AUBURN – In a defensive slugfest, it was a backup kicker that moved Auburn into the quarterfinals of the Class C-1 football playoffs.

Wyatt Tanner hit a 23-yard field with 5:01 left to play in the game, pushing Auburn past O’Neill 9-7.

Auburn took the lead on a five-yard touchdown run by Brant Gulizia with 11:18 left to play, ending what had been a scoreless draw to that point. Tanner extra point went wide right, leaving Auburn’s lead at 6-0.

Brady Eichelberger, who went over 1,000 yards for the season, pushed O’Neill into the lead on the ensuing drive. Eichelberger broke free for a 40-yard touchdown before converting the PAT to give the Eagles a 7-6 edge with 7:48 remaining in the contest.

Auburn responded with a five-play drive, sparked by a 49-yard Nixon Ligouri drive. The Bulldogs got to the 1-yard line, but a defensive stand forced the Bulldogs into a 4th and goal at the six-yard line.

Auburn head coach Tony Janssen elected to go back to Tanner, who was forced into duty after starting kicker Camron Taylor suffered an ankle injury against Nebraska City last week.

Facing a tight angle, Tanner converted, giving the Bulldogs the edge.

The Auburn defense held strong on the next O’Neill drive, aided by a blindside block penalty on the Eagles. With one first down, Auburn was able to salt the game away.

Auburn (9-1) will play at Ashland-Greenwood next week, while O’Neill finishes its season at 8-2.

O’Neill  - 0 0 0 7 - 7

Auburn - 0 0 0 9 - 9