 19-12 Ellwood City.

Just like the third quarter, the fans at Helling Stadium got to see another segment of penalties and some sloppy play. 7 minutes of back and forth football saw the Cougars finish with 17 penalties for 169 yards on the evening, which ultimately cost them the football game. The Cougars had the ball in the fourth quarter, but each drive was stopped by either their own mistakes or a turnover on downs.

The last score on the night was by QB Smiley for the Wolverines who just sneaked in from 3 yards out for the score. It was the third game in a row that Smiley had a passing touchdown and rushing touchdown in each game. The PAT kick was failed to make the final score 25-12 Ellwood City.

The Wolverines were able to clock the remaining seconds, which was a greatful sight to the fans who stayed through the sloppy play by both teams in the discipline category. But…as they always say…a win is a win.

The Wolverines outgained the Cougars 322 yards to 267, but had 2 early turnovers to help keep the score close. Ellwood City was able to get the run game back together, as they rushed for 203 yards on 50 carries. Meanwhile, EC mustered out 24 first downs to just 7 for the Cougars. Although they gave up two big splash plays on the night, the Wolverines held the Cougars to 36 plays for 167 yards (minus the two big plays on the night). Penalties were the biggest factor on the night as Ellwood had 5 for 38 yards while the Cougars finished with 17 for 169 yards.

Individually, Palmer-McCane finished with 150 yards rushing with 2 TDs, while Smiley threw for 119 and accounted for 2TDs as well. A big night from SR Walters was needed as he finished with 6 catches for 88 yards and 1 TD.

The Wolverines (2-1) finish the non-section schedule pretty much where we expected them to be, but we hoped for a little less nerve-racking results. In the end, Ellwood City has done something they hadn’t done since 2011 - win two games to start off the season in the first three weeks.

Up next for Ellwood City is another home contest against section foe Freedom Bulldogs (1-2) who have faced two 3A schools and one 4A school to start their season. The Wolverines have struggled against the Bulldogs recently, losing 5 straight games. Coverage will begin at 6:45 PM on Friday with the live stream presented by ECS!