by LAGRANGE, OH – On Friday night, the Keystone Wildcats hosted the Black River Pirates. The Wildcats came into the game hoping to secure another win following their win against the Brookside Cardinals last week. The Black River Pirates came in looking to keep their momentum rolling after a blowout victory over Oberlin last week. After a thrilling game, the Black River Pirates secured the win over the Keystone Wildcats 28-22. The Pirates were led by junior quarterback Eric Groesser and junior running back Blake Hopkins.
Groesser led his offense to success tonight. His quick thinking and accuracy helped the Pirates offense perform successfully. His decision making helped his offense evade the Wildcats defense and allowed him to lead the offense into the end zone.
Hopkins was untouchable tonight. He scored two of the Pirates four touchdowns of the night. His speed was on display all night as he was able to make critical plays that set the Pirates up for success all night.
The Keystone Wildcats struck first on their first drive of the night. The Wildcats started off their drive with an impressive carry by Konner Rodick to give the Wildcats the first down. Rodick then threw a completion to sophomore wide receiver Zach Shackelford. Rodick handed the ball off to Kaden Stivason who ran the ball 11 yards into the endzone for the touchdown. Kicker Landon Whitacre came on and scored the extra point for the Wildcats. The Wildcats found themselves up 7-0 with 9:59 left in the first quarter.
The Black River Pirates did not back down after the Wildcats quick pounce. On the first offensive play of the game for the Pirates, Eric Groesser handed the ball off to Blake Hopkins who ran the ball for a first down. The Pirates were able to use this momentum to fuel their drive.
Tyler Mrakuzic caught a pass from Groesser to move the ball downfield. The Pirates ran their way into the red zone following back-to-back carries. Groesser handed the ball off to Hopkins who could not be stopped by the Wildcats defense and rushed into the endzone for the touchdown. Eric Groesser came back on to kick and secured the extra point, tying the Wildcats 7-7 with 1:36 left in the 1st quarter.
Following the Pirates lengthy drive, the Wildcats bounced back. Konner Rodick linked up with Ryne Shackelford for a completion that gave the Wildcats the first down. A few drives later, Rodick sent a pass to Ryne Shackelford for 9 yards, securing another first down for the Wildcats.
Following a costly penalty for the Pirates, the dynamic duo of Rodick and Shackelford struck again. Rodick threw a 10-yard completion to Shackelford to put the Wildcats into the red zone. Kaden Stivason’s quick feet were no match for the Pirates defense as he ran right into the end zone. The score was now 14-7 with 5:36 left in the half.
Halftime allowed the Pirates to re-group and find their stride against the Wildcat defense. The Pirates came out of the gate strong and did not back down until the final down of the game. After the Pirates picked up a first down, Groesser threw a perfect pass to Tyler Mrakuzic for 22-yards. This pass put the Pirates into the red zone and the energy was high on the Pirates sideline. Blake Hopkins evaded the Wildcats defense again and rushed five yards into the end zone. Groesser secured the extra point and the Pirates were tied up with the Wildcats 14-14 with 6:43 left in the third quarter.
The Pirates defense forced the Wildcats to turn over the ball after forcing a series of incomplete passes. When the Pirates got the ball back, the offense was able to capitalize on the defense’s spectacular performance.
After a couple downs, the Pirates found themselves at fourth and inches. After deciding to go for it, Groesser launched a pass to senior Nathan Urbas for a 21 yard house call. The touchdown gave the Pirates their first lead on the night.
The Pirates continued their success on their next drive. Groesser linked with Mrakuzic for a 10-yard completion to open the drive with a first down. After a 10-yard penalty on the Wildcats, the Pirates inched closer and closer to the end zone. A 7-yard carry by Blake Hopkins put the Pirates into the red zone and Groesser then threw a pass to Mrakuzic that was caught for a touchdown. The Pirates now had a two score lead 28-14 with only 3:21 left to play in the game.
The Wildcats did not give up and they fought until the very end. Their grit was on display as they bounced back on their next drive. Rodick threw a 10-yard completion to Shackelford to start out the drive with a first down. Stivason rushed for another 8 yards to move the ball down the field for the Wildcats.
Shackelford’s speed was an important part of the Wildcat’s offensive success. He rushed for 29 yards to put the Wildcats into the red zone. Rodick showed how versatile he can be as he rushed into the endzone for a 15-yard touchdown. Rodick then secured the 2-point conversion for the Wildcats, making the score 28-22 with 1:33 left to play in the game.
After attempting an onside kick, the Pirates special teams unit secured the football and slammed the door shut on a Wildcat comeback.
Next week the Keystone Wildcats look to bounce back as they travel to Columbia to play the Raiders. The Black River Pirates look to keep their momentum and energy rolling as they host conference rival Firelands.
