Keystone Wildcats Control Playoff Destiny with Victory Over Firelands

The Keystone Wildcats secured a crucial victory on October 17, 2023, defeating the Firelands Falcons 33-24. This win places them on the brink of qualifying for the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) playoffs, with just one game remaining in the regular season. The team now finds itself in control of its playoff fate as it prepares for the postseason.

Keystone head coach Don Griswold expressed his satisfaction with the team’s progress, emphasizing the importance of having options and controlling their destiny. “That is what you want in life,” he remarked. “To have that as a football team in a really competitive region is a blessing.” This sentiment follows a challenging loss to Columbia in Week 8, where Keystone struggled to find its footing.

In the matchup against Firelands, Keystone initially took a 7-0 lead. However, the Falcons quickly responded, scoring three unanswered drives to take a 16-7 advantage. This situation tested the Wildcats’ resilience once more. Quarterback Colt Cowling delivered two touchdown passes, while wide receiver Wyatt McKee showcased an impressive performance, accumulating 173 yards and three touchdowns. The Wildcats regained control, leading 20-16 at halftime, and maintained their momentum to secure the win.

Griswold praised the team’s response to the previous defeat, stating, “We kept getting better and better. (The players) did not feel sorry for themselves, did not mope or do any of those things.” He highlighted this victory as their first significant win of the season, noting that it would serve as a catalyst for their future games. With the victory, Keystone improved its record to 6-3 overall and 5-1 in the Lake County League (LC8).

As the Wildcats continue to navigate the season, the playoff picture is becoming clearer. After Columbia’s loss to Clearview, both Columbia and Keystone now share the same league record, although Columbia holds the tie-breaker from their earlier matchup. The upcoming Week 10 will be critical, with teams like Black River, Clearview, and Firelands also vying for playoff positions. If they secure victories in their final games, five teams—Columbia, Clearview, Keystone, Firelands, and Black River—could end up with 4-2 records in the LC8 standings.

This playoff scenario adds an exciting layer to the final week of the regular season. As Keystone prepares for its next challenge, the Wildcats are not only focused on achieving a playoff berth but also on building momentum for future seasons. Their journey continues as they strive to make their mark in the postseason.