ROCKETS BLAST PAST CLIPPERS IN OVERTIME
COLUMBIANA, OH-In a breathtaking battle on the gridiron, the Lowellville Rockets clashed with the Columbiana Clippers in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. The final score, 22-21 in overtime and in favor of Lowellville, epitomized the nail-biting nature of the contest.
The game kicked off with Columbiana’s Kian Hartley exhibiting his skills, as he dashed his way 6 yards into the endzone, followed by a successful PAT by Aidan Radcliff, giving Columbiana the early lead at 7-0 with just 1 minute and 16 seconds left in the first quarter. Hartley continued his dominance, adding a 5-yard touchdown run to his tally, and Radcliff’s accurate kick extended Columbiana’s lead to 14-0 at the 9:03 mark.
However, Lowellville was far from ready to concede. Michael Ballone orchestrated a remarkable drive, connecting with Matthew Lucido on a 4-yard touchdown pass, which Lucido followed with a successful PAT, narrowing the gap to 14-7 with 3 minutes and 54 seconds left in the second quarter. The Rockets’ determination only grew stronger as Ballone and Lucido combined forces once again, this time for a 27-yard touchdown pass, and Lucido’s successful PAT leveled the playing field at 14-14 with 4 minutes and 15 seconds remaining in the quarter.
The third quarter saw both teams continuing to deliver heart-pounding action. Columbiana’s Liam Surgenevic found his way into the endzone with a 20-yard touchdown run, complemented by Radcliff’s PAT, regaining the lead for Columbiana at 21-14. Lowellville, however, answered the call once more as Ballone exhibited his versatility, darting 20 yards for a crucial touchdown, and his subsequent pass to Lucido for the 2-point conversion tied the game at 21-21.
Overtime was nothing short of a drama-filled spectacle. Lowellville’s offense shone as Ballone threw a touchdown pass to Lucido, who secured his second touchdown catch of the day, followed by his second PAT. With a thrilling 22-21 victory, Lowellville emerged triumphant in a game for the ages. Matthew Lucido’s two touchdown catches, two PATs, and the decisive 2-point conversion stood as a testament to his pivotal role in the victory. Meanwhile, Michael Ballone’s two touchdown passes and a 20-yard rushing touchdown showcased his all-around prowess.
Columbiana’s Kian Hartley left his mark with two impressive touchdown runs and an interception, while Liam Surgenevic’s 20-yard touchdown run in overtime highlighted his significant contributions.
