by Austintown, Ohio – Thanks to a 23-yard field goal from Anthony Ruggles, the Austintown Fitch Falcons defeated the Saint Ignatius Wildcats, 24-21, in double overtime.
Defense ruled the evening throughout the first half. Dan Evans III and Max Woidke each had interceptions for Fitch and Saint Ignatius, respectively. Sophomore linebacker Dylan Krohn also recovered a fumble for the Falcons.
The Falcons would get on the scoreboard first, as Deshaun Vaughn found Brady Evans for an 11-yard touchdown to put Fitch ahead, 7-0, with 2:41 left in the second quarter. Vaughn found Dan Evans III on a fourth down reception, and Dominic Perry one play later to keep the drive alive.
The score remained 7-0 until late in the third quarter, when senior defensive back Max Woidke picked off a pass and returned it 55 yards to paydirt. The PAT was good, tying the score at 7.
After a Saint Ignatius stop, the Wildcats marched down the field, capping off their drive with a three-yard touchdown from junior tailback Grant Washington. Ignatius led 14-7 with 4:25 left.
The Falcons would not be deterred, however.
Deshaun Vaughn led the Falcons down the field, completing passes to Dominic Perry and Dan Evans III. The Falcons moved inside the five-yard line looking to tie the score. They would do so, thanks to a two-yard touchdown run from freshman Deondray Richard. The PAT was successful, tying the score at 14 with three seconds left.
The Fitch offense picked up where they left off, as Deshaun Vaughn scored from eight yards out. This gave Fitch the lead, 21-14. Saint Ignatius responded thanks to a six-yard touchdown run from Grant Washington. The successful PAT knotted the score at 21 after the first overtime.
In the second overtime, the Fitch defense stepped up, and junior Rocco Diflorio came up with a huge sack. Tommy Kilbane missed a 39-yard field goal that would have given the Wildcats the lead.
Fitch took over, needing only a field goal to win. They played it safe, running the ball throughout their drive, to set Anthony Ruggles up with a 23-yard field goal attempt to win. He booted the attempt through the uprights, giving the Falcons a 24-21 victory.
Austintown Fitch moves to 3-1, and hosts Stow-Munroe Falls next Friday, September 15th.
Saint Ignatius, now 1-3, hosts Archbishop Hoban next Friday, September 15th at Byers Field.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Anthony Ruggles (Jr.) Kicker
Ruggles kicked the game-tying PAT to send the game to overtime with three seconds left, and booted a game-winning field goal in the second overtime to give the Falcons the win.
Extended highlights below:
