BUFFALO TWP — The game was all but in the bag for Freeport — until the second half came into play.

The Yellowjackets led their new Big East Conference's opening game, 13-0, early in the third quarter, but a surprising burst of momentum from Derry Area's football team turned into a 19-13 overtime win Friday night.

Both teams missed major scoring opportunities and played strong defense throughout the contest.

Austin Romanchak managed to hit Evan McCrea in the end zone on a first down in overtime, which could have tied or won the game for Freeport, but the touchdown was revoked by a holding call at the 15-yard line.

Another potential Freeport score late in the first quarter was thwarted by Derry defensive lineman Cullen Shawley, when he tipped and intercepted a Freeport pass to return the ball to the 26-yard line.

Derry (2-0) held the defensive line for most of the first half, but ultimately gave up another touchdown with 11:48 left in the third quarter, giving Freeport a 13-0 lead.

Romanchak, who scored the Yellowjackets' first points, also advanced Freeport's lead in the third quarter with an 80-yard run on a kickoff return, but Derry had a 61-yard drive which gave Colton Nemchek the opportunity to grab a touchdown for the Trojans with 6:23 left in the third quarter.

With a misdirection, Justin Flack was able to carry for 56 yards and tie the game with 2:22 left in the third.

“I'm really proud of the boys,” Freeport coach John Gaillot said. “They left everything on the field.”

Gaillot said the team “never turned back after the fake punt” and key injuries prevented the Yellowjackets from finishing strong.

Among the injuries was key-player Conor Selinger, who went down in the first quarter with a potential leg injury.

“This was a huge win this week for the (Derry) family,” Long said.

After winning the overtime toss, Derry elected to take the ball first, and Onreey Stewart dove with a direct snap into the end zone on a fourth down on the 2-yard line for the game-winning touchdown.

“It's going to hurt for a while,” Gaillot said. “(We) got to put it behind us. This is only game one.”

Derry's principal, Casey Long, said he saw “great displays of sportsmanship, athleticism and coaching from both teams” and credited both teams and the coaching staff for putting on a great game for fans.

Derry 0 0 13 0 6 — 19

Freeport 7 0 6 0 0 — 13

First Quarter

F — Austin Romanchak 26 run (Ricky Hunter kick), 9:42

Third Quarter

F — Romanchak 80 run (kick failed), 11:48

D — Colton Nemchek 3 run (Jordan Webb kick), 6:23

D — Justin Flack 56 run (kick failed), 2:22

Overtime

D — Onreey Stewart 2 run