by With sunny and clear skies and a chill in the air, it is evident that September is here. Along with the weather, with fall comes football – specifically, the continuation of High School football.
Continuing on their season long jaunt, the Rocky RIver Pirates entertained the undefeated Lakewood Rangers. Coming off of a loss, the Pirates looked to bounce back this week in front of a packed home crowd.
Like most Pirates games this reporter has been to this season, the mix of the Bebie bro’s and Spies got off to their usual, collective, hot start.
After a three and out in their first drive, a short Rangers punt set the Pirates close to the opponent’s side of the field. A quick 13 yard Braedon Spies strike to Mack Massad set up a 15 yard touchdown rush for Tommy Bebie. After the extra point, the Pirates found themselves with a 7-0 lead.
Along with the Lakewood Rangers multiple punts in the first and the second quarter, the Pirates could not take advantage of their multiple opportunities. Whether it was a flag for holding or a sack from too much pressure, the Pirates could not find a way to score either.
Making their way through the fist half, they barely clung to their 7-0 lead like precious treasure. The Rangers drove the field towards the end of the half with plans to plunder, however.
Instead of gold, they took away the Pirates lead. Thanks to a drive lasting almost five minuets and a huge contribution from RB Hakeem Quran on the ground, he also scored a 23 yard TD off a catch from QB Lucas Winters. An extra point gave us another tie game, 7-7.
Despite drama created from a Pirates fumble less than a minute before halftime, the score remained the same going into the locker room.
As if a cannon fired off, the Pirates launched out of halftime beginning with a long 55 yard kick return from Spies. After that and a 16 yard pass, he did it himself yet again – rushing in a four yard touchdown. An extra point made it 14-7 midway through the third quarter.
The home team wasn’t the only ship with ammunition, however. The Lakewood Rangers fired right back on their next drive. Like the majority of their offensive attack, the Rangers handed the ball off to Quran as they drove the length of the field. They ended the drive much like the first half, tying the game up after a six yard Quran touchdown and an extra point – 14-14 at the end of the third quarter.
Much like last game, the Pirates found themselves in a troublesome spot heading into the fourth quarter. On a crucial fourth down play midway through the fourth, the home team found some sea legs – as Spies continued to dominate this game on the ground.
Set up by Spies rushing attack and deep in enemy territory, the Pirates continued to push. Unfortunately, a fumble from Spies left the Rangers with a long return, leaving them in Pirates territory.
Talk about sudden change.
That sudden change set the Rangers up to wear down the Pirates defense even more. Like clockwork, Quran continued to get fed the rock as they drove 40 yards. As the fourth quarter clock ran down to less than three minutes, Quran pounded in a nine yard touchdown run. After the extra point, the Rangers had a 21-14 lead.
Fighting is something the swash-buckling home team is used to. With less than a minute left and down seven, the Pirates found themselves on the Rangers’ 34 yard line. A drop on 3rd and 12 resulted in the home team attempting a last ditch, fourth down heave.
Unfortunately for the second straight week, the Pirates could not capture the last second magic needed to overcome the Rangers. Despite two pretty Spies passes, it was a turnover on downs that ended the comeback attempt.
The Pirates, losing their second straight, fall to 2-2 on the year. The Lakewood Rangers hope to continue their undefeated season next week as they move to 4-0, winning 21-14.
Player of the game: Lakewood Rangers Hakeem Quran – 130 rush yards, 3 TOTDs (23 yard reception TD)
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