The Adena Warriors got a 200 yard rushing performance from senior tailback Cale Free and scored 21 un-answered points in the fourth quarter to defeat McClain 41-34.
The Tigers had what looked to be a comfortable lead midway through the third quarter when they had a 27-13 advantage. But an interception late in the period and several missed tackles late on defense led to the come-from behind victory for the Warriors.
With the game tied at 34-34 and under 20 seconds left in regulation Adena’s quarterback Jake Dawson ran a keeper and was hit hard at the goal line where the ball popped free, but unfortunately for McClain the Warriors recovered the loose ball in the end zone and the Warriors held on for the exciting and hard-fought non-league win.
Senior Randall Mischal had an out-standing offensive ballgame for the Tigers with two first-half touchdown receptions from quarterback Tristen Pitzer. Pitzer also scored McClain’s first touchdown on a nice 10 yard run at the 6:49 mark of the opening quarter.
Free scored Adena’s first touchdown on a long 50 yard run late in the opening frame. He scored again just before the half on a 2-yard run diving over the top of several McClain defenders which made the halftime score 21-13 McClain.
The Tigers took a 27-13 lead midway through the third quarter on a 10 yard touchdown pass from Pitzer to Alex Hollar. But from that point on it was all Warriors especially in the deciding and tie-breaking fourth period. Hollar got McClain’s final score on an impressive 68 yard run with just seconds remaining in the third period.
McClain will try to bounce back from the disappointing loss when they travel to Unioto next Friday night.
