In the Akron City Series matchup between Firestone and Ellet, both teams were fighting to keep their Division II Region 5 playoff hopes alive. On a cold and rainy Saturday afternoon, amidst the wet grass field in Kenmore Stadium, the outcome of the football game remained uncertain.
Firestone opened up the game with a significant 43-yard run by Junior QB Daylyn Taylor, taking an early 6-0 lead in the 1st quarter. However, the Orangemen maintained their composure, responding with a quick 3-yard run by Senior RB Terrance Thomas to level the score at 6-6.
Early in the 2nd quarter, it became primarily a defensive struggle, with both teams forcing punts and turnovers on downs. Ellet finally secured the lead with a 33-yard strike from Senior QB Jake Flossie to a wide-open Senior WR Isaiah Brown, giving the Orangemen a 12-6 advantage.
On the very next offensive snap, though, the Falcons swiftly equalized the score with a 70-yard run by RB Dionte Younger Jr. The halftime scoreboard displayed a 12-12 tie.
After a very slow second half without any scoring, the final whistle blew, and overtime was the next chapter. Ellet received the ball first and marched into the end zone, led by Keyshawn Stephens with a 10-yard run. Facing immense pressure, Firestone found the end zone with a 25-yard pass from Taylor to Senior RB/WR Brandon Foster on a 4th-and-long play, tying the game. The Falcons had a chance to kick the PAT and claim victory, but Cam Hinkle blocked the kick, forcing a second overtime.
In the 2nd overtime, the Falcons took the first possession and advanced down the field. They capitalized with a 4-yard run by Younger Jr. and a crucial 2-point conversion by Junior WR Isaiah Ramer, taking a 26-18 lead. However, Ellet had different plans as Stephens bulldozed his way to the end zone on the first play, giving the Orangemen a chance to tie it up and force a third overtime.
Unfortunately, a celebration penalty pushed the Orangemen back to the 20-yard line for the 2-point attempt. The attempt fell short, and the Falcons emerged victorious, keeping their season alive. The Falcons improved to 5-4 and will travel to Tim Flossie Stadium to face the Akron Buchtel Griffins. Meanwhile, the Orangemen, now 2-7, will return to Ellet High School to take on the Akron East Dragons.