McDonald wins Devils Re-match
By Thomas Burton
McDonald - Looking for an old fashion smash-mouth football game? This game was just for you! In a rematch from the week seven game of the week, this clash of the lower tier titans turned out to be a much more competitive game.
The game did not start well once again for Western Reserve lead by star Junior quarterback Shane Ewing. Ewing was intercepted by
Mcdonald's Nick Accordino on Reserve's first play from scrimmage. After a long drive which included a crucial fourth down red-zone conversion, Mcdonald's Devon Colburn took a 1-yd carry into the endzone to give Mcdonald a quick 7-0 lead.
The second quarter was dominated by Mcdonald's Alex Sampson. Sampson scored twice in the quarter, including a 76-yard dash into the end zone. Reserve was able to bounce back to a degree following the long touchdown and punched one in themselves. Justin Lude caught a 17-yd touchdown from Shane Ewing shortly before half and the score going into halftime was 21-7.
The second half turned out to be much different from the first. Both defenses stiffened up and the halftime score proved to be the final score. The game was sealed on a late interception by Colburn who had just returned from an injury. Overall, it was a very competitive game and was a good representation of ITCL football.
Both Mogadore and Leetonia played a tough physical game, however it was a couple of missed opportunities by the Bears that proved to be the difference in the contest. Josh Selway still managed to gain over 100 yards, but it was not enough as the Bears close a very impressive 2008 season with a 8-3 record.
The Clippers were not successful in slowing the Chieftains offense as the #1 seed Hopewell-Loudon won a decisive 41-14 victory. The Clippers finish the 2008 campaign with a successful 7-4 mark. "They were eveything that we thought. We didn't play as well as we had hoped," Clipper head coach Bob Spaite.
Rebel Dominate the Bears
(Courtesy of our friends at RebelPhotography)
The Crestiew Rebels dominated this match-up Division 5 playoff participants. Cory Hill led the Rebels with 227 yards rushing, while his brother Carter Hill also had an outstanding game. Carter would close the night with 164 yards rushing, and another 54 passing. The Rebels had an amazing total of 444 yards rushing on the night.
Defensively, the Rebels had total control of the line of scrimmage as they held the Bears to only two first down in the first half of the contest. The Bears star running back Thad Nofsinger proved to be a non-factor in the game.
Next week the Rebels will face the Kirtland Hornets at a site to be named later. As a side note....both Crestview and South Range had breakfast together at the Dutch House Restaurant in Columbiana Saturday morning.
Raiders Get Blasted in Re-Match
When it rains, it pours. Uncharacteristically, the Raiders made numerous errors as the Honets seized the early momentum, and never gave it up. The Raiders would turn the ball over five times while missing numerous tackles as the Hornets jumped out to a 35-7 haftime lead.
The Hornets began with a receiver option pass that went for a 46-yard touchdown on they're first possession. From there Hornet's quarterback Ben Madden would rush for a remarkable five touchdowns on the Raiders defense. Madden's touchdown runs would cover 25, 3, 57,57, and 45 yards. He would also toss a 15-yard touchdown pass.
The lone highlight for the Raiders was a Jack Dawson 65-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. The Raiders finish the season with a share of the ITCL Upper Tier title, and a 8-3 record.
