EC Routs Union 41-6; Riverside Knocks Off BF 21-18

Both local high school football teams picked up critical section victories Friday night as Ellwood City easily handled winless Union 41-6 while Riverside nudged past Beaver Falls 21-18.

The victories improved each team’s respective record to 5-4 with a 4-2 mark in Section 2-2A. (Ellwood City holds the tie break, with a victory over Riverside last week)

For Ellwood City, a second consecutive week with a 40-plus point outburst showcased an offensive unit that finished with 477 total net yards. The Wolverines posted 22 first downs and were a perfect 7-7 on fourth down conversions in the road victory over the Scotties.

Running back Richard Cureton led the ground attack with 145 yards on 26 carries and three touchdowns. Gullian Frisk capped the Ellwood City scoring in the fourth quarter on a 31-yard scamper en route to his 70-yard performance. Tyler Smiley opened the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run in the opening quarter and finished with 85 yards on the ground.

Smiley also went to the air for 189 yards including a 16-yard touchdown strike to Domenick Hogue in the fourth quarter. Hogue was the Wolverines leading receiver with six catches and 100 yards receiving in the victory.

Defensively, Colton Gullo recorded a sack and Nick Doster recovered a fumble for the Wolverines who held Union to only five first downs and 111 yards of total offense.

Ellwood City (5-4 Overall, 4-2 Section 2A-2) will stay on the road and wrap up its regular season at section-foe Beaver Falls on Friday with playoff implications on the line.

RIVERSIDE 21 BEAVER FALLS 18

For Riverside, a 45-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Aidan Gaydosz to Evan Skinner with 7:28 remaining in the fourth quarter pushed the host Panthers ahead for its 21-18 victory.

The Panthers held a 14-6 halftime advantage before Beaver Falls used two rushing touchdowns to take the lead as the game entered the final frame.

Gaydosz found five different receivers in the victory, finishing 10-15 passing for 150 yards and two touchdowns. His 18-yard touchdown to Hunter Garcia opened up the scoring for the Panthers in the first quarter.

Mason Holler plunged in from 1-yard out midway through the second quarter as part of his 111-yard rushing performance (30 carries). Garcia and Holler each collected three receptions in the victory.

Defensively, Tyler Richards posted a team-high seven tackles while Cole Jackson hauled in an interception for the Panthers.

Riverside (5-4 Overall, 4-2 Section 2A-2) will wrap up its regular season Friday and host Mohawk at 7:00 p.m.