Kimble's Three-Touchdown Game Leads Lorain to Victory
In the week 5 contest between Lorain and Willoughby South, the latter took an early lead with linebacker Gabe Hanslik capitalizing on a fumble, securing a touchdown and a 7-0 advantage early in the first quarter. However, Lorain's standout player of the night, Ocir Kimble, swiftly responded with a 72-yard touchdown run, leveling the score at 7-7 as the first quarter concluded.
The middle quarters were a defensive struggle between both teams, with neither side conceding any points. But the final quarter saw Lorain surge ahead, with Kimble delivering two more touchdowns, one from 14 yards and another from 2 yards out. Kimble's exceptional performance saw him amass 129 yards from 16 carries, resulting in three touchdowns. Not to be overshadowed, Lorain’s lead running back, John Salaman contributed significantly for the Titans, rushing 138 yards from 24 carries.
This victory propels Lorain's 2023 season record to an impressive 4-1. Looking ahead, Lorain is set to challenge Garfield Heights (3-2) in week 6, while Willoughby South, now at 1-4, braces for a clash against the undefeated Riverside (5-0).
Trinetti and Sears Shine as Lake Catholic Takes Down Kenston
Lake Catholic's football team secured their fourth consecutive victory with a 49-14 win over Kenston. This wasn't just a game; it was a testament to their unwavering teamwork and strategy. Coach Marty Gibbons praised the team's consistent improvement, emphasizing trust and hard work stating "we have just been getting better each week. We are playing a crisper brand of football, because of the work we are putting in and we are developing trust with each other." Junior quarterback Frankie Trinetti was a star, completing 14 of 18 passes, throwing for 302 yards and four touchdowns. DJ Sears, another key player, scored four touchdowns, marking his second consecutive week with such a feat. The defense was equally commendable, halting Kenston's top running back, Sean Patrick. With this win, Lake Catholic prepares to face Canton Central Catholic (3-2) next, while Kenston gears up for Chardon (3-2).
Perry Continues Dominance Over Geneva in High-Stakes Matchup
In a clash of the undefeated titans, Perry and Geneva, both 4-0, faced off in a game that promised fireworks. Geneva, having not defeated Perry since 1948, entered the game with hopes of rewriting history. However, Perry, the reigning #1 in the Ohio Division V AP Poll, had other plans.
Owen McKoon set the tone for Perry with a 7-yard touchdown run. Geneva's Bryce Peet responded with a 2-yard touchdown, but a failed conversion left them trailing 8-6. Perry's Walter Moses then connected with Luke Sivon for two long touchdowns, stretching their lead to 22-6. Brayden Richards' touchdown run further widened the gap to 29-6 by halftime.
Jayden Studio's touchdown in the third quarter made it 35-6 for Perry. Geneva tried to rally with touchdowns from Kenny Young to Diemer and Luke Barbo to Peet, but the deficit was too vast.
Next week, Perry faces Lutheran West (3-2), while Geneva takes on Ashtabula Edgewood (4-1).
Heights' Rise: Silencing Critics in the Greater Cleveland Conference
In the storied rivalry between Mentor and Cleveland Heights, Mentor has traditionally held the upper hand. However, Cleveland Heights, fresh off a narrow triumph over Brunswick (13-10), entered the game with a renewed vigor. Mentor, having just edged out Medina 42-41, was equally determined to assert dominance.
Scotty Fox, Mentor's star quarterback, who boasts 799 passing and 287 rushing yards this season. Did not play in the game. Meanwhile, Heights' Marquise Davis, after a stellar 333-yard, 4-TD game against Hudson, delivered another impressive 122-yard, 2-TD performance against Brunswick. Davis was certainly going to be a factor in the game.
The game's tempo was set early when Tigers' QB Ammaar Lakes dashed 34 yards for the opening touchdown and the only score in regulation. The back and forth struggle between two of the area's top teams culminated in the overtime period. Mentor, without their star QB Fox, relied on senior Ben Pierce. Despite a shaky performance, Pierce connected with Justen Hodge for a crucial overtime lead. However, the game's climax was the audacious lateral from Lakes to E’mere Atkins, who clinched the 14-13 win for the Tigers with a dramatic end-zone leap on a two-point conversion after John Gordon scored from 5 yards out.
Joining the Greater Cleveland Conference this season, Heights continues to silence doubters with a 2-0 conference start. Their next challenge? Strongsville (3-2), whom they bested 55-28 last year. Davis and Lakes, with 111 and 97 yards respectively, remain the ones to watch.
Warrensville Heights Secures First Win in Style
In a matchup between two teams looking for their first win, the Warrensville Heights Tigers and Ellet Orangemen faced off, both entering the game with 0-4 records. Ellet seemed poised for victory, leading 16-14 at halftime. However, the Tigers roared back with a staggering 33 unanswered points in the second half.
Warrensville's RB Ja’Marrion Banks turned in his 3rd 100 yard rushing game of the season, turning in 117 yards and scoring 2 TDs on just 10 carries. Donnell Jones Jr. showcased his versatility with two touchdowns - one on the ground and another through the air, accumulating 100 total yards. QB Jeremiah Graham was on fire, throwing for 193 yards with an impressive 81.8% completion rate and 2 TDs. Not to be outdone, Chris Moore contributed with a pick 6.
The Tigers clinched a well-deserved 47-16 victory over the Orangemen. Up next, they face the Maple Heights Mustangs (1-4), hoping to build on their newfound momentum as they open up conference play.
Revere Dominates Cuyahoga Falls in Suburban League Showdown
Following their respective defeats last week, both Revere and Cuyahoga Falls were eager to make a statement on the field. Revere, having suffered a 49-14 loss to Aurora, and Cuyahoga Falls, coming off a 28-14 setback against Kent Roosevelt, were both hungry for redemption.
The spotlight shone brightly on Revere's senior Zach Olechnowicz, who delivered a standout performance, rushing for a career-high 285 yards and securing four touchdowns on 36 carries. Olechnowicz got off to a fast start in the first quarter where he amassed 115 yards and two touchdowns on just 12 carries.
But Olechnowicz wasn't the only star for Revere. Junior quarterback Luke Farris added to the team's momentum with a spectacular 50-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, finishing the game with 73 yards on four carries.
As both teams look to the future, Cuyahoga Falls prepares for a challenging matchup against Aurora, who boasts a 4-1 record. Meanwhile, Revere is set to face off against Tallmadge, who currently holds a 1-4 record.
Turning the Tables: Canfield Avenges Last Season's Loss
Last season, Chaney handed Canfield a bitter 16-13 defeat, marking their only loss in a championship-winning run. This year, Canfield was determined to rewrite that narrative. The game began with Canfield's Danny Inglis charging through with an 8-yard rushing touchdown, swiftly followed by Scottie Eaton's 6-yard dash to the end zone. Inglis returned to paydirt early in the second quarter with another 1-yard rushing TD, establishing a dominant 21-0 lead by halftime.
Chaney's attempt at a resurgence came in the third quarter when Matt Jones connected a 16-yard pass to Dewayne Thompson for a touchdown. But Canfield's Eaton was quick to respond, adding a 39-yard rushing TD. While Jones managed another score for Chaney in the fourth, Eaton's 15-yard rushing touchdown ensured a Canfield victory at 35-14.
Up next, Chaney (2-2) faces Warren Harding (1-4), and Canfield (2-3) gears up to host Dover (2-3).
Moeller's Defense Steals the Spotlight in Win Over St. Xavier
In the anticipated Greater Catholic League-South opener, many expected a duel between Moeller's dynamic offense and St. Xavier's robust defense. However, Moeller's defense, previously under scrutiny, rose to the occasion, guiding the Crusaders to a 20-10 victory. The game saw Moeller force five turnovers, with Alex French's fumble recovery leading to a 20-yard touchdown. Jordan Marshall further bolstered the lead with a touchdown, ensuring a 14-0 advantage at halftime. Marshall's 136 rushing yards took him over 4,000 career rushing yards and brought him close to a school record, while Devin Orr's 46-yard field goal was a highlight. This win improves Moeller's record to 2-3, signaling a potential turnaround for the season, as St. Xavier moves to 3-2.