Key Points
- East Liverpool Potters lost 34-22 to Oak Glen Golden Bears in a non-league football game on October 24.
- The game extended into overtime after a competitive battle marked by turnovers and strong rushing performances.
- Oak Glen’s freshman running back Jacob Everett rushed for 275 yards and three touchdowns to secure the victory.
- East Liverpool ended their injury-plagued season with a 3-7 record, hampered by four turnovers in the loss.
East Liverpool (Liverpool Standard) February 3, 2026 – The East Liverpool Potters suffered a 34-22 overtime defeat to the Oak Glen Golden Bears in their season finale, capping an injury-riddled campaign with a final record of 3-7.
Oak Glen improved to 7-2 with the win, powered by freshman running back Jacob Everett’s dominant performance of 275 rushing yards and three touchdowns, as reported by The Review. East Liverpool coach Josh Cusick highlighted four turnovers as the key factor, stating they had opportunities to score but mistakes proved costly.
What Led to East Liverpool’s Overtime Loss?
The Potters struggled with turnovers throughout the game, losing two fumbles in the first half, including one at Oak Glen’s 15-yard line, and throwing an interception, according to The Review. Oak Glen capitalised early with Everett’s 36-yard touchdown run and an 85-yard drive capped by his 35-yard score, taking a 14-8 halftime lead after a two-point conversion.
East Liverpool tied the score at 14-14 in the second half on a 21-yard quarterback keeper by Meshach Harris. Oak Glen responded with Seth Witherow’s 15-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter for a 21-14 advantage. The game pushed into overtime, where Oak Glen’s resilience and Everett’s legs sealed the victory, as detailed in match reports from The Review and MaxPreps box scores.
As reported by The Review, Oak Glen coach Miller praised his team’s bounce-back ability after a prior overtime loss, saying,
“They played a great game and hats off to coach Cusick, but I can’t tell you how proud I am of our team.”
How Did Injuries and Turnovers Define East Liverpool’s Season?
East Liverpool’s season was marred by injuries and errors, mirroring the synopsis of their final game, with Cusick noting,
“We had some opportunities to score and we turned the ball over and that just makes it tough. It were kind of a synopsis of the season.”
The Potters secured wins over Carrollton, Cambridge, and Weir but fell to opponents including Indian Creek, Salem, Beaver Local, St. Clairsville, Brooke, and Edison, per schedules from MaxPreps and Sports Illustrated.
What Were the Potters’ Key Wins and Losses?
Victories included 23-12 over Carrollton, 34-0 against Cambridge, and 26-19 versus Weir, while losses featured a close 21-20 defeat at Brooke and a 34-20 setback to Edison. The team had been mathematically eliminated from playoffs entering the finale, having qualified in the prior two seasons, as covered by The Review.
What Lies Ahead for East Liverpool Football?
Oak Glen’s strong finish positions them well after returning 17 starters from a 1-9 previous year, now at 7-2. East Liverpool faces the task of rebuilding amid injuries and turnover issues ahead of next season.
The Potters conclude a challenging year that tested their resilience, with focus shifting to offseason preparations and addressing defensive and ball-security lapses evident in verified reporting from local sports outlets.
