Keystone Wildcats Secure Playoff Spot with Win Over Firelands

Keystone High School’s football team took a significant step towards securing a spot in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) playoffs with a decisive 33-24 victory over the Firelands Falcons on October 17, 2023. This win places the Wildcats in a strong position, needing only one more victory in their upcoming game to guarantee their postseason berth.

After experiencing a challenging 21-7 loss to Columbia in Week 8, Keystone coach Don Griswold emphasized the importance of resilience. The Wildcats responded strongly, initially taking a 7-0 lead against Firelands. However, the Falcons retaliated with three consecutive scoring drives, putting Keystone at a disadvantage with a 16-7 lead in the second quarter.

Quarterback Colt Cowling turned the tide for the Wildcats, throwing two touchdown passes, while Wyatt McKee showcased an impressive performance with 173 yards and three touchdowns. By halftime, Keystone had regained control, leading 20-16 and ultimately maintaining momentum for the remainder of the game.

“I am really proud of how we responded after the Columbia game,” Griswold remarked. “We kept getting better and better. The players did not feel sorry for themselves or mope. This was our first quality win of the year. We beat the teams we should have beaten and lost our toss-up games. This is a quality win that is going to propel us forward, not just for Week 10, but for seasons to come.”

With this victory, Keystone improved their record to 6-3 overall, and 5-1 in the Lorain County 8 (LC8) league. The team’s performance also impacted the standings, as the Columbia Raiders, who lost to Clearview 27-21, share the same league record with Keystone. However, Columbia holds the tie-breaker advantage due to their earlier head-to-head matchup.

Heading into Week 10, the competition remains tight in the LC8. Both Firelands and Black River, alongside Clearview, have two league losses. If Black River defeats Oberlin, Clearview manages to overcome Keystone, and Firelands wins against Columbia, five teams—including Columbia, Clearview, Keystone, Firelands, and Black River—will end the regular season with 4-2 records in the league.

The Wildcats now look forward to their upcoming game, fully aware that a win will not only secure their playoff position but also bolster their confidence heading into the postseason. As the stakes rise, Keystone aims to build on this critical momentum as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.