Case Western Reserve in Division III playoffs

The Spartans defeated rival Carnegie Mellon in overtime to secure a 10-0 season, and the victory propelled them into the playoffs, where they’ll face Illinois Wesleyan in the first round.

The Case Western Reserve football team is dancing in the postseason for the first time since 2009.

It took late heroics Nov. 11, but the Spartans are in the NCAA Division III playoffs, it was announced Nov. 12.

Case was an at-large bid to the 32-team field, and will play at 9-1 Illinois Wesleyan on Nov. 18. Kickoff is noon.

Coach Greg Debeljak’s team was in the position to get into the playoffs because of its wild 41-34 overtime win at Carnegie Mellon Nov. 11 that secured a 10-0 season.

“It really means a lot for our senior class,” said Debeljak on the school’s athletic website.”

This was a goal they had. They were very talented coming (into the season). We had two opportunities to get in (the playoffs) in 2015 and 2016, so I’m happy they have this experience. It’s special.”

In the Nov. 11 game, the Spartans need a blocked punt and scoop and score with 22 second left in regulation to take a 34-31 lead.

Carnegie Mellon forced OT with a field goal with 1 second left before a Rob Cuda touchdown pass and stop on defense the next possession clinched the win.

The Spartans clinched a share of the 2017 Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championship with an 8-0 mark in league play, but lost the tiebreaker to Washington and Jefferson, which earned the automatic bid to the playoffs.

If Case wins its firstround playoff game, it would play the winner of the Washington and Lee vs. Mount Union first-round playoff game.