The Watertown Red and Black's offensive opportunities were limited during the second half of Saturday's Empire Football League game.

But when it was needed most, the team put together a key offensive series that sealed a 33-26 victory over the Ottawa Deacon Demons at the Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds.

The Red and Black (3-7) took over at the 50 with 9 minutes, 12 seconds left in regulation, clinging to a seven-point lead. It needed to find a way to quell the momentum Ottawa (3-6) had seized after consecutive 12- and 11-play touchdown drives that consumed most of the second-half clock.

Finally, Watertown's defense got a much needed break.

The Red and Black, powered by running back Anthony Noel (15 carries, 131 yards), orchestrated a 7:15 march that culminated with Noel's second touchdown and a 33-20 edge.

The Deacon Demons returned the ensuing kickoff to Watertown's 14, and reached the end zone three plays later, but the Red and Black would not be denied a second straight home triumph to close out the season.

"It's been a rough season with some ups and downs," said veteran receiver Earnie Wash, whose 3-yard, second quarter reception yielded his second touchdown of the year. "We had to put one in the end zone (on the long drive). We knew we could break their back with a touchdown."

The Red and Black's slim playoff hopes faded when Amsterdam squeaked by Massena for an overtime victory. Amsterdam and the Deacon Demons are both 3-6, and, at a time to be determined, will continue a suspended game from July 26 to decide the fourth and final entrant to the EFL postseason. Watertown, however, will not participate in the playoffs for the first time since 1995.

"This was a rebuilding year," head coach George Ashcraft said. "And what we have to build from is good. I'm very, very pleased."

Antonio Alexander's 55- and 53-yard interception returns for touchdowns in the first half proved to vital for Watertown's success in the finale.

Ottawa's Shawn Harkes, who entered the game as the league's top rusher, lived up the billing as he gutted out 122 yards and four touchdowns on 31 carries.

Deacon Demons quarterback Francois Azzi attempted just four passes in the game while leading his run-oriented offense. Alexander's third pick was negated by a pass-interference penalty in the final quarter.

"It was all just good jumps," the first-year cornerback said. "They were good throws, I just beat the receiver to the ball each time.

"I was thinking 'Get it to the end zone,' so I had to throw the boosters on."

Brian Williams completed his first three pass attempts, including a 19-yard connection to Anthony Tyrkala to convert a fourth down on Watertown's first possession. The play set up an eventual 10-yard scoring run by Noel, and Watertown never trailed.

Ottawa's comeback try was aided by favorable field position for most of the game. It started two of its three second-half drives in Watertown territory, and scored all three times it had the ball after halftime.

Ben Pritchard also turned a strong, all-around performance for Watertown. He rushed three times for 26 yards, and blocked two extra-point tries. Adam Bossinger registered 13 tackles, while Jeremy Pecori had six stops for the Red and Black.

"Last week's win was great, because it at least gave us a chance to get in the playoffs," Alexander said. "We should have been winning games all year like this. But we'll take it now."

AMSTERDAM 24, MASSENA 18 (OT)

The Silver and Black (0-10) came close to winning in the final game of its inaugural season, but was defeated in overtime when Ken Schaefer hit Issmal Green with a 50-yard pass to give the Zephyrs (3-6) a win in an Empire Football League game in Massena. Amsterdam defeated Massena 27-6 two weeks ago.

NORTHEASTERN

FOOTBALL ALLIANCE

BUFFALO 22, WATERTOWN 8

The Revolution was missing a number of players and had to dress coaches Kenneth Anderson and Bernie Bernhardt, and the short-handed squad fell to the Gladiators in Buffalo.

T.J. Williams had 95 yards rushing and scored a touchdown for Watertown (3-7).

Buffalo improved to 6-4.

The Revolution made the playoffs in the NFA as the No. 8 seed and will travel to face undefeated Monroe County on Saturday.

UTICA 25, ST. LAWRENCE VALLEY 0

The Trailblazers (2-8) completed a game that was not concluded earlier this season and were blanked by host Utica (5-5). St. Lawrence Valley had only 14 players available for the game. No other information was provided.