West Branch overcame a deficit to defeat previously unbeaten Rocky River in a Division IV, Region 13 semifinal matchup.
The visiting West Branch team improved its season record to 11-1 following the 21-12 victory, according to reports from Yahoo Sports.
Grady Hirst served as the primary catalyst for the offensive effort throughout the contest.
Hirst recorded three total touchdowns and finished the game with 203 rushing yards on 36 carries.
The standout performance included two crucial rushing scores during the final 5:37 of regulation time.
Hirst initially provided his team with a lead by scoring on a 2-yard run with 5:37 remaining on the clock.
He subsequently sealed the win for West Branch with another 2-yard touchdown run with 3:27 left in the game.
Beyond his success on the ground, the Youngstown State recruit contributed through the air by completing 11-of-18 passes for 84 yards without throwing an interception.
West Branch also relied on a strong defensive performance to maintain its narrow advantage.
Gavin Marshall secured the outcome by recording an interception on the final drive attempted by Rocky River.
This turnover allowed West Branch to take a knee and exhaust the remaining time on the game clock.
Jeremy Ramsey also contributed to the defensive cause by intercepting a pass earlier in the competition.
Offensively, Marshall led his team in receiving statistics by recording five catches for 54 yards.
The loss marked the first defeat of the season for Rocky River, which also concluded its campaign with an 11-1 record.
As noted by the NFHS Network, local football playoff coverage continues throughout the season.
The victory allows West Branch to advance in the OHSAA postseason bracket following the hard-fought road win.
The team now looks ahead to its next challenge in the Division IV tournament as it seeks to maintain its current momentum.