GARDINER -- The Gardiner Area High School football team defeated Cony 14-13 before an estimated 3,900 at Hoch Field on Friday night.

The Tigers scored two first-half touchdowns then hung on for the victory.

It was the 131st meeting between the two teams. Cony leads the series 65-56-10.

Gardiner starting tailback Forrest Chadwick rushed for 127 yards and scored two touchdowns, one through the air and another on the ground.

"We played well on defense," said Chadwick, who opened the scoring with a 29-yard touchdown reception from Mike Denham with eight minutes, one second in the first quarter. "We got the momentum and played hard."

Cony sophomore quarterback Nick Lucas, who directed the freshmen team last fall, threw for 269 yards and a touchdown $ but also four interceptions.

"I realized what it's all about," said Lucas, referring to the rivalry.

Added Cony starting tailback Greg O'Neill: We made a couple mental mistakes, some young mistakes. We didn't play to our potential, but we played well."

After falling behind 7-0, Cony rallied to take a 13-7 lead, thanks to a nifty 31-yard touchdown pass from Lucas to Luke Duncklee and a one-yard scoring rush from fullback T.J. Vallee.

However, the Tigers grabbed the lead for good when Chadwick scored from seven yards out with 3:30 left in the first half.

"It was hard-fought battle," Gardiner coach Jim Palmer said.