Falcons’ rally falls short; playoff hopes grow dimmer

Known for its rushing attack, Black River used the passing game to get ahead. The Pirates then went to the ground attack to hold on for dear life against a gritty Firelands squad.

The Pirates jumped out to a 21-point lead in the first quarter only to see the host Falcons slice the deficit down to two in the fourth quarter. But Black River went back to its rushing game to run out the clock for a thrilling 27-25 Patriot Athletic Conference Stars Division win Oct. 20. The loss hinders Firelands chances of getting into the state playoffs.

“We preach (resiliency) all the time and it’s a great quality they have,” Firelands coach Ryan O’Rourke said. “They were very excited to come out for the second

half. They knew what position we were in down 2110 at the half. It’s tough to lose a game like this.”

After trailing 21-0 in the first quarter and 21-10 at the half, the Falcons (7-2, 2-2) cut the lead down to 21-18 at the end of the third quarter on a Nick Denney (11-67) 16-yard run. Blake Ruffner scored the twopoint conversion.

Facing third-and-long to start the fourth quarter, the Pirates (8-1, 3-1) used a halfback pass with Alex Vormelker of 24 yards to Spencer Costable. Later in the drive, Riley Bartolic

connected with Riley Gibbs for the second time in the game — this one from 22 yards out to make it 27-18.

“We practiced it all week,” Vormelker said. “I was a little nervous (when the play was called). I played some backup quarterback this year … I was ready. I knew if I could get it somewhere near Spencer he’d catch it.”

The magnitude of the play wasn’t lost on Black River coach Al Young.

“That play was huge,” Young said. “We did things all night. … I think our crowd was probably as shocked as anyone throwing that (halfback pass).”

The never-say-die attitude from the Falcons showed with Michael

Bansek connecting with Garrett Tester from 19 yards out with 4:27 left in regulation to make it 27-25.

However, one more big pass play from Bartolic to Gibbs for 22 yards followed by a pair of rushing first downs ran the clock out.

Bartolic was 5-of-7 for 127 yards, while Gibbs had four catches for 94 yards.

“That’s a good (passing) scheme,” O’Rourke said. “You’ve got to be keying on the run and sometimes they suck you in a little bit.”

Black River jumped out to a 21-10 lead in the first quarter. Jake Campbell scored on a one-yard run, while Riley Gibbs caught a 46-yard touchdown pass from Riley Bartolic. The third and final score

of the quarter was set up with Gibbs catching a seven-yard pass on fourthand-7 from the Falcons’ 20. Campbell scored from nine yards out to make it 21-0.

Firelands responded in the second quarter with Landon Peterson scoring from a yard out and adding a 30-yard field goal from Luke Peterson to trail 21-10 at the half to start the comeback that almost was completed in the second half.

“I’m just really proud of the kids,” O’Rourke said. “These kids play hard for us and it’s nice to see.”

Though the loss dampens Firelands’ playoff hopes, they do still have a chance as they host Keystone Oct. 27.