WAVERLY - The River Hawks went on the road Wednesday, facing off with rival Waverly under the lights, and picking up a 27-12 win to remain undefeated for the season.

The first half was closely contested with both teams playing solid defense. OFA was forced to punt on the opening drive. Waverly then drove down inside the red zone, but the River Hawks' locked down defensively and stopped the Wolverines on fourth and goal.

On the second Owego possession of the game, Olivia Dodge had two big receptions to help move the ball down field, before Bella Silvestri ran it in for OFA's first touchdown.

Owego would score the first half's only other touchdown with just over a minute left, when Silvestri found the end zone again for another rushing score.

Waverly tried to quickly respond, but Dodge grabbed an interception to send OFA into the break ahead, 13-0.

To start the second half, Waverly made it clear they did not plan to go away. The Wolverines marched down the field with a big pass into River Hawk territory, before scoring on a touchdown pass from Brilynn Belles to Lauryn Welles.

Owego didn't take long to respond. On the next drive, OFA's Silvestri broke off a long touchdown run to put her team out in front, 20-6.

Waverly came back with a five minute drive that resulted in their second touchdown of the evening and making the game 20-12 with 11:23 left.

Not to be outdone, OFA put another score on the board in their next possession, when Ashlyn Dalton hit Dodge with a pass in stride for the final score of the game.

Bella Silvestri finished with 71 yards rushing and three touchdowns, while Olivia Dodge had a touchdown catch to go with 82 yards receiving on the night.

Dalton was 9-for-12 through the air, for 136 yards and a touchdown.

Dodge led the way for Owego defensively. The senior had an interception along with 14 tackles. Kylie Craven totaled seven flag pulls, while Silvestri had six. 

"We prepared well for this game. We knew they were going to be improved and push us tonight. At the end of the day, it comes down to those momentum swings," said senior, Bella Silvestri.

"We wanted it tonight. That's why we have those big break-away runs and those big pass plays, we work hard for this."

"At this point, every game we play is going to get a little tighter as we get closer to the postseason. Coming into these games we have to be ready for whatever anyone throws our way. That challenges us, but makes us better players as well," added Silvestri.

Coach Rusty Virkler spoke on the tough test that Waverly presented in Wednesday's game.

"It was an absolute grind. I have the upmost respect for Waverly. They are super athletic and so well coached. For us to be able to come here and get a win is huge," said coach Virkler.

Coach Virkler is also looking forward to the playoffs with this OFA group.

"We have a really positive team and the chemistry is very high, so I am looking forward to seeing what we can do in the playoffs," commented Virkler.

OFA flag is next in action against Windsor on Saturday at home.