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Getting junior quarterback Elijah Alt involved in the running game was in the game plan for River Valley Friday but it didn't happen.
There was too much Columbus for that.
The Cardinals had the Hawks in the size and strength departments and that created problems for the Hawks throughout the Level II battle as the Cardinals squeezed out a 17-14 win.
"We made adjustments to what the Cardinals were trying to do but their size bothered us," coach Tim Eastlick said.
A 33 yard field goal in the first quarter proved to be the deciding points when Luke Wright kicked it for he Cardinals.
River Valley scored in the first and fourth frames. Alt threw a scoring pass to Ryan Wickman for the first score then pulled the Hawks within three with a scoring strike to Hunter Schwingle with under a minute left. With 58 seconds left on the clock the Hawks tried an onside kick which Columbus recovered. They could not force a three and out the rest of the way to make use of their two remaining time outs.
"Both teams tried running the ball but play action passes were the difference in the game for Columbus," said Easlick. "They did a good job converting three downs into first downs,"
Besides the two touchdown passes Alt also threw four times to Cole Eastlick for 36 yards. "That kept us in the game," Eastlick said.
"I think the biggest overall turning point was our inability to get off the field on third down defensivly and that same inability to stay on the field on third own when we had the ball," Eastlick said.
Getting to Level II was an accomplishment for the Hawks.
"Anytime you can get to Level II is a boost for your program," Eastlick said. "We have kids and parents buying into having the weight room and being multi-sport athletes. This is what it takes to advance in the play-offs at our level."
About the seniors who played their last game Eastlick said, "This group of seniors has been successful at this level for three seasons with a conference championship and three play-off appearances. They are 21-10 and are a very solid group we will have to replace."
Seniors include Tanner Gruber, Cole Eastlick, Fabson Jepsson, Hunter Schwingle, Dalton Walsh, James Frank, Derek Bodendein, Tyler Noble, Alex Favreau, Haydn Ring, Kent McKeown, Hayden Jacobson, Kyle Marti and Cole Mahoney.