In a week 7 conference showdown, the Lutheran West Longhorns (4-3) edged out the Hawken Hawks (4-3) 41-30. The Longhorns' Daquarius Bradley was a nightmare for the Hawks, rushing for 141 yards with four touchdowns, including the game's opening 8-yard TD. Kendrick Boddie complemented Bradley's efforts with 86 yards and two touchdowns.
However, the Hawks showcased their aerial assault as sophomore QB Donovan Moorhead threw for 281 yards and four TDs. Freshman WR Charlie Mallet was Moorhead's favorite target, catching three of those touchdowns. The teams were neck-and-neck, tied at 21-21 at halftime.
Hawken briefly took the lead in the third quarter with a 21-yard field goal by Julian Javoris. But Bradley's relentless rushing and Boddie's 11-yard run in the fourth quarter sealed the deal for the Longhorns. Moorhead's last-ditch effort, a 9-yard TD pass to Mallet, concluded the game at 41-30 in favor of Lutheran West.
Stow Ends Losing Streak Against North Royalton
Stow-Munroe Falls ended their 16-game losing streak by defeating North Royalton Bears during their homecoming week. The game began with North Royalton taking an early lead, but Stow-Munroe Falls made a remarkable comeback in the second half. Led by their quarterback Jake Harrington, the Bulldogs showcased a strong defense and offense, turning the game in their favor.
Despite North Royalton's initial momentum, Stow's defense, featuring players like Walter Kirtland and Desmond Boyd Jr., remained solid, preventing any scores for the last 24 minutes. The game's turning point was a 4th down pass from Harrington, leading to a touchdown by Paul Biltz, securing a 21-17 victory for Stow.
Fox's 6 TD passes end Shaker Heights' 6-game winning streak
Heading into the game with a 6-0 record, Shaker Heights looked to continue to prove the doubters wrong and take down GCC Powerhouse, the Mentor Cardinals. But Cardinals Junior QB quarterback Scotty Fox had other plans. He threw for 252 yards, completing 14 of his 21 passes. Most notably, Fox's six touchdowns in this single game surpassed his total TD's from all previous games combined this season. Leading his team to a 44-29 victory, Fox proved that he is one of the top QB's in the area. Evan Calderwood and Justen Hodge both hauled in 2 TD’s from Fox in the game.
Chaney Cowboys Secure 28-12 Win Over Cardinals
On October 1, 2023, the Chaney Cowboys, looking to bounce back from two consecutive losses, faced off against the in-form Cardinal Mooney Cardinals. The Cardinals, boasting a three-game winning streak and an impressive scoring average, were formidable opponents. Memories of the Cowboys' narrow win from the previous season added to the game's intensity.
Chaney's head coach, Seth Antram, emphasized the team's focus on effort, energy, and staying positive. This determination was evident, even after a fumble on the game's first play. The Cowboys quickly recovered, with Drew Gault connecting with Darius Stonework for the first touchdown. The game's standout, Matt Jones, showcased his versatility by scoring from both quarterback (80 yard run, 6 yard run) and tailback positions (80 yard run), contributing significantly to the Cowboys' lead.
Defensively, the Cowboys were dominant, with players like Elijah Carter and Javeon Young pressuring Cardinal's quarterback, Ashton O'Brien, throughout the match. The game concluded with a 28-12 victory for the Cowboys.
Reflecting on the win, Coach Antram said, "After the two straight losses, we've really been concentrating on effort and energy. We've been focusing on staying positive in any situation and being focused on the next play." The victory marked the Cowboys' fourth consecutive win over the Cardinals, positioning them just outside the playoff spots.
Poland bounced back from their first season loss with a decisive 28-14 triumph over Niles. Cole Fulton was the star for Poland, racking up 211 yards and three touchdowns, including a game-changing 68-yard sprint following a kickoff. Niles showed grit, with Antuan Gardner amassing 187 rushing yards and catching a 27-yard touchdown pass. However, Poland's consistent offensive drives, highlighted by Dom Pagano's two-yard touchdown and Fulton's 52-yard run, kept them ahead. Despite a brief resurgence from Niles, marked by Anthony Budak's 1-yard TD, Poland maintained their momentum. With this victory in the bag, Poland now sets their sights on Girard, while Niles prepares to host South Range.