And Bryceton Wilkins didn’t flinch on the go-ahead point-after touchdown with just over two minutes remaining to give the Knights a dramatic 14-13 Region 3 win over Northwestern on Friday night.

The teams found themselves in a 7-7 deadlock at the half after a Nolan Gesing’s 5-yard touchdown reception from Caleb Jakubczak.

Northwestern managed to score late in the third quarter, but the Knights’ defense came up big and the PAT kick was blocked to give Northwestern a 13-7 lead heading into the final period.

The Knights (3-1) were unable to move the ball until Jakubczak scored on a 28-yard touchdown run around right end. An excessive celebration penalty on the TD forced Eisenhower into a 35-yard PAT kick, but Wilkins easily put the ball through the uprights to give Eisenhower the lead.

Times Observer by Steve Younger Knights quarterback Caleb Jakubczak drops back to pass.

From there, the Knights’ defense stood tall and Northwestern’s pass on fourth-and-14 fell incomplete to preserve the win.

“I thought our backs ran hard all night,” Penley said. “We had a couple of linemen out and our young guys stepped up and played well for us.”

Jakubczak finished with 122 yards rushing on 18 carries and Logan Penley added 89 yards on 16 attempts.

The Knights are on the road next week when they travel to Cochranton.

Northwestern 7 0 6 0 — 13

Eisenhower 7 0 0 7 — 14

Nor–Gonzalez 22 pass from Swift (Christy kick)

Eis–Gesing 5 pass from Jakubczak (Wilkins kick)

Nor–Gonzalez 4 pass from Swift (kick blocked)

Eis–Jakubczak 28 run (Wilkins kick)