EAST FAIRFIELD — The sixth-seeded Crestview Rebels knew they were facing a big challenge in hosting the eleventh-seeded Martins Ferry Purple Riders in the first round of the OHSAA tournament. It didn’t help that they entered the contest without senior standout running back Max Hawkins.

The result was a 48-41 victory by the Purple Riders, who scored back-to-back touchdowns to open the second half and pull away from a 20-20 game at halftime. The victory improves the Riders to 10-1 on the season and advances them to a second-round contest against Poland next Friday.

The Rebels’ loss closes their season with an 8-3 record and extends their losing streak in the playoffs to three games.

Without Hawkins, who suffered a knee injury against Garfield two weeks ago, the Rebels relied on junior quarterback Jake Noling and running back Mikey Proctor to carry the Rebels offense. Noling responded with 87 yards rushing with two TDs, and 7-of-14 passing for another 128 yards in the contest. Proctor added 103 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

However, it was the Purple Riders’ offense that made the key plays in the critical moments to pull away from the Rebels. They scored on their first possession of the second half and then executed an onside kick, adding another touchdown on a 50-yard pass to seize a 34-20 advantage.

They added a touchdown late in the contest to once again extend their lead before the Rebels closed the game with a gallant effort and a touchdown with just 1:24 remaining to make it an eight-point game. However, the Rebels were not able to convert an onside kick for a last-second miracle comeback.