Edwardsville barely escapes rival O’Fallon in a playoff game.
Wide receiver Joey Demare prepares to set a block in the first game versus O’Fallon on Sept 16, 2022
November 4, 2022
September 16 the Tigers were up seven with less than three minutes left. In the first game between the teams, the Tigers lost by one. But this time Edwardsville stopped the Panthers from advancing into the next round of the playoffs.
Both teams deserved to win and advance but the Tigers luckily survived.
The Tigers started the game hot by scoring first from an 11-yard passing touch from quarterback Jake Curry to receiver Joey Demare.
In the next possession, the Panthers came down the field quickly and scored a touchdown but missed the extra point.
Special teams made a significant mark in this game. Edwardsville blocked two of O’Fallon’s extra points and had a 90-kick return touchdown from senior Daion Gaston. Gaston also caught two touchdowns in the game.
Even though the game was high scoring, both teams were in a one-possession scoring margin for most of the game. Coming down to the wire, down by one, Curry found Demare deep to set up the game-winning score. Edwardsville quickly punched the ball into the endzone in the ensuing play.
“It felt like the ball was in the air forever,” Demare said.
On the ensuing possession, the Panthers traveled down the field but ended shortly after a questionable 4th down play call.
“We called that play thinking it was third down,” O’Fallon head coach Bryon Gettis said in an interview with Stltoday.
Edwardsville coach Matthew Martin and the team were determined to win.
“We fault hard,” coach Martin said.
After the game, the two teams showed remarks about the game on social media. Many O’Fallon players and fans blamed the refs after a questionable non-fumble call leading to an Edwardsville touchdown early in the game.
Even though the team is excited about beating their rivals, now it is time to focus on the next matchup. The Tigers will face Loyola at Edwardsville on Saturday at one.
“It is time to lock in and prepare for next week’s game,” senior Johnnie Robinson, “We don’t want to lose.”
The Tigers will face six-seed Loyola Academy at Edwardsville on Nov 5 at one.
