WILDCATS PUT UP THEIR DUKES AGAINST BEAVER LOCAL
EAST LIVERPOOL, OH- In a football clash brimming with excitement and dramatic turns, the Struthers Wildcats squared off against the Beaver Local team in a game that would leave an indelible mark on both players and fans. The final score, 37-20 in favor of Struthers, reflected the relentless battles fought on the field, and some stellar play for the pair of signal callers.
The first quarter set the tone as Beaver Local’s Austin Cline displayed precision, connecting with Taylor Johnston for an 11-yard passing touchdown, giving his team an early 7-0 lead with 5 minutes and 30 seconds left. Struthers responded swiftly as Jason Dukes tore through the defense, scoring a 37-yard rushing touchdown and bringing the score to 7-6 with just 2 minutes left in the quarter. The game’s tempo escalated when Struthers’ Robert Carcelli intercepted a pass from Cline, preventing Beaver Local from extending their lead, and maintaining the score at 7-6 with 21 seconds remaining in the quarter.
The second quarter unfolded with a relentless back-and-forth battle. Struthers’ Na’Jier Howard exhibited finesse, connecting with Jason Dukes for a 25-yard screen pass touchdown, shifting the lead to Struthers at 14-7 with 9 minutes and 48 seconds left. A subsequent fumble by Beaver Local’s Brock Severs on the kickoff further challenged their momentum. Dukes continued to dazzle as he notched an 11-yard rushing touchdown, bolstering Struthers’ lead to 22-7 with 8 minutes and 53 seconds left. Despite a valiant effort, Beaver Local’s Austin Cline’s fourth-and-goal quarterback sneak failed, allowing Struthers to maintain their advantage at 22-7 with 4 minutes and 30 seconds left. However, Cline’s determination shone through as he connected with Taylor Johnston for a 6-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 22-14 with just 51 seconds left in the half.
As the third quarter commenced, Struthers continued to assert their dominance. Dukes demonstrated his versatility, executing a 1-yard quarterback sneak touchdown after a meticulous 7-minute drive, expanding Struthers’ lead to 30-14 with 4 minutes and 51 seconds remaining. Beaver Local, on the other hand, faced difficulties, as Cline’s incomplete pass on fourth down and 9 from Struthers’ 20-yard line led to a stalled drive, leaving the score at 30-14 with 42 seconds left.
The fourth quarter brought a whirlwind of action, with both teams striving to make their mark. Struthers’ Devin Braham carved a path on the field, accumulating 70 rushing yards during a 3-and-a-half-minute drive. However, a failed fourth-down attempt at the Beaver Local 5-yard line kept the score steady at 30-14 with 9 minutes and 16 seconds left. Beaver Local continued to fight as Cline orchestrated a 7-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Prideau, though the two-point conversion attempt fell short, leaving the score at 30-20 with 5 minutes and 47 seconds left. Struthers’ Braham solidified his team’s victory with a 5-yard rushing touchdown, sealing the final score at 37-20 with just 1 minute and 21 seconds remaining.
Struthers notch their first win of the season, in what promises to be an exciting season for the Wildcats, while Beaver Local will look to next week to try and pick up their first victory of the 2023 campaign.
