WILMINGTON – In a game surprisingly full of big plays, it was the final 3 yards that proved to be the difference between the Newman Comets and the Wilmington Wildcats in their Class 3A quarterfinal contest Saturday at Becker Field.

Needing a 2-point conversion to tie the score with 1:20 to play, Wilmington running back Chris Tworek was swarmed under by the Newman defense a half-yard short of the goal line, preserving the Comets’ 28-26 lead.

Newman senior Ryan Schaab then recovered the onside kick to secure the victory, sending the Comets on to next weekend’s 3A semifinals. They will play a home game against Aurora Christian, a 49-14 winner over Winnebago.