Eisenhower’s defensive stand in double-overtime spoke volumes, though, as it stopped West Middlesex’s two-point conversion attempt, sending the Knights to a dramatic 22-21 victory in the District 10 Class 1A semifinal Friday night.

The win vaults Eisenhower into the District 10 championship game at home next Friday against Reynolds, which defeated Cambridge Springs, 40-0, in the other semifinal last night.

“To see these young men play as hard as they did and overcome adversity in the touchdowns being called back and keep their heads in the game, said Penley, the Knights head coach. ” … I just couldn’t be prouder.”

Or happier.

Times Observer Photo by Scott Reagle Above, a host of Eisenhower defenders tackle West Middlesex running back Colby Johnson and knock his helmet off during Friday’s District 10 Class 1A semifinal in Russell.

Playing their first home playoff game in school history, the Knights found themselves tied, 7-7, at the end of regulation when West Middlesex missed a potential game-winning field goal with 0.6 seconds remaining thanks to pressure from the middle of Eisenhower’s line.

The fun was only beginning.

In the first overtime, West Middlesex took over at the 10-yard line and scored a touchdown on the first play and, after converting the two-point conversion, led 15-7.

The Knights responded well, as Owen Trumbull gained 5 yards on first down, setting up Cael Black’s 5-yard touchdown run. Trumbull then called his own number and rumbled into the end zone for the two-point conversion that tied the game, 15-all.

In the second overtime, Eisenhower used a 6-yard pass from Trumbull to Caleb Robinault and a 2-yard run by Trumbull to put the Knights at the 2. Trumbull again called his own number, sprinting around the left side of the line to just sneak into the end zone at the pylon.

Penley elected to call on Jake Venman for the extra-point try and he split the uprights, putting Eisenhower in front 22-15.

West Middlesex appeared to be in trouble when a holding penalty on its first play of its ensuing possession pushed it back to the 25-yard line, but a pass completion brought the ball to the 6 and on second down quarterback Ty Tate scored from the 4, trimming the deficit to 22-21.

The Big Reds elected to go for the win and lined up for the two-point conversion. Tate rolled to the right and his pass fell incomplete, but the Knights were penalized, giving the visitors another try inside the 2-yard line.

West Middlesex called a timeout and called a run play for Ian Smith, but the Eisenhower defense stood tall, stopping the running back short of the goal line.

The celebration for the Knights and their fans was on.

NOTES: Trumbill completed 5 of 10 passes for 70 yards and rushed nine times for 67 yards. … Black added 59 yards on the ground and two touchdowns, one in the first half.