Eagles score dramatic semi-final win

The Sir James Dunn Eagles were not ready to end their defense of a city and NOSSA title just yet.

On Thursday night at Rocky DiPietro Field, the Eagles scored two touchdowns 10 seconds apart in the final 29 seconds of regulation time to rally and defeat the White Pines Wolverines 22-14 in senior division semi-final action in the High School Football League.

Trailing 14-7 with under three minutes to play, Eagles quarterback Frank Weise orchestrated a masterful drive nearly the entire length of the field and finished it with a two yard run with 29 seconds to play.

In gutsy attempt to play for a win instead of forcing overtime, the Eagles faked the convert attempt and Weise found Peter McGonegal in the end zone for a two point convert and 15-14 lead.

On the ensuing kick off, the Wolverines fumbled the return into the hands of J.J. Bergamin, who ran 11 yards for another touchdown and sealed a 22-14 victory with Nick Wegener's convert.

The Eagles now advance to the city championship game on Friday, Oct. 28 at Rocky DiPietro Field at 7 p.m. to face the winner of Friday's semi-final between St. Mary's and St. Basil, which also begins at 7 p.m.

The loss was a devastating one for the Wolverines, who controlled the game on both sides of the ball from the start until Weise unleashed his magic. In the first half, the White Pines defense held the Eagles to just 30 yards of offense.

Still unable to establish their running game, Weise took the Eagles down the field for the win with several clutch passing plays and by running the ball himself.

Alanzo Clarke gave the Wolverines a 14-0 first half lead with touchdown runs of 10 and four yards along with two converts from Matt Santos.

Navarre Cellini, who along with Mark Jokic made clutch receptions down the stretch, brought the Eagles back to within a touchdown late in the third quarter on a four yard reception from Weise.

Weise completed eight of 19 passes for 100 yards and led his team in rushing with 68 yards on nine carries. Cellini hauled in four passes for 44 yards while McGonegal rushed for 36 yards on 13 carries and caught two passes for 25 yards.

Lucas Walker paced the Eagles defense with 8.5 tackles, Weise added 7.5, Fred Casselman 6.5 and Bergamin six.

Clarke led all rushers with 102 yards on 20 carries while Chris Tulloch added 85 yards on 16 carries. Anthony Silvano recorded 5.5 tackles on defense with Josh Reed adding five and Matt Ritchie 4.5 plus an interception. Matt Connors recoverd a fumble.

*** JUNIOR:

In junior semi-final action on Saturday at the Queen Elizabeth B Field, Sir James Dunn meets St. Basil at noon followed by St. Mary's versus Korah at 2:15 p.m.

The winners will meet for the city championship on Sat. Oct. 29 at 1 p.m. at Rocky DiPietro Field.