EARLY FIELD GOAL PUSHES PIRATES PAST WILDCATS IN DEFENSIVE THRILLER

Photo Credit: Dawn Bubonic Photography

Perry, OH- In a defensive showdown that will be remembered as one of the toughest battles of the season, the Perry Pirates edged out the Struthers Wildcats 3-0 to secure a spot in the next round of the OHSAA playoffs. A single, crucial field goal by Perry’s freshman kicker, Colt Crissinger, proved to be the game-winner. With just five seconds left in the first quarter, Crissinger drilled a 20-yard field goal, putting Perry up 3-0—an advantage that held throughout the game.

Both defenses dominated from start to finish. The first half saw each team make crucial goal-line stands, turning away any hopes of early touchdowns. As the clock ran down in the second half, both defensive squads intensified, effectively locking down the field and keeping the offenses out of the red zone. Perry’s offense came tantalizingly close in the final moments, reaching the Wildcats’ 1-yard line with 35 seconds left in the game. However, showing respect for their defensive effort and confident in the slim lead, the Pirates took a knee, running out the clock to preserve the hard-fought win.

With this victory, Perry improves to 11-1 and now turns its focus to the next playoff matchup against the Streetsboro Rockets, to be held at a neutral site in Week 13. The Wildcats end their season at 9-3, closing a remarkable campaign marked by grit and tenacity.