Waterville-Elysian-Morristown holds off Maple River to advance to section final

Facing a long field, just over six minutes to go and a two-point lead, Waterville-Elysian-Morristown ate up all six of those minutes en route to a 14-12 victory over Maple River to advance to the 2AA final.

The Buccaneers will face Austin next Friday for a spot in the state playoffs.

A few hours earlier WEM headed to the locker room ahead 14-0 at the break, but a muffed punt early in the second half led to a short field for Maple River and a touchdown to cut the lead to 14-6.

Another score cut that margin to 14-12, putting plenty of pressure on the No. 2 seed in the bracket. The only thing keeping the game from being tied a key tackle as Maple River went for the two point conversion as a missed extra point earlier in the half forced the Eagles' hand

But for a team that has won most of its games by several scores, WEM proved it could win ugly, gutting it out on defense - picking up a key fourth down stop near its own goal in the third quarter - while being physical on the ground to get pivotal first downs on its final drive to end the game with the ball in its hands.

WEM will now rest prior to next Friday's clash against No. 1 seed Triton on November 1st at Janesville Waldorf Pemberton Stadium. For its part, Triton beat JWP 66-7 on Saturday to advance to the section finals.

This story will be updated.