With 25 seconds remaining in regulation, St. Marys split the uprights with a game-winning 27-yard field goal to defeat Magnolia 11-9 Oct. 18 in Pleasants County.

The Eagles’ Oscar Celedon made a 22-yard field goal in the second period to get on the board first, but the Devils quickly answered with a five-yard run and a two-point conversion pass to take an 8-3 lead at the break.

Neither team scored in the third period, but Magnolia got on the board again with a Drew Keller 18-yard TD scamper with 1:10 left in regulation to give the Blue Eagles the lead.

However, the Blue Devils returned the ensuing kickoff to mid-field. And, after a long pass down to the 20 yard line, scored on a 27-yard field goal to retake the lead for good.

Magnolia would lose the pigskin on a fumbled kick return and St. Marys would run out the clock and remain undefeated as the first-ranked team in the WVSSAC Class-A. To stay in contention for a state playoff berth, Magnolia will have to win all remaining games and hope for some help via other teams’ wins and losses.

Keller rushed for a team-high 101 yards and a score for the Eagles, while Jacob Brill added 13 yards. Brill connected on eight passes for 107 yards, with Kyle Ritz hauling in two for 42 yards. Eric Smith grabbed two for 36 yards and Keller hauled in four passes for 19 yards.

The Blue Eagles will have a week off before traveling to take on Steubenville Central Catholic Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m.