The section-leading Neshannock Lancers earned a soggy 42-14 victory Friday night over the host Wolverines as part of Ellwood City Senior Night.

The Wolverines held the Lancers scoreless in the first quarter and only trailed 14-7 at halftime, but Neshannock (8-1 Overall, 6-1 Section 2A-2) ran away in the second half with three rushing touchdowns.

After a 49-yard catch and lateral to Evan Twedell resulted in a second quarter touchdown, Ellwood City knotted the game at seven late in the half but the visiting Lancers quickly responded and Patrick Argiro plunged in from 3 yards out – his first of three rushing touchdowns – with only 12 seconds remaining in the half to put Neshannock ahead 14-7.

Two third quarter touchdowns put the Lancers ahead 28-7 before Ellwood City struck via the air as Michael Walters hauled in a 77-yard touchdown pass from Chris Smiley on the first play from scrimmage in the fourth quarter.

Neshannock responded and Argiro collected two additional rushing touchdowns in the final frame to help the Lancers earn the road victory.

Jino Mozzocio led the ground attached for the Lancers, finishing with 127 yards rushing as Neshannock posted 253 total yards on the ground.

Ellwood City was led by Elijah Palmer-McCane who rushed for 106 yards on 14 carries. Smiley finished 8-22 passing for 167 yards and two touchdowns for the Wolverines.

The Wolverines collected only six first downs in defeat and were 0-11 on third down conversions.

The game featured 12 punts.

Defensively, Kaden Docchio collected a game-high 10 tackles, including two tackles for loss, and Domenik Hogue had eight tackles and a sack for Ellwood City.

Ellwood City is now (4-5 Overall, 2-4 Section 2A-2) on the season and needs one more victory to earn a playoff berth. The Wolverines next travel across the mighty Connoqunessing to face rival Riverside on Friday at 7:00 p.m.

RIVERSIDE EARNS FIRST VICTORY, DEFEATS LIONS 23-14

Riverside earned its first victory of the regular season on the road Friday night, defeating New Brighton 23-14.

Ayden Garcia tossed two touchdown passes and Robbie Janis scored on a 8-yard touchdown run for Riverside. The Panthers opened up the scoring by collecting a safety on defense in the first quarter.

After the host Lions tighted the score early in the fourth quarter at 16-14, Zachary Hare hauled in a 80-yard touchdown from Garcia with 2:21 remaining in regulation to ice the victory for Riverside.

Garcia finished with only five completions in the victory, but amounted 161 yards through the air for Riverside. Janis finished with 127 yards rushing on 26 carries for the victors.

Riverside (1-7 Overall, 1-5 Section 2A-2) next hosts rival Ellwood City on Friday night at 7:00 p.m.