POLAND ESCAPES AT HOME IN OVERTIME

POLAND OH- In a thrilling football matchup, Poland found themselves in a nail-biting overtime situation against Struthers. It was a battle that would be defined by one crucial defensive stop on a game-winning two-point conversion attempt by the Wildcats. Ultimately, the Bulldogs escaped with a heart-pounding 28-27 win in overtime.

The Bulldogs struck first, capitalizing on a Struthers fumble to take possession at their own 47-yard line. Poland’s offense methodically worked down the field, and quarterback Dom Pagano put them ahead with a 6-yard touchdown run, making it 7-0 Bulldogs with 4:45 left in the first quarter.

Struthers quickly responded after holding the Bulldogs to a three-and-out. Quarterback Jason Dukes connected with Devin Braham on a 56-yard touchdown pass to tie the game 7-7 early in the second quarter. Struthers added to their tally with Braham keeping the ball for a touchdown, taking a 14-7 lead.

Poland, not to be outdone, mounted a 57-yard drive before halftime. They capped it with a 1-yard touchdown run by Pagano, knotting the score at 14-14 going into halftime.

After a fumble by Poland, Struthers took a 21-14 lead on a 27-yard touchdown run by Dukes, just over a minute remaining in the third quarter. But the Bulldogs wouldn’t back down, responding in the fourth quarter as Cole Fulton scored on a 2-yard touchdown run, making it 21-21 with 10 minutes left in regulation.

The intense battle continued into overtime, with the score tied at 21-21. The Bulldogs swiftly took the lead in the extra period as Pagano connected with Danny Nittoli on a short screen play, putting them ahead 28-21.

On Struthers’ chance to score, Braham responded with a 1-yard touchdown to make it 28-27. The Wildcats lined up to go for 2 and win, but then we’re called for a fall start penalty which backed them up.

Struthers was not phased by the penalty. They were still determined to win or lose on one play. They executed a tricky looking play call, snapping the ball to Najier Howard, who then handed it off to Dukes in the backfield. Dukes then scrambled to his left and tried to find a receiver in pay dirt, but it fell incomplete, sealing the thrilling 28-27 victory for the Bulldogs.