Smiley, Wolverines Defeat Freedom 34-14, Improve Record to 3-1

Chris Smiley threw for three touchdowns and ran for another to lead the Ellwood City Wolverines to a 34-14 victory over Freedom Friday Night at Helling Stadium.

The section victory improved the surging Wolverines record to 3-1 on the season – already eclipsing their win total from last year.

On Friday, the junior quarterback hooked up with Michael Walters on two touchdown strikes as part of his aerial performance to pace the Ellwood City offense.

Smiley finished 14-26 passing for 213 yards. Walters hauled in five receptions for 94 yards for the Wolverines.

After Freedom opened up the scoring in the first quarter, Ellwood City responded late in the second frame as Smiley and Walters connected on a 21-yard pitch and catch to knot the score with just under one minute remaining before halftime.

The Wolverines poured in three touchdowns in the third quarter to pull away from the Bulldogs.

Smiley plunged in for a 1-yard touchdown run and then connected with DaiLonn Currie on a 26-yard touchdown strike to put Ellwood City ahead 21-7. Walters then hauled in his second touchdown from Smiley midway through the 3rd quarter.

Daynate Pierce capped the scoring for the Wolverines, taking his lone carry of the contest and scampering in from 16 yards out late the the 4th quarter.

Offensively, Elijah Palmer-McCane led the Ellwood City ground attack, finishing with 167 yards on 27 carriers. Currie and Walters tied for a team lead with five receptions each.

The Wolverines collected 21 first downs as a team and outgained the visiting Bulldogs 415-167 in net yards.

Kaden Docchio led the defense with 10 tackles, including four tackles for losses. Perry Dubois collected a sack and DaiLonn Currie snagged an interception defensively.

Ellwood City next hosts Western Beaver on Friday at Helling Stadium at 7:00 p.m.

MOHAWK 45 – RIVERSIDE 0:
Across the might Connoqunessing River Friday Night, the Riverside Panthers were shutout 45-0 by Mohawk. Jay Wrona accounted for five touchdowns for the visiting Warriors. Brady Newman collect three catches for 34 yards receiving for the Panthers in defeat.  The Riverside ground attack was held to only 57 yards rushing.  The Panthers (0-3 Overall) next will travel to Freedom for its section contest against the Bulldogs on Friday at 7:00 p.m.