Freeport's Conor Selinger rushes up the middle for a touchdown against Deer Lakes in September 2016.

SARVER — In high school football, late-game gamblers are either the heroes or the goats.

Freeport fell into the category of “hero” Friday when Austin Romanchak's 1-yard dive into the end zone on fourth down led to the Yellowjackets' 24-17 win over Shady Side Academy in a nonconference game at Freeport High School.

Romanchak had been stopped short on the previous play, and with the score tied at 17, Freeport coach John Gaillot called a timeout with 2:21 left in the game.

“(Romanchak and Conor Selinger) said, 'Just give it to one and the other one's going to block,'” Gaillot said. “I said, 'It's on you then. It's your team.'”

Romanchak dove into the end zone, and Jacob Sarver's point-after attempt put Freeport (3-1) up 24-17.

“Our kids are so driven, they do well and they honestly believe in each other,” Gaillot said. “That's what I love about this group. They're always facing adversity, but they find a way.”

A full report will appear in the Butler Eagle.