Tuesday, October 26th the Indians outlasted the Gettysburg Warriors 1-0 in a double overtime showdown in the opening round of the PIAA District III 3A playoffs.

Donegal's Joe Turbedsky, assisted by Dylan Wakefield, netted the golden goal in the second sudden victory extension, promoting the Indians to the quarterfinal round on October 28th.

"We possessed the ball a lot better and that is something we worked on all week," reflected head coach Andy Wagner. "This made a huge difference in that we did not defend as much. We were very comfortable in the game and spent a lot of time in the other team's half."

Entering as the six seed, the Tribe was favored in the contest that was originally slated for Monday the 25th, but inclement weather put a halt on the game after just 20 minutes of scoreless action and extended the suspense another day.

Tuesday, the conditions were hardly improved, but the cool, rainy evening lacked lightning which allowed the contest to resume with 20 minutes remaining in the first half clock.

"The turf was really fast, and we played more side-to-side-we expanded the field," described Wagner. "Our fitness was good, and I can see the confidence is growing. We countered well and put balls in better places."

Donegal keeper Caden Mullen came up big in the triumph. A diving save already recorded in the first night of limited play denied the Warriors a potential go-ahead goal. He went on to flawlessly preserve the shutout.

"Caden Mullen stepped up and did a great job," commended Wagner. "He has really improved his game and seeing the big picture better. It is nice to see him play out of the back as opposed to punting each possession," he went on to say of the junior.

The victory propelled Donegal into the quarterfinal round opposite third seeded Susquehannock who previously ousted Daniel Boone in a penalty kick faceoff in their opening round match.

"The boys were very poised and confident. I thought collectively we played very well," summarized Wagner.

FIELD HOCKEY

On Wednesday, October 27th the Lady Indians took on seventh seeded Garden Spot (13-5) in the District III 2A playoffs and came up just short in a 1-0 loss in overtime.

Despite playing without lead scorer Emma Miller, the squad rallied in hopes of an upset to earn their way into quarterfinals, but with just over three minutes left in the extension, Garden Spot was able to slip in the winning, and only, goal of the contest.

Donegal keeper, CC Emswiler, snagged eight saves in the loss.

"CC was exceptional in the goal," credited coach Gina Allessie. "So proud of the team. They played their hearts out. They left their hearts and souls on the field and at the end of the day that is what you want from your team. They had an amazing season."

The loss leaves them with a 10-8-1 final record, including an appearance in the semifinals of the L-L Tournament when they were ousted 1-0 by Manheim Township, and a regular season league showing of 7-3.

FOOTBALL

Donegal football moved to a 2-1 mark in league competition after the Lebanon Cedars were forced to forfeit an October 22nd matchup due to COVID interruptions.

With the end of season rapidly approaching, the Indians hope to capitalize while hosting Garden Spot on November 5th for their final regular season clash.