Last night, Lorain, Ohio native Saniyah Hall stepped onto one of the biggest stages in high school basketball and owned it. She walked away as McDonald’s All-American Game MVP, adding to a résumé that already places her among the most decorated prospects in the country. The ESPN No. 1-ranked player and USC commit is the latest reminder that Northeast Ohio talent continues to produce at the highest level.

A year ago, Canton native Darryn Peterson stood in that same spotlight and left with Co-MVP honors alongside Cameron Boozer.

And what comes next matters just as much.

Hall heads to USC, where she’ll join the last two No. 1 overall prospects, JuJu Watkins and Jazzy Davidson. That group will enter next season with clear expectations and the talent to meet them.

Peterson’s trajectory is just as compelling. From Northeast Ohio to the national stage, he remains in the conversation among evaluators as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft.

Back-to-back McDonald’s All-American Game MVP recognition from the same region. One preparing for a national title push. The other with a real shot to go No. 1.

Beyond basketball Ohio State, linebacker Arvell Reese, a Cleveland Glenville product, is projected by some evaluators as a top-five pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. In a draft where 4 Buckeyes are projected to come off the board in the 1st round (potentially top 10), Reese is projected by many to be the first.

Ohio has long produced elite talent, but the spotlight hasn’t always stayed there. It tends to drift toward Florida, Texas, California, and Georgia. Still, stretches like this are hard to ignore.

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For most of his playing career, Evan Neal has lived in a world of certainty.

In high school, he was the kind of lineman coaches warned their players about all week and still could not solve on Friday night. Too big. Too powerful. Too athletic. He was not just winning. He was overwhelming. The five star labels followed, and so did the expectations.

At Alabama, those expectations did not crush him. They refined him.

Neal became exactly what the prototype promised. A cornerstone. A starter on one of college football’s biggest stages. He won a national championship. He earned All American honors. He played multiple positions along the offensive line and did it at a level that made NFL scouts comfortable projecting him as a franchise pillar. When the New York Giants selected him seventh overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, it felt less like a gamble and more like a formality.

Some careers feel pre written.

But the NFL has a way of rewriting stories.

The league does not just test your body. It tests your technique. Your confidence. Your identity. The things that made Neal special did not disappear when he reached the professional level, but the game around him got faster, and far less forgiving.

What followed was not the smooth ascension many expected. There were struggles in pass protection. There were injuries. There were position changes. There was the weight that comes with being a top ten pick in a market that is always searching for someone to blame. Slowly, the conversation around Evan Neal shifted from what he could become to whether he ever would.

That is a dangerous place for any player to live.

But sometimes the most dangerous player in the league is not the one everyone is talking about. It is the one everyone has stopped talking about.

This offseason, Neal made a quiet but meaningful decision. He signed with AMDG Sports and will begin working under the guidance of LeCharles Bentley.

If that name sounds familiar, it should.

Bentley is not in the business of shortcuts or hype. He is a craftsman. He has built a reputation on detail, skill acquisition, innovation and telling players the truth about what their game actually requires. And when Bentley talks about Evan Neal, the language is telling.

He does not talk about a broken player.

He talks about an unpolished one.

That distinction matters.

Unpolished means the raw material is still there. It means the tools still exist. It means the story is not about starting over, but about finally learning how to shape what has always been present.

Bentley stated, “This stage of Evan’s career requires informed work, not guesswork. I’ve lived the full lifecycle of this position in the NFL, development, success, adversity, and transition. So I understand where he’s at, but I can’t meet him there. My focus is to remind him how simple football truly is. It’s only hard when players allow it to be, and that’s how career and developmental momentum stalls.”

For Neal, this is not just about cleaning up technique or adjusting footwork. It is about reclaiming his relationship with the game. About slowing things back down. About rebuilding trust in his hands, his eyes, and his instincts. About remembering that dominance is not something you declare. It is something you execute, rep after rep.

There is a certain humility required to walk this path.

The Giants and the rest of the league will not hand Evan Neal anything. Nor should they. The NFL is not moved by pedigree or memory. It is moved by performance.

That is what makes this pairing so intriguing.

Bentley has built his life’s work around the idea that offensive line play is a skill, not just a size contest. That violence must be precise. That footwork is a language. That hands tell the truth. That consistency is built, not hoped for.

Neal brings rare physical tools. Bentley brings rare developmental clarity.

Somewhere in the middle of that intersection is a version of this story that looks very different from the one people have been telling.

Redemption stories in the NFL are never guaranteed. The league is too hard. The margins are too thin. The clock moves too fast.

But every so often, one appears because a player refuses to accept that his first chapter was the whole book.

Evan Neal is still young. Still massive. Still gifted. Still unfinished.

The question is no longer whether he was once great.

The question is whether this offseason becomes the moment he finally learns how to become it again on his own terms.

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Ohio stepped into a new era this year when the state finally opened the door for high school athletes to participate in NIL. And while a lot of the early conversation centered on hypothetical recruiting chaos or quick-hit deals, one partnership looks and feels different. It looks like development. It looks like intention. It looks like a young athlete betting on craft over clout.

That athlete is Landry Brede.

Landry describes himself in three words: determined, hardworking, dominant. Those aren’t buzzwords for him. Those words are the through-line of a journey that started on the defensive line before a pivotal switch brought him into the trenches on the offensive side. That move, he says, “shaped” him and connected him to a brotherhood he now holds with deep pride.

Landry is not just big, not just strong, and not just physical. He is detailed. He studies players like Kelvin Banks, admiring his precision and consistency. He talks about footwork, angles, hand placement, and he means every syllable. He understands the difference between being on the field and actually shaping it.

“A bad first step can throw off the whole play,” he said. “It changes the angle, leverage… everything.”

That obsession with detail is why his NIL partnership with LB Design (Founded by LeCharles Bentley) makes so much sense. This isn’t a logo swap or a transactional moment. It’s a continuation of work he has already been doing for four years, using tools like the X-Bag and the Pass Protection Plate to refine the technical layers of his game.

“This is more than just a deal,” he said. “It’s a relationship. LB equipment has elevated my game. Working with someone who has played and trained at the highest level is an opportunity I’m grateful for.”

His first training session with LeCharles Bentley left a mark.

“It blew my mind,” Landry said. “The details of each little thing… the first steps, driving out of your stance. It completely changed my perspective on the position.”

That perspective now includes not only the physical aspects of offensive line play but the mental side as well — the processing, the anticipation, the rapid adjustments that separate average linemen from elite ones.

“The mental side is crazy,” he said. “You really have to be mentally sharp.”

Head coach Matt Gray has also been a foundational piece of Landry’s development. Brede credits him not just for coaching but for mentorship, consistency, and selflessness during the recruiting process.

As he looks toward college, Landry’s ambitions are grounded in humility and hunger. He wants to be ready. He wants to take each day seriously. He wants to maximize the opportunity in front of him.

“I think I can be as great as anyone else as long as I put in the work,” he said. “You’re not always going to want to train, but if you want to be the best, you sacrifice.”

In an NIL landscape that often prioritizes hype over development, Landry Brede represents something different. Something refreshing. Something honest.

He is the example of what NIL can be when aligned with values, craft, and long-term vision.

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CANTON — Glenville did not simply win another championship on Saturday. The Tarblooders delivered a complete performance that reflected everything Ted Ginn Sr. has poured into this program for decades. The night belonged to toughness, unity, purpose, and a defense that made one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Ohio history look ordinary.

The Division IV state championship opened as a defensive battle until special teams created the first spark. Jaquan Gibson’s 92-yard punt return broke the game open and set an early tone for a Glenville team that was faster and more physical across the board.

Shelby briefly answered with a creative goal-line package that allowed Michael Shepherd to sneak in for a score after a long catch set them up near the end zone. However, from that moment on, Glenville began closing the door on the Whippets. The defense tightened, the run game found its rhythm, and the Tarblooders slowly took full control of the night.

Game MVP Romell Phillips hammered away for 138 yards on 14 carries. C. J. Newell added 81 yards and two touchdowns, including a powerful 10-yard run that helped Glenville create separation before halftime.

“This was our last game, so it was more of an emotional game,” Newell said. “That is what really took over for me.”

He played the full game despite a dislocated toe from the previous week and ran with the urgency of someone determined to finish the season on his terms.

By the end of the night, Glenville’s defense produced a near perfect performance. Shelby quarterback Brayden DeVito, a Mr. Football finalist who entered the game with more than 17,000 career yards, was held under 40 yards passing and was sacked four times. The Whippets finished with fewer than 50 total yards of offense. That number is remarkable against any opponent, and it becomes even more striking when the opponent is a high powered offense led by one of the most productive players in state history.

“They have not faced a defense with our speed, our size, and somebody in the middle like myself,” said Ohio State commit and Mr. Football Finalist Cincere Johnson. His presence forced adjustments on every snap and allowed Glenville’s pass rush to overwhelm the pocket.

The Tarblooders shrugged off 140 penalty yards and continued applying pressure. Arvell Nelson threw two touchdown passes, including a 38-yard strike to Joseph Saffold in the fourth quarter that pushed the lead to a running clock at 38-7. Uriah Webber added a late touchdown that brought the final score to 45-7.

Afterward, Coach Ginn reflected on what this group means to the city that raised them.

“They had the intent to be the example of hope for other kids. To be the example for our city and our public schools,” he said. “I am huge on that.”

He later offered one of the most meaningful lines of the night.

“In the academic realm, they teach you the lesson and then they give you a test. In the spiritual realm, they give you the test and you learn your lesson. Today we passed the test for 16 weeks.”

It was a fitting reflection for a team that battled adversity, injuries, and one of the toughest out of conference schedules in the state. Glenville never wavered, and in that resilience Ginn saw the true identity of his group.

“It was not going to be easy this year,” he said. “He put these obstacles in front of you. You got to get through it. They believed the whole time. Today sealed the deal.”

CANTON- All season long Avon carried the weight of expectation. Last year’s championship run reset the standard. This year’s group had to write a new story. On Thursday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, they did exactly that with a convincing 37-20 win over Cincinnati Anderson to claim the Division II state title for the second straight season.

The story of the night was simple. Avon played complete football. The Eagles capitalized early, leaned on their physicality, and delivered a statement defensive performance against one of the most explosive offenses in the state.

A botched Anderson punt snap gifted the Eagles the ball at the Raptors’ 17 yard line, and senior quarterback Blake Elder wasted no time putting Avon on the board with a strike to Finn Jerdonek. It was the beginning of a near flawless first half for Elder, who tied the OHSAA Division II record with four touchdown passes.

Coach Mike Elder put it plainly. “Early on we were able to capitalize on a mistake from Cincinnati Anderson. That was big to get us off to the fast start we were on.”

That fast start came from all three phases. The offense was efficient. The defensive front was relentless. The chemistry was undeniable.

But it took months to build that version of Avon. Elder opened his postgame remarks by revisiting the moment he believes shaped this team. A long travel week in Florida. A 25-22 loss. Questions with no clear answers.

“No one pointed fingers. Not one person, no coaches, no players. They all pointed thumbs,” Elder said. “They took extreme ownership and said, Here is what we have to do to get better. And then they just went to work every single day.”

That mindset carried them to Canton and carried them through Anderson’s high powered offense. Avon’s defense delivered one of its greatest performances of the season, holding the Raptors to their lowest point total all year. Anderson’s quarterback, junior Owen Scalf, still threw for 376 yards, but he was pressured constantly and forced to work for every inch.

“To hold that team to 20 points is a monumental effort,” Elder said.

On offense, it was vintage Avon. Physical. Smart. Balanced. Intentional. Elder threw four touchdowns. Running back Quiante Smith ran for 180 yards and a score. The receivers were reliable and explosive.

And then there is the Grant Barr effect.

Elder explained it with the pride of a coach who has watched the young man grow up. “Every time he is out there, teams have to double him,” Elder said. “When you take people out of the box because of Grant Barr, you can run the ball better. That is the Grant Barr effect.”

Barr delivered a crucial touchdown before halftime, a 37 yard strike that stalled Anderson’s momentum and flipped the quarter back in Avon’s favor. “We needed some momentum to flip the script,” Barr said. “We talk about winning every quarter, and Blake gave me a great ball.”

Blake Elder, the coach’s son, played with poise and presence all night. His ball placement, decision making and timing defined the offensive rhythm. But in the moments he was praised, he immediately redirected it.

“The pass protection was amazing all night,” Elder said. “I can’t credit my teammates enough.” Later he added, “I just can’t do any of this without the people beside me.”

And Avon ran the ball very well. Senior running back Quiante Smith, who missed much of the regular season before returning for the playoff push, delivered a powerful 180-yard performance that kept Anderson’s defense off balance. His 7-yard touchdown late in the third quarter pushed the lead to 34-13 and gave Avon complete control.

“Our why is never to win a state championship,” Elder said. “It is to develop as young men. It is to grow in confidence, to learn how to deal with adversity, to love your teammates. These guys have taken every lesson and run with it.”

“This is a family affair,” Elder said. “I know I have a son up here, but I feel like I have a bunch of other ones too.”

That bond was visible everywhere. Elder talked about coaching many of these players since they were little league baseball kids. He talked about families who have been intertwined with the program for years.

Avon exits Canton with a legacy cemented. The program now holds consecutive state championships for the first time. And in a fall where Avon volleyball and boys soccer also brought home championships, the school’s athletic momentum has never been stronger.

Elder did not shy away from saying it.

“I do not want to sound arrogant here, but we are good at everything,” he said. “Avon is on the rise.”

In a matchup laced with family ties and storied tradition, the St. Ignatius Wildcats, led by head coach Cam Joyce, edged the St. Vincent-St. Mary Fighting Irish, coached by his father, Dru Joyce II, in a 78-73 victory on New Year’s Eve. The Wildcats, now 8-2 on the season, capitalized on a strong start and timely plays down the stretch to fend off a late push by the Irish (3-4).

First Half: Wildcats Set the Tone

The Wildcats came out firing, senior guard Quinn Woidke, who opened the scoring with a steal and layup before draining a transition three. Woidke’s early spark set the tone, and he finished the half with an impressive 15 points, including a buzzer-beating step-back three-pointer to extend St. Ignatius’ lead to 46-35 at the break. Senior forward Damon Friery and junior forward Roy Jones also chipped in with pivotal baskets as the Wildcats built a double-digit lead.

For the Irish, junior DeCarlo Prince and freshman Ascen Lomack provided much-needed offense, while senior center John Whorton showcased his versatility, knocking down shots inside and from beyond the arc.

Second Half: Irish Fight Back

Trailing by 11 at halftime, St. Vincent-St. Mary clawed their way back into the game behind the relentless efforts of Whorton, who led all scorers with 26 points. Lomack continued to shine, displaying poise beyond his years with crafty drives and timely three-pointers.

The Irish trimmed the deficit to as little as one point late in the third quarter, thanks to Lomack’s step-back three that brought the score to 52-51. However, St. Ignatius answered with a clutch corner three from senior guard Kyle Niehaus, closing the quarter with a 56-51 advantage.

Down to the Wire

The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with St. Vincent-St. Mary refusing to go away. Whorton’s three-pointer with 4:22 remaining pulled the Irish within seven, and a subsequent trey from Lomack kept the game within striking distance. However, the Wildcats showcased their composure, as Alex Mack and Jimmy Thomas delivered critical buckets to maintain the lead.

Despite a late flurry by the Irish, highlighted by a contested three-pointer with 9.3 seconds left, the Wildcats sealed the game at the free-throw line, with Thomas knocking down the final two to secure the 78-73 victory.

Standout Scoring Performances

• St. Ignatius:

  • Quinn Woidke: 22 points

  • Jimmy Thomas: 14 points

  • Alex Mack: 13 points

• St. Vincent-St. Mary:

  • John Whorton: Game-high 26 points

  • DeCarlo Prince: 18 points

  • Ascen Lomack: 18 points

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In his first career start for Michigan, freshman running back Jordan Marshall delivered a standout performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl, leading the Wolverines to a 19-13 win over Alabama. Marshall carried the ball 23 times for 100 yards, including a 24-yard burst that highlighted his day—all career highs for the former Archbishop Moeller star.

For those who have followed Marshall’s journey, his success is no surprise. At Sky High Sportz, we’ve tracked his rise since high school, where he put together a legendary career. Marshall even graced the cover of Issue #12 of our digital magazine after a great performance in Archbishop Moeller's 2022 season opener against Massillon.

Marshall went on to win the Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year that season and capped his high school career in 2023 by earning the prestigious Mr. Football title. By the time he graduated, Marshall had amassed 6,196 all-purpose yards, including a program-record 4,878 rushing yards and 80 touchdowns.

Now donning the maize and blue, Marshall has wasted no time making an impact in Ann Arbor. While the Wolverines closed out what many fans would call a “disappointing season” by Michigan’s lofty standards, wins over Ohio State and Alabama give the team momentum heading into the offseason. Marshall, however, made it clear in his postgame remarks that the Wolverines’ ambitions extend far beyond the ReliaQuest Bowl.

“Like I told Bryce [Underwood], right when we walked into the locker room, I was like, this isn’t happening again,” Marshall said, referencing Michigan’s heralded quarterback recruit, who recently joined the team. “We’re playing for the chip. We’re playing for the whole thing, the Natty. That’s what we want.”

Marshall’s leadership and drive were evident throughout his postgame interview, as he reflected on the team’s standards. “It’s a good season, but it’s not Michigan standard. And we gotta get it back to the standard, which is bringing national championships back here,” he said.

Marshall spoke on his performance by stating “They were telling me the whole game, ‘It’s gonna break, it’s gonna break, it’s gonna break.’ So I was just trusting my coaching, trusting myself to go make a play.”

As Michigan’s future stars like Underwood and Marshall step into larger roles, the Wolverines appear poised to reclaim their place at the top of the college football ranks. For Marshall, a player who has always risen to the occasion, the ReliaQuest Bowl was just the beginning.

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Noblesville, IN – The Noblesville Millers bounced back in a big way Friday night, toppling the previously undefeated Carmel Greyhounds 50-37 on their home court. A strong defensive performance and a career night from junior guard Justin Curry II powered the Millers to victory, improving their record to 3-1 on the season.

Coming off a humbling 74-40 loss to Fishers, the Millers had a week to regroup, and it showed from the opening tip. Noblesville raced out to a commanding 17-5 lead after the first quarter, fueled by Curry’s hot hand. He scored the team’s first 11 points, setting the tone for what would be a career-high 27-point performance. Curry also shot an impressive 4-for-7 from beyond the arc, adding three rebounds and two assists to his stat line.

By halftime, Noblesville stretched their lead to 23-12, keeping Carmel’s offense in check with a suffocating defense. Forward Aiden Brewer anchored the defensive effort with five blocks, five rebounds, and three steals, while Baron Walker chipped in nine points and three boards.

The Millers continued to control the pace in the second half, building their lead to 41-22 entering the final quarter. Carmel managed to trim the deficit late, but Noblesville’s defense and ball control ensured the outcome was never in doubt.

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In a battle between powerhouses, the Coldwater Cavaliers overwhelmed the Kirtland Hornets 31-7 to win the OHSAA Division VI state championship at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. The victory marked Coldwater’s eighth state title and gave head coach Chip Otten his sixth championship at the helm of his alma mater.

Setting the Tone Early

Kirtland, appearing in its eighth consecutive state final, opened the game with a promising drive but was stopped short on fourth down when Coldwater’s Miles Pottkotter broke up a critical pass. From there, the Cavaliers took control. On Coldwater’s second possession, quarterback Baylen Blockberger connected with Cadin Obringer on a 55-yard pass, setting up Pottkotter’s 14-yard touchdown run to give Coldwater an early 7-0 lead.

“We have a phrase called TED—toughness, effort, and discipline,” Otten said. “Those three things carry us. That’s why I brought these guys in here, because they’ve got it.”

Building Momentum

Kirtland’s offense struggled to find its rhythm as Coldwater’s defense consistently forced punts. The Cavaliers extended their lead in the second quarter after taking advantage of a roughing-the-kicker penalty and a pass interference call. Pottkotter’s 23-yard run set up a short touchdown pass from Blockberger to Mason Welsch, capping a 10-play, 70-yard drive and putting Coldwater ahead 14-0.

A late first-half drive showcased Coldwater’s offensive depth, as Blockberger found Obringer for a 39-yard gain on third-and-15 before hitting Welsch again for a 17-yard touchdown with 39 seconds left in the half. The Cavaliers entered the break leading 21-0.

Second Half: Cavaliers Seal the Deal

Coldwater continued to dominate in the second half. Early in the third quarter, Will Barry forced a fumble that Noah Welsch recovered in the end zone, extending the lead to 28-0. A 25-yard field goal by Bryce Couchot at the end of the third quarter made it 31-0, triggering a running clock.

Kirtland finally broke through in the fourth quarter with an 11-yard touchdown run by quarterback Jake LaVerde, but it was too little, too late.

Redemption and Resilience

Coldwater’s victory was particularly sweet after a regular-season loss to Marion Local, which ended their bid for an undefeated season. Reflecting on the team’s response to that defeat, Otten said, “We were concerned after that loss. But this is an extremely mature group of seniors. They regrouped and said, ‘Let’s see if we can make a good run.’ And we did it.”

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In a rematch of last year’s championship, the Bishop Watterson Eagles avenged their 2023 loss with a 19-14 comeback victory over Toledo Central Catholic at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. The win gave the Eagles their third state championship, capping off an undefeated 16-0 season.

For head coach Brian Kennedy, the win was a testament to the team’s leadership and determination. “What you saw out there in the second half is indicative of the seniors... their dedication, perseverance, and love for one another. It was incredible. That was a team win,” Kennedy said.

First Half: Central Catholic Controls the Tempo

Toledo Central Catholic took control early, opening the scoring late in the first quarter with quarterback Ali Beydoun’s four-yard touchdown scramble on fourth down. The Irish controlled possession, holding the ball for over 14 minutes in the first half, and outgained the Eagles 162-44. Watterson’s offense struggled, failing to record a single passing yard in the half.

A critical turning point came late in the second quarter when Watterson forced a punt deep in Central Catholic territory, only to fumble on the return, allowing the Irish to extend their drive. While Central Catholic missed a field goal before halftime, they entered the break with a 7-0 lead.

“Last year was a disappointment,” Kennedy admitted. “This year, our goal was to get back and win it—whether it was Toledo Central Catholic or someone else. There’s no revenge, just respect for a great football team. Our goal was to win a state championship, and we did that.”

Second Half: Watterson’s Revival

Watterson emerged from halftime with renewed energy. On their first possession of the third quarter, they marched 90 yards in 10 plays, capped by a 28-yard touchdown run from Zack Weber to tie the game at 7-7.

However, Central Catholic responded immediately as Jeremiah Fuller returned the ensuing kickoff 86 yards for a touchdown, putting the Irish back in front, 14-7.

The Eagles answered early in the fourth quarter with a clutch play by quarterback Drew Bellisari, who found Dominic Theado for a 52-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-one. While the extra point was blocked, the momentum had clearly shifted.

Bellisari’s growth throughout the season proved vital in the biggest moments. “Drew has done a tremendous job for us this year,” Kennedy said. “He started at free safety last year and didn’t play quarterback. To see his growth from Week 1 to Week 16—he’s cool, calm, and collected, and he made plays when it mattered most.”

The Game-Winning Drive

With 6:30 remaining, Watterson started on a 15-play, 80-yard drive. Facing fourth-and-13, Bellisari connected with Theado for an 18-yard completion to keep the drive alive.

Moments later, a 20-yard pass to Tommy Haley set up Bellisari’s game-winning nine-yard touchdown run with just 1:29 left to play.

The Eagles’ defense sealed the victory by stopping Central Catholic on their final possession, highlighted by a crucial sack from Michael Boyle and CJ Youell. A last-ditch hook-and-ladder attempt by the Irish fell short, securing Watterson’s 19-14 victory.

Key Stats

The Eagles dominated the second half, outscoring Central Catholic 19-7 and more than doubling their offensive output, 236-102. 

For Kennedy, the victory was the culmination of years of progress. After inheriting a struggling program, Kennedy has steadily turned the Eagles into contenders, leading them to a regional runner-up finish in 2022, a state runner-up finish in 2023, and now, a state championship. “This win is for the seniors, the program, and everyone who believed in what we’re building,” Kennedy said.

Bellisari finished with 88 passing yards, 63 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns, while Weber led the ground attack with 134 yards on 28 carries and a touchdown. Theado added two receptions for 70 yards and a score.

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On Day 2 of the 2024 OHSAA State Championships, the Marion Local Flyers dismantled Jeromesville Hillsdale 74-0 to capture their 15th state championship under Head Coach Tim Goodwin. The Flyers extended their historic win streak to 64 games, further cementing their legacy as one of the most dominant programs in Ohio high school football history.

From the opening kickoff, Marion Local imposed their will on both sides of the ball. Running back Parker Hess set the tone early, scoring two rushing touchdowns in the game’s first five minutes. By the end of the first quarter, the Flyers had a commanding 33-0 lead, highlighted by Victor Hoelscher’s two touchdowns—one a 37-yard reception and the other a 66-yard punt return.

Coach Goodwin, who now boasts a career record of 325-48 in 26 seasons, attributed the lopsided victory to his team’s preparation and discipline. “We thought we had the advantage with just experience. And we thought we were better than they were in special teams... The game kind of snowballed pretty fast,” Goodwin said.

The Flyers didn’t let up in the second quarter. Hess added two more rushing touchdowns to his tally, while Griffin Bruns contributed a 45-yard pick-six, and Justin Knouff added a 60-yard touchdown run. Marion Local entered halftime with a jaw-dropping 60-0 lead, just shy of the state record for points in a game (77).

Despite a running clock in the second half, Marion Local managed to add two more scores, closing out their dominant campaign with 11 total touchdowns—seven on the ground, one through the air, one on a punt return, and one on an interception.

For the Flyers, the victory marked the culmination of a four-year undefeated run that has redefined excellence in Ohio high school football. Senior quarterback Justin Knouff, reflecting on his team’s perfect record, said, “There’s nothing that an athlete, a football player, would want more than going undefeated throughout their high school career. It’s something special you will never forget.”

Goodwin, who has built a dynasty with 15 state titles since 2000, summed up the program’s sustained success succinctly: “The standard is the standard, and that's my job. It’s not always fun to hold the line, but it’s my job.”

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For Head Coach Mike Elder, the Avon Eagles' first-ever state championship was the culmination of nearly two decades of hard work and perseverance. “When I first got to Avon, we said our goal was to ultimately win a state championship. This one feels really good because it’s not only for this group of kids but for everyone who ever wore the purple and gold,” Elder said after the Eagles defeated Cincinnati Anderson 20-13 in the OHSAA Division II State Championship game.

The senior class, which compiled 53 wins and two undefeated regular seasons, closed their careers by overcoming years of heartbreak in the state semifinals. Elder reflected on the journey: “The prize isn’t the state championship. The prize was in this journey... and we’ve made a lifetime memory.”

First Half Summary

The Eagles set the tone early, with Nolan Good sprinting 71 yards for a touchdown on a quarterback keeper during their opening drive. Despite two penalties, Avon executed a six-play, 87-yard march to take an early 7-0 lead. In the 2nd quarter, Anderson responded with a 14-play, 70-yard drive capped by Justice Burnam’s 12-yard touchdown pass to Aiden McClanahan, tying the game at 7-7.

Avon answered quickly when Good launched a 44-yard touchdown strike to Matt Maxey, giving the Eagles a 14-7 edge late in the first quarter. Anderson’s chances to pull even before halftime were derailed by two turnovers, while Avon’s attempt to extend the lead was thwarted by a fumble on a promising drive and a blocked field goal as time expired.

Second Half Summary

Anderson opened the second half with a strong drive, as Burnam’s 5-yard touchdown run brought the Raptors within one point. However, Jakob Weatherspoon’ blocked extra point was crucial. Avon responded with a 10-play, 63-yard drive capped by Quiante' Smith’s 10-yard touchdown run. A failed two-point conversion left the score at 20-13 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Raptors made several late pushes, including a 14-play, 67-yard drive that ended in a fourth-and-goal stand by Avon’s defense. Despite a late interception that gave Anderson one last chance, Aiden Atkins sealed the victory by batting down a pass in the end zone as time expired.

Defense Wins Championships

Avon’s defense held Anderson’s high-powered offense, which averaged 47.5 points per game, to just 13 points. Power Four prospect Jakob Weatherspoon led the secondary with 10 tackles and two pass breakups, while Jake Graham contributed an interception. The Eagles’ defense also came up with crucial stops on fourth downs and forced two turnovers, proving critical in the tightly contested matchup.

Nolan Good’s Clutch Performance

Mr. Football finalist Nolan Good shined on the biggest stage, rushing for 190 yards on 19 carries, including a 71-yard touchdown, and passing for 143 yards and another score. His playmaking ability kept the Raptors’ defense on its heels throughout the game. After the game, Good reflected on his journey, “There are so many movies where the main character battles adversity and comes back. I feel like I was that guy... Everything just went as planned. There’s no better feeling.”

Final Stats

• Total Yards: Avon 437, Anderson 367

• Rushing Yards: Avon 294, Anderson 217

• Time of Possession: Avon 27:18, Anderson 20:42

Anderson quarterback Justice Burnam was a standout for the Raptors, rushing for 148 yards and a touchdown while throwing for 150 yards and another score. Despite his efforts, Avon’s balanced attack and physicality proved too much.

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Lady Rough Riders Opens Up Season with Dominating Win over Buchtel

The Kent Roosevelt Lady Rough Riders opened up their 2024-25 campaign on a high note, defeating the Akron Buchtel Griffins 58-5. Freshman Grace Schoenberger led the Lady Rough Riders with 10 points, while junior Claire VanDamme and freshman Ava Elliiot followed with 9 points.

Bulldogs Takes Down Rough Riders 56-45

The Stow-Munroe Falls Bulldogs kicked off their season with a statement win over neighborhood rival Kent Roosevelt on a cold Friday night. The Bulldogs, who were down for the majority of the game, began to catch fire late in the third quarter before taking the lead in the fourth, while holding the Rough Riders to only four points in the final eight minutes of play. Bulldogs senior Cam Marconi led the night with a 29 point, 5 assist performance, while sophomore Kyle Boozer followed with 11 points, including three crucial 3 pointers. On the other end, senior Jaden Dennison finished with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, while sophomore Cyler Foreman followed with 13 points and brother Carter Foreman snatching 10 rebounds.

Lady Vikings Gets Hot in Second Half in Win over Mayfield

After a day full of college football, the Hoover Lady Vikings claimed their second victory of the season with a 55-22 win over Mayfield. After a slow opening half, the Vikings caught fire in the final 16 minutes, exploding for 37 points to Mayfield’s 13. Junior Zoe McCort led the Lady Vikings with 13 points, while junior Aubrey Fisher followed with 11.

This season has already delivered stunning conference results, proving just how competitive the MAC has become. One of the biggest surprises came when Buffalo knocked off Northern Illinois 30-15, just one week after Northern Illinois shocked #12 Notre Dame with a 16-14 win.

The victory over Notre Dame sent the Huskies into the Buffalo game as the 23rd-ranked team in the country, with hopes of riding their momentum to the top of the MAC standings. However, Buffalo had other plans, spoiling Northern Illinois’ celebration with a 23-20 OT win. This rollercoaster week perfectly encapsulates the unpredictability of MAC football, where no team is safe, even those riding high from national upsets.

This past weekend in the MAC, Bowling Green stunned Toledo 41-26 in the Battle of I-75, shaking up the standings and putting the Falcons back in contention. Meanwhile, Ohio made a statement with a dominant 47-16 win over Buffalo, bouncing back from a 30-20 loss to Miami last week and maintaining a hold of their place as a top contender. At the same time, Ball State kept their season alive with a narrow 25-23 victory over Northern Illinois, proving that even the mid-tier teams can play spoiler. These results showcase the razor-thin margins separating the top teams from the rest of the field.

The Contenders: No Clear Front-Runners

As the standings take shape, Western Michigan leads the pack with an undefeated conference record (4-0), but their toughest games lie ahead. They’ll face Northern Illinois, Bowling Green, and Eastern Michigan in the coming weeks, any of which could derail their perfect run.

Toledo, despite a couple of setbacks, remains a contender. With key games against Ohio and Eastern Michigan, the Rockets have a chance to control their destiny. Miami, the defending champions, looks poised to make another title run but must navigate pivotal games against Ball State, Northern Illinois, and Bowling Green.

Ohio has reemerged as a top contender, fueled by their blowout win over Buffalo. However, their path is anything but easy, with upcoming matchups against Toledo, Ball State and Eastern Michigan looking to play spoiler.

Despite their losses to Buffalo, Ball State, and Toledo, Northern Illinois is still very much alive in the race. If the Huskies can regain the form that led them to the upset over Notre Dame, they’ll have a chance to claw their way back into championship contention.

Upcoming #MACtion Games to Watch: Offense vs. Defense Showdowns

Midweek #MACtion will once again bring the conference into the national spotlight, with several marquee matchups set to shape the race for Detroit. Here are some games to watch, with a closer look at key players and trends:

• 11/6: Northern Illinois at Western Michigan– This matchup features a clash of the MAC’s top offense vs. top defense. Western Michigan, averaging 34 points per game (44.8 in conference play), will lean heavily on star RB Jaden Nixon, who leads the MAC with 752 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. On the other side, Northern Illinois boasts the top-ranked defense, allowing just 17.6 points per game. However, their offense has struggled, scoring just 16.5 points per game in conference play, the worst in the MAC. This game could be the ultimate chess match—can Western Michigan’s high-powered offense crack the Huskies' defense?

  

• 1/19: Toledo vs. Ohio– Another must-watch game, this matchup features two of the most balanced teams in the conference. Toledo ranks second in the MAC in scoring (29.1 PPG), while Ohio is right behind them with a defense that allows just 21.6 PPG. Both teams pride themselves on stopping the run, with Ohio allowing only 117.5 rushing yards per game, second-best in the MAC, and Toledo close behind at 133.1 YPG. Ohio’s offense will rely heavily on RB Tyus Anthony, who ranks second in the MAC with 610 rushing yards, while dual-threat QB Parker Navarro—who has 515 yards on the ground and 1,217 through the air—adds another layer to Ohio's attack. The winner of this game will likely punch their ticket to the MAC Championship.

  

• 11/29: Bowling Green vs. Miami– Miami, which boasts the second-best defense in the conference (19.9 PPG), will be tested by Ohio’s explosive rushing attack. Meanwhile, Bowling Green, Miami’s upcoming opponent, has allowed just 17.3 PPG in conference play, the second-best mark among MAC teams. Bowling Green has shown they can play up to their competition, taking both Texas A&M (26-20 L) and Penn State (30-27 L) down to the wire earlier this season. They also narrowly edged Akron 27-20, underscoring their ability to play in tight games. Terion Stewart (4th in MAC rushing, 557 yards) and Harold Fannin Jr. (MAC-leading 946 receiving yards) will look to carry the Falcons down the stretch, while Miami’s Kenyon Mozee, averaging 6.3 yards per carry, adds another offensive weapon to watch.

Spoilers Could Shake Up the Standings

Even teams on the outside of the championship race could play a significant role in shaping the final standings. Akron and Kent State both have chances to disrupt contenders, with games against Buffalo, Ohio, and Toledo still to come. Central Michigan, already with an upset over Eastern Michigan on their résumé, could further shake things up in their matchups with Northern Illinois and Toledo.

With the MAC's deep and balanced field, even one upset could alter the course of the title race. The contenders will need to be sharp every week—especially with quick turnarounds for midweek games—because no team is safe from playing spoiler.

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Most rivalry games come from a long history of neighborhood schools hating each other for decades. But this rivalry between the Highland Hornets and the Revere Minutemen Girls Volleyball programs had only recently formed from numerous intense matches. Since the new decade, matches between the two schools have totaled up to 36 sets played, with the Hornets triumphing over the Lady Minutemen 8 wins to 1 loss. 

On October 3rd, the two programs met once again for their 2nd meeting on the 2024 season at Revere with both teams neck and neck for the #1 spot for the Suburban League American Conference title. The Lady Minutemen have won their first matchup of the season in 5 sets, so going into the matchup, the Hornets had a chip on their shoulder. The game was broadcasted on Cleveland 19’s new local Ohio sports network Rock Entertainment Sports Network for their first ever live female sporting event. 

The Hornets survived over the Lady Minutemen 3-2 after 5 pulse-pounding sets, taking the 5th set 17-15 to take the top spot in conference play. Senior Lily Votjko led with 20 kills, while Senior Emily Stanik followed with 19. Senior Setter Ashley Shefferly added 57 assists to her resume, further cementing her legacy after breaking the school record of 1,372 assists. On the defensive side, Libero Carley Niese finished with 35 digs.

The Lady Minutemen did not disappoint however, with Senior Jessa Randall finishing with 20 kills on the night, while Freshman Grace Regula followed with 18. Junior Setter Tessa Milicia finished with 43 assists, and Senior Libero Paige Kelley led with 43 digs, while four other Lady Minutemen combined for 82. 

Regardless of who comes out victorious, the outcome between these two programs have been non-stop hard fought battles within the recent years, and for the RESN’s first ever female broadcasted event, it did not disappoint.

Lawrence North made a powerful statement Friday night, securing a 34-21 victory over Center Grove and improving to 8-0 for the first time since 1989. The Wildcats were led by a dominant performance from sophomore running back Izayveon Moore, who rushed for 233 yards on 22 carries and scored four touchdowns, including a 57-yard burst that sealed the win late in the fourth quarter.

The victory not only marked Lawrence North’s first win over Center Grove since 2005 but also dealt the Trojans their second consecutive loss, a rare occurrence for a program that hadn’t dropped two straight since 2019.

Center Grove opened the scoring with a 7-yard touchdown by junior running back Nolan Rees after a 36-yard pass from senior quarterback Gabe McWilliams to senior receiver Tristan Baxter moved the Trojans deep into Wildcat territory.

However, Lawrence North’s defense held strong, forcing multiple turnovers and keeping the Trojans from building on their early momentum.

After a fumble on their first possession, Lawrence North regrouped and found their rhythm late in the first quarter. Moore scored his first touchdown of the night on a 21-yard run, tying the game at 7-7. The game’s defining moment came early in the second quarter when Moore took a handoff at his own 1-yard line and exploded down the sideline for a 94-yard touchdown, putting the Wildcats ahead 14-7.

From there, Lawrence North capitalized on Center Grove’s mistakes. Senior kicker Colton Hughes added a 45-yard field goal to make it 17-7, and after a tipped pass was intercepted by senior defensive back Cale Mallory, Hughes hit a 38-yarder just before halftime, extending the Wildcats’ lead to 20-7.

The second half opened with Lawrence North recovering an onside kick and quickly driving downfield. Moore capped off the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, his third of the game, increasing the lead to 27-7. Center Grove struggled to respond, with McWilliams being intercepted twice more in the third quarter.

While Center Grove managed a late push, scoring on a 2-yard run by Drake McClurg and a touchdown pass in the final minutes, Lawrence North’s defense kept them at bay, and Moore’s fourth touchdown of the night—a 57-yard sprint—put the game out of reach.

McWilliams finished the game with 252 passing yards on 25-of-37 attempts but was hampered by three costly interceptions. Center Grove’s offense had some bright spots, including big plays from Baxter and senior running back Austin Hennessy, but turnovers and missed opportunities ultimately led to their downfall.

Lawrence North’s win over Center Grove is the latest in a series of impressive victories. Having already knocked off Ben Davis and Warren Central in recent weeks, the Wildcats are establishing themselves as one of the top teams in Indiana with the postseason on the horizon.

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The Walsh Jesuit Warriors pulled off a 19-14 upset victory over the Archbishop Hoban Knights at Conway Memorial Stadium, ending an 11-game losing streak that stretched back to 2014. Walsh Jesuit used a late-game surge led by quarterback Keller Moten to finally topple their rival and preserve their unbeaten season, advancing to 7-0.

Archbishop Hoban entered the game with a five-game win streak, but the Walsh Jesuit defense made it clear early that this night would be different. After a scoreless first quarter, Moten broke the deadlock in the second quarter by hitting Aiden Henry for a 32-yard touchdown pass with 10:58 left in the half, putting the Warriors up 7-0. Just minutes later, Moten had an electrifying 66-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 13-0.

Hoban struggled to find a rhythm on offense. A critical holding call negated a 62-yard touchdown run by Brayton Feister in the third quarter, and the Knights couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities as the third period ended scoreless.

However, Hoban found new life in the fourth quarter. After a trick play, double pass from Elbert Hill to Callaway Jackson set them up deep in Walsh territory, quarterback Trent Hayden found John Johnson for a 12-yard touchdown, cutting the Warriors’ lead to 13-7 with just under nine minutes left. Momentum seemed to shift in Hoban’s favor when Hayden connected with Feister for a touchdown to give the Knights a 14-13 lead with only 2:30 remaining.

But Walsh Jesuit wouldn’t be denied. Starting on their own 38, Moten engineered a clutch drive, including a couple of key runs to bring the Warriors within striking distance. He finished the drive himself with a 10-yard touchdown run, putting Walsh Jesuit ahead 19-14 with just 39 seconds left.

Despite Hoban’s last-minute heroics, which saw Hayden complete a critical pass to Tylan Boykin to move into Warriors territory, Walsh Jesuit’s defense stood firm. The final pass into the end zone was swatted away, sealing the emotional victory for the Warriors.

For the first time in a decade, the Walsh Jesuit Warriors celebrated a hard-earned win over Archbishop Hoban, a result that may have major implications for both teams as they march towards the playoffs.

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In a back-and-forth Suburban League showdown between undefeated teams, the Wadsworth Grizzlies outlasted the Nordonia Knights in a 37-36 overtime at Art Wright Stadium. Freshman quarterback Brysen Hall found Calix Lemp for a 17-yard touchdown pass in overtime, with Jack Dinwiddie’s extra point sealing the win and keeping Wadsworth (7-0) atop the Suburban League National Conference.

The victory marked Wadsworth’s second consecutive overtime win, following last week's 21-14 win over Hudson. Nordonia looked strong in their first three Suburban League games and looked poised to continue that trend, led by senior quarterback Ben Chesser, who would rush for 142 yards and three touchdowns, while also throwing for 142 yards in the contest.

The first quarter saw both teams feeling each other out, with Wadsworth striking first when Hall connected with Lemp on a 35-yard pass before Zach Wise punched in a 1-yard touchdown run. However, a blocked extra point kept the score at 6-0.

Nordonia quickly responded early in the second quarter, with Chesser breaking free for a 27-yard touchdown run, but Wadsworth blocked the extra point, leaving the score tied at 6-6. The Knights then surprised everyone with a successful onside kick, but Wadsworth's Zach Wise immediately stole the momentum back by forcing a fumble on the very next play, returning it to the Nordonia 2-yard line. Cooper Gray capitalized, scoring on a 2-yard run, but a failed two-point conversion kept the lead at 12-6.

Nordonia bounced back once again when Chesser engineered a creative hook-and-ladder play, setting up his second rushing touchdown to give the Knights a 13-12 lead. The Grizzlies, however, answered quickly with Gray ripping off a 52-yard run, eventually finishing the drive with another touchdown and a successful two-point conversion, giving Wadsworth a 20-13 advantage.

Nordonia managed to trim the lead to 20-16 with a field goal before halftime, and the Knights carried that momentum into the second half. After forcing a turnover, Chesser scored his third rushing touchdown, putting Nordonia ahead 23-20 in the third quarter.

Wadsworth’s Dinwiddie tied the game at 23-23 with a 35-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, but Chesser struck again, hitting a wide-open Danny Ours for a 55-yard touchdown, giving Nordonia a 30-23 lead with just over four minutes remaining.

The Grizzlies refused to quit. Hall’s 30-yard pass to Lemp set up a 27-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Earnest, tying the game at 30-30 with just 1:42 left in regulation.

In overtime, Nordonia struck first as Khylan Osbey scored on an 8-yard run, but a blocked extra point left the door open for Wadsworth. The Grizzlies seized the opportunity, with Hall once again finding Lemp in the end zone for the game-tying touchdown, followed by Dinwiddie’s clutch extra point to secure the 37-36 win.

Hall completed 12 of 22 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns, while Cooper Gray led the ground attack with 148 yards and two TDs on 22 carries. Broden Ballinger chipped in with 44 yards on seven attempts, helping Wadsworth secure their dramatic win and maintain their unbeaten record.

OXFORD, Ohio — Miami University narrowly avoided a Homecoming disaster, edging UMass 23-20 in overtime to secure their first win of the season. The RedHawks, wearing special blue, white, and red jerseys to honor the legacy of the Western College for Women, staved off what would have been a disastrous 0-4 start for the defending MAC champions. Instead, they rallied late to send the Oxford crowd home happy with a dramatic victory.

Keyon Mozee provided a spark for the RedHawks (1-3), rushing for 114 yards and a touchdown on just nine carries, while kicker Dom Dzioban played the hero role, nailing a 47-yard field goal as time expired in regulation to force overtime. Dzioban followed that up with a 43-yard game-winner in the extra period, lifting Miami past UMass (1-4), who will officially rejoin the MAC in 2025.

The game was filled with big plays and tense moments as both teams battled back and forth. Miami struck first after taking over in UMass territory following an exchange of punts. Mozee broke through the Minutemen defense for a 27-yard touchdown, giving the RedHawks a 7-0 lead. UMass quickly responded, with quarterback Taisun Phommachanh connecting with Jakobie Keeney-James on a 64-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 45-yard field goal to make it 10-7.

Dzioban’s 37-yard field goal late in the second quarter tied the game at 10 heading into halftime, but the RedHawks squandered an opportunity to take the lead with an interception by Jalen Harrell near the UMass goal line as the half expired.

The third quarter saw another explosive play from Mozee, who ripped off a 66-yard run that set up Brett Gabbert’s seven-yard touchdown pass to Javon Tracy, putting Miami ahead 17-10. The lead, however, was short-lived. UMass marched down the field early in the fourth quarter, with running back CJ Hester capping a drive with a one-yard touchdown to knot the score at 17.

With just 40 seconds left in regulation, the Minutemen appeared poised to spoil Miami’s Homecoming, taking a 20-17 lead on a 23-yard field goal. But Gabbert quickly led the RedHawks down the field, and Dzioban delivered under pressure, sending a 47-yard kick through the uprights as time expired to force overtime.

UMass had the first possession in the extra period but missed a 44-yard field goal. Miami then turned to Dzioban, who calmly drilled a 43-yard field goal to seal the victory and save the RedHawks from an 0-4 start.

Notable Performances

Mozee’s 114-yard rushing performance was his second career 100-yard game, highlighted by his 66-yard breakaway run. Gabbert added 150 passing yards, while Dzioban’s clutch kicking performance was a standout, going 3-for-3 on field goals and accounting for 11 of Miami’s 23 points.

On the defensive side, Matt Salopek recorded a game-high 10 tackles, moving into ninth place on Miami’s all-time career tackles list with 428, surpassing Terrell Jones.

Up Next

Miami heads into Mid-American Conference play with renewed momentum as they prepare to face Toledo next Saturday, Oct. 5, at 3:30 p.m. in a rematch of the 2023 MAC Championship Game. The RedHawks will look to build on their first win of the season and avoid any more close calls as they defend their conference title. UMass will hit the road to face Northern Illinois.

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The Glenville Tarblooders edged out the St. Edward Eagles 28-27, handing the Eagles their third loss in four games. The Tarblooders, Division IV defending state champions, capitalized on key plays down the stretch to outlast the Division I powerhouse, snapping a nine-game losing streak to St. Edward in the process. The Eagles, who had not faced Glenville since a 41-6 rout in 2017, should have been confident after their preseason scrimmage win over the Tarblooders. However, Glenville had plans for revenge.

Glenville opened the scoring in the first quarter, with CJ Newell plunging into the end zone to give the Tarblooders a 6-0 lead after a missed extra point. But the Eagles responded with a 73-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Thomas Csanyi to wideout Zach Hackleman, giving St. Edward a 7-6 lead late in the first quarter. The back-and-forth affair would only intensify as both defenses made key stands, with Glenville forcing a missed field goal attempt in the second quarter, and a fumble recovery by the Eagles stalling a promising Tarblooders drive.

As the second half began, Glenville's defense came up huge again. After the Eagles drove deep into Tarblooder territory, Jaylen Edwards blocked a field goal attempt, and Jordin Johnson returned it to the St. Edward 23-yard line. Newell capitalized with his second touchdown of the night, running straight up the middle to put Glenville ahead 12-7 after a failed two-point conversion.

The Tarblooders extended their lead to 20-7 in the third quarter when Quincy Rogers' double pass set them up at the Eagles' 5-yard line. Romell Phillips broke a tackle in the backfield and reversed field for a touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point conversion.

St. Edward answered quickly, with Csanyi connecting with Hackleman again for a 47-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 20-14. The Eagles surged ahead early in the fourth quarter, 21-20, when Csanyi found Hackleman once more, capping off a drive that started with a key 4th-and-1 conversion by Bradley Eaton.

However, Glenville would not be denied. The Tarblooders reclaimed the lead with just over four minutes to go as quarterback Lamarques Greenwood powered in a 2-yard touchdown run and then converted the two-point attempt himself, making the score 28-21.

With time running out, St. Edward mounted one final drive. Eaton punched in a late touchdown to bring the Eagles within one point, but Glenville’s defense stood tall, stopping the Eagles' two-point conversion attempt. Glenville recovered the onside kick and seemed poised to close the game, but the Eagles' defense forced a turnover on downs, giving them one last shot.

St. Edward advanced to the Glenville 35-yard line after a trick play, but Csanyi’s final pass was intercepted by Aaron Scales, sealing the win for Glenville.

The victory marks a significant momentum boost for the Tarblooders as they prepare to continue their Senate League dominance. St. Edward, meanwhile, faces a crucial rivalry game against St. Ignatius next week, looking to bounce back and regroup from their recent struggles.

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