Both Reitz and Harrison finished tied for third in the SIAC at 4-3 (the Panthers also beat Harrison in the regular season, 20-19, on Sept. 7 at Enlow Field). After winning their respective first round games, the rematch was set at the Bowl.
After taking a 15-0 halftime lead, the Panthers held on for dear life to outlast Harrison. In overtime, Todd Mattingly scored for Reitz and Daniel Woods’ kick gave them a seven point lead. However, when Harrison countered with a touchdown and brought it within a point, the Warriors decided to go for two and the win.
From the Courier & Press:
Harrison first came out and lined up for the tying conversion kick, but called time.“We had such momentum going and we’d been running the ball so well it seemed like the right call,” said Harrison coach Harvey Robbins. “Besides, we were concerned about their penetration on our previous kick. It’s a great call if it goes.”
Warriors quarterback Andrew Huff pitched the ball to Carter, who got outside the Reitz end, but not outside cornerback Zachary Maxheimer.
“I thought they might run the pitch,” said Maxheimer. “Coach (John) Hart told us to come hard on the pitch. I got up and got a piece of him, turned him in. He didn’t fall but I had faith somebody would be there.”
Safety Kyle Anslinger justified the faith, driving Carter to the turf well short of the goal line to preserve victory.
The win gave the Panthers a berth in the sectional championship against Castle, and make sure you read the Night They Moved the Bowl for that amazing story!
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