EC win snaps 27 section game losing streak

The Wolverines traveled to Oak Hill Field in New Brighton to take on the Lions in a 2A-2 Conference showdown. Two teams that have played over 2100 games in total and combine for almost 1000 wins, the New Brighton - Ellwood City game had that classic battle to the end feel. And of course, the game lived up to the hype - an instant classic.

Although most classic games come down to the final play just as this one would, it does seem to bode well if a team jumps out early in the first quarter. The Wolverines were able to do just that as they started the scoring on the night with the first play from scrimmage run by RB #2 Elijah Palmer-McCaine, crossing the goal line from 63 yards out. The extra point kick was failed, but the Wolverines took the 6-0 lead into the second quarter.

Similar to the first quarter, the second quarter favored the Wolverines. After a couple back and forth series, the Wolverines were able to add to their lead, scoring from 8 yards out this time by Palmer-McCaine. The Wolverines attempted a two point conversion pass that was well covered and dropped in the endzone. The Wolverines held onto the 12-0 lead going into halftime.

The Wolverines should have had more points in the first half and dominated the stat line, but just could not separate far enough from the Lions as they stayed in striking distance with the Wolverines.

Halftime stats had the Wolverines at 184 rushing yards while holding the Lions to -4 yards rushing. The Wolverines also had 102 yards passing to just 23 yards, leaving Ellwood City winning the yard total and plays - 38 plays, 286 yards to just 19 plays 19 yards.

Both teams could not get anything going in the third quarter as both teams had two drives that stalled out in the opposing teams’ side of the field. Once again the Wolverines continued to dominate the Lions at the line of scrimmage, but just could not put points up in the quarter.

Fourth quarter action began with the press box along with the faithful fans on both sides feeling like the balance of the game could easily go either way. The Lions helped that feeling as they put up 7 points on the board mid way through the fourth quarter as a 4 yard delayed pass by QB #10 Brian Taylor Jr. was caught in the endzone by WR #3 Kyler Rombold. The extra point was good by K #53 Cayden Pauvlinch to make the score 12-7.

Up till now the Wolverines bend don’t break defense had not given up much yard let alone points, but now that the lead was just 5 and the Wolverines defense gave up over 150 plus passing yards in the second half, Ellwood City needed something to finish a drive on offense to secure the win - and they did.

At the 4:14 mark in the fourth quarter, Palmer-McCaine added his third rushing touchdown on the night following his offensive line into the endzone to make the late score 18-7. PAT once again was no good as the attempt was blocked.

Just as Palmer-McCaine had his third rushing touchdown of the night and the game seemed in hand of the Wolverines, the Lions added another score of their own to keep things interesting in the last three minutes.

Two big catches on the drive by the Lions’ wide receivers allowed them to gain 68 yards in just 47 seconds, allowing a 2 yard touchdown run by Taylor Jr. to make the score 18-13. The two point pass conversion was no good as DB #15 Declan Gray had good coverage. That kept the score 18-13, but left still 3 minutes remaining in the game.

The second attempt of onsides was recovered by DaiLonn Currie of the Wolverines after Ellwood City lined up offsides, giving the Lions two attempts that were unsuccessful. After one first down, the Lions were able to force a punt by the Wolverines. After the punt, the Lions had 85 yards to go to win the game with 1:50 remaining.

As Taylor Jr. made some big passing plays in the second, the third pass on this drive would be one he would like back - as LB #17 Brighton Mariacher, the “one-armed beast” - coined by ECS very own Thad Sturgeon on the call - put his club up in the air and knocked the ball into his very own arms for the game-sealing interception. The Wolverines had pulled off the victory, winning 18-13 over the New Brighton Lions.

As the clock struck zero, the Ellwood City fans all cheered as not only did they see a great victory by the Wolverines, they also knew that the team had broken the 27 section game losing streak, the second losing streak broken this year.

The Wolverines finished with 403 yards on the night, a mark that they have not reached in years. A total of 231 of those yards came via the run, specifically by Sophomore Elijah Palmer-McCaine, which was the most by the Wolverines since 2013 (254 - Jared Myers). QB #12 Chris Smiley finished with 104 passing yards, and some timely throws on the night, completing 8 passes.

For the third time this year, the Wolverines won the turnover battle, which in turn led to 12 of the 18 points on the evening. The Wolverines now 2-5 (1-3) on the season will look to Friday night as they will officially have their first home game of the season, playing host to the Beaver Falls Tigers 6-1 (4-0). Friday night is also Homecoming while the Wolverines will unveil and play on the new turf at Helling Stadium.

Coverage of the game will begin around 6:30 PM for the introduction of Homecoming Queen and the crowning of the queen at halftime. We will also have a promo video about the new turf field as well. Be sure to come out and support your Ellwood City Wolverines!