MERCER - There is an adage that says a win is a win, no matter how ugly it is.

Grove City found out just how right it is Friday night.

In a game that saw both teams combine for eight turnovers, Grove City outlasted Mercer 14-7 in a Region 3 game.

"This game was like a microcosm of our season," said Grove City coach Jeff Bell. "We did some things well, but we just can't seem to put it together for 48 minutes."

The Eagles struck first in the second quarter when Jesse Alfreno threw a 24-yard scoring strike to Drew Bestwick.

The touchdown pass capped a drive that covered 75 yards in six plays. Alfreno completed five consecutive passes on the drive.

On the ensuing drive, Mercer gave the ball back to the Eagles when Dwayne Martin intercepted a third down pass by Devin Wasser at the Grove City 34-yard line.

Martin recorded two interceptions Friday.

Grove City (4-3, 3-3) drove to the Mercer 18-yard line with less than two minutes left in the first half, but it the Eagles fumbled at the Mercer 9.

In the first three quarters, the Grove City defense held Mercer to five total yards and zero first downs.

"Thank goodness our defense did as well as it did, because our offense just kept turning it over," said Bell.

Grove City had three lost fumbles and their quarterback was intercepted twice.

Midway through the third quarter, the Eagles drove to the Mercer 11-yard line, but Alfreno had a pass over the middle picked off by Justin Angermeier.

Grove City capitalized on their next possession when Chris Clark, who had 106 yards on nine carries, broke through the middle of the Mustang defense and raced 40 yards for the score.

In the fourth quarter, the Mercer offense finally came to life.

The Mustangs drove 69 yards in 11 plays, and held the ball for more than five minutes.

Wasser capped the drive by plunging into the end zone from the 1.

The touchdown run was set up by a 25-yard leaping grab by Karl Swanson who landed at the 1-yard line.

Wasser completed 5 of 12 for 60 yards and two interceptions.

On the ensuing possession, Grove City fumbled on their first play from scrimmage and the Mustangs took over in Eagles territory at the 49-yard line.

Mercer (1-6, 1-5) drove to the Grove City 16-yard line with less than a minute left.

However, the Mercer threat was extinguished when Wasser mishandled the snap from center and Mike Holes recovered for Grove City.

"That is a good team we played against," said Mercer coach Patrick McClearn. "We seem to play well after we dig ourselves a hole."

"I thought we had their defense on their heels in the second half," he added.

With the win, Grove City kept its slim playoff hopes alive.