EAST FAIRFIELD — The sixth-seeded Crestview Rebels knew they faced 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 leading rusher Max Hawkins.

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

The Rebels’ loss ends their season at 8-3 and extends their playoff losing streak to three games.

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

However, the Purple Riders’ offense caused key plays in crunch moments to slip away from the Rebels. They scored on the first possession of the second half and then punted, adding another touchdown on a 50-yard pass to take a 34-20 lead.

They added a touchdown late in the contest to extend their lead again before the Rebels closed out 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 unable to convert a punt into a miraculous last-second comeback.