WILDCATS CLAW BACK AT POLAND AND MOVE ON
Struthers Gains Redemption, Advances in Playoffs with 14-9 Victory Over Poland
In a high-stakes playoff showdown, Struthers found sweet revenge for a Week 10 loss by edging out Poland in a nail-biting 14-9 victory.
The first quarter remained scoreless, as both teams grappled for control on the field. It was clear that this was going to be a closely contested match from the start.
The second quarter saw the first points on the board as Poland’s Jas Stefancin converted a 21-yard field goal, giving Poland a 3-0 lead at 7:54.
However, Struthers quickly responded in the third quarter, with running back Jason Dukes leading the charge. Dukes plowed through the defense with an 11-yard rushing touchdown at 6:41. The extra point was good, granting Struthers a 7-3 lead.
Dukes was far from finished, as he broke free with an explosive 63-yard rushing touchdown at 2:30, extending Struthers’ lead to 14-3 after another successful extra point.
Poland wasn’t willing to go down without a fight. Quarterback Dom Pagano connected with Cole Fulton for a remarkable 61-yard touchdown pass at 1:34 in the third quarter. However, the two-point conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 14-9 in favor of Struthers.
The fourth quarter remained scoreless, but it was Dukes who sealed the deal for Struthers with an interception in the end zone. This critical play ensured that Poland could not mount a comeback in the waning moments of the game.
The victory marked a crucial moment for Struthers, avenging their previous loss and propelling them further in the playoffs. The Wildcats will match up with Mentor Lake Catholic in the Regional Semifinals.
