by Hudson Explorers vs Archbishop Hoban Knights
OHSAA Division II Playoff Region 5 Finals
1st quarter
Hudson started the game with the ball on their own 25 yard line, but went 3 and out on their initial drive and punted the ball to Archbishop Hoban.
The Knights went 3 and out also before punting the ball to the Explorers from their own end zone. With great field position, Hudson was able drive 49 yards and score on a 8 yard pass from quarterback Jacob Paltani to Alden Lal for the games first touchdown. Hudson 7 Hoban 0.
Hoban started their drive at their 15 yard line and used a combination of inside runs and quick passes, along with a Hudson personal foul, to score their first touchdown on a 6 yard quarterback keeper by Shane Hamm. Hudson 7 Hoban 7.
Looking to regain the lead with 1:31 left in the 1st quarter, the Explorers went to the equal parts of runs and passes to maximize on a drive that used up the remaining time in the 1st quarter. End of quarter Hudson 7 Hoban 7.
2nd quarter
Hudson started the 2nd quarter with a continuation of their drive and used the arm of quarterback Paltani to reach the 2 yard line of the Knights, scoring another touchdown on a run by Alden Lal. Hudson 14 Hoban 7.
After both teams traded possessions, the Knights found themselves with the ball on their own 38 yard line and 5 minutes left in the half. Using the team of running back Lamar Sperling and running back Victor Dawson to run the ball up the field, Hoban was able to tie the game up on a cut back run of 18 yards by Sperling. Hudson 14 Hoban 14.
The Explorers trying to keep in control of the game at the 3:21 mark, connected on a 41 yard pass from Paltani to reach the Knights 7 yard line. After a couple run plays to get the ball down to the 1 yard line, Hudson was stuffed by the Hoban defense on a 4th and 1 and ended the half without adding to their score. End of Half Hudson 14 Hoban 14.
3rd quarter
After capturing the game’s momentum by stopping Hudson from scoring from the 1 yard, Hoban used this new found energy to take their first lead of the game by relying on the running tandem of Sperling and Dawson to drive 77 yards before scoring on a 3 point field goal. Hoban 17 Hudson 14.
On their next possession, Hudson’s quarterback Paltani threw an interception at his own 28 yard line giving the Knights a great opportunity to take command of the game. Using impressive footwork and accurate passing by quarterback Shane Hamm, The Knights were able to extend their lead on a 10 yard touchdown run by running back Sperling. Hoban 24 Hudson 14.
The Explorers needing something to happen for them if they were to have any chance of getting back into the game, where able to move the ball down the field on good runs by Paltani and running back Drew Lightner that ended the quarter. Hoban 24 Hudson 14.
4th quarter
The Explorers started the quarter, still on their drive, trying to get into the end zone from the Knights 28 yard line but was stopped 1 yard short on a 4th and 5 play and turned the ball over on downs.
The Knights with control of the game, went to a straight ahead charge mode behind their running backs and with 8:01 left in the game put this one away on another 10 yard touchdown run by Lamar Sperling. Hoban 31 Hudson 14.
Hudson not looking to quit, went to the air on a couple of nice long passes but they were not able to capitalize on them and ended up turning the ball over on downs which basically ended the game for them with 2:38 left to go.
Players of the Game:
Hudson Explorers: Alden Lal- Junior running back (2 touchdowns)
Archbishop Hoban Knights: Lamar Sperling- Sophmore running back (2 touchdowns)
