ROCHESTER – Whitko came up just short in knocking off another league leader in the Three Rivers Conference for the second straight week.

A 24-yard field goal by Jon O’Dell with just 25 seconds to play lifted host Rochester to a 20-17 win over the Wildcats in TRC action Friday night.

O’Dell, who had missed a field goal earlier in the final quarter, connected on a pair to help the Zebras improve to 5-3 overall and 5-1 in TRC play. Rochester is tied atop the conference standings with Tippecanoe Valley and North Miami.

Whitko, which beat North Miami last week, drops to 3-5 overall and 3-3 in the TRC.

The Wildcats had a big night rushing the ball thanks to Devin Gerding. The talented sophomore had 12 carries for 150 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown run. Gerding also returned an interception for a score for Whitko.

Jake Nissley booted a 28-yard field goal in the third quarter for Whitko to tie the contest at 17-17.

Carter Screeton ran for 106 yards on 28 carries to lead Rochester. Jacob Howdeshell added 77 yards on 18 rushes, including a five-yard touchdown run for the Zebras.

Whitko plays at Tippecanoe Valley and Rochester travels to North Miami next Friday in TRC and regular-season finales.