NC battles the ghosts of playoff past

[LICKING COUNTY FAN]

Heartbreaking defeats


Newark Catholic has lost five consecutive state semifinal games. All have been by a touchdown or less.


"It is the one play that sticks in your mind," senior Mark Elwell said. "I am sure there were other plays like in the first quarter that would have made a difference, but those are the ones you remember."


1993: The Green Wave trailed Steubenville Catholic Central 19-15 with four seconds left, and the Crusaders appeared to be running out the clock. On the final play, a Crusaders' player threw the ball in the air before the play was whistled dead. An NC player was headed to pick up the ball for a game-winning touchdown when a Crusaders fan ran on the field and picked up the ball.


After much deliberation, the game was ruled over, and an appeal to the OHSAA the next week was denied.


2000: The Green Wave rallied from a 12-0 halftime deficit against Mogadore only to see the Wildcats score a touchdown with 12 seconds left for a 19-16 victory.


2002: Two fourth-quarter NC fumbles led to consecutive touchdowns for Mogadore to give the Wildcats a 28-21 victory.


2003: The Green Wave had tied Maria Stein Marion Local at 14 with 1:39 left on Doug Stevens' 23-yard touchdown pass to Chris Wohlheter, but the Flyers scored on a 42-yard touchdown pass 47 seconds later for the 21-14 victory.


2005: The Green Wave held a 35-28 fourth-quarter lead, but Steubenville Catholic Central appeared to have scored the game-tying touchdown with 1:14 left. The Crusaders, however, faked the extra point and converted for a 36-35 victory.


http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs ... 006/SPORTS