by STRONGSVILLE, OH – The Strongsville Mustangs hosted the Solon Comets at Serpentini Field at Pat Catan Stadium. Both the Mustangs and the Comets came into the game looking to keep their momentum rolling after both coming off wins last week. After a defensive duel on both sides, the Solon Comets shut out the Strongsville Mustangs 10-0. The Comets were led to a win by senior quarterback Charlie Bubonics, junior wide receiver Brian McQuaide and senior running back Brock Bowling.
Charlie Bubonics’ veteran presence was a large part of the Comets hard-fought win tonight. His quick decision making and football IQ was the key that helped the Comets extend their drives. He kept a drive alive for the Comets with a 7-yard run for the first down. Bubonics’ passes were accurate and he had no problems targeting his wide receivers tonight. His 12-yard completion to Brian McQuaide scored the Comets first touchdown of the night.
Brian McQuaide made his presence known on the field tonight. His athleticism was on display as he constantly evaded the Mustangs defense and made critical receptions for the Comets. He had a 9-yard reception from Bubonics and as mentioned previously, he scored the first and only touchdown on the night.
Brock Bowling’s speed helped get the job done for the Comets. His quick feet allowed him to make key rushing plays that helped contribute to the Comets win. On the Comets only touchdown scoring drive of the night, Bowling rushed for 19 yards and put the Comets in the red zone.
While the Mustangs offense was very quiet tonight, the Mustangs defense kept them in the game. The Mustangs stellar defensive performance was led by senior linebacker Michael Novak, senior defensive lineman Dalton Bickhart and senior Brody Kraus.
Novak had a key tackle that kept the Comets from extending their lead. Novak had seven tackles and two assisted tackles. Brody Krause led the Mustangs defense with eight tackles and two assisted tackles. Dalton Bickhart forced the Comets to a quick three and out with a sack. He had six tackles, 4 assisted tackles and 1 sack in tonight’s game.
It was a relatively quiet half for both the Mustangs and the Comets. The Comets struck first on their first drive of the night. The Mustangs were unable to stop the speed of senior running back EJ Taylor.
The Mustangs forced the Comets to a field goal after a series of spectacular defensive plays by Novak. The Comets got their first points of the night from a 34-yard field goal by senior kicker, Evan Funderburg with only 7:33 left in the 1st quarter.
The defense for both sides contributed to a quiet offensive first half for both teams. Junior defensive back Max Thompson from the Comets picked off Mustangs sophomore quarterback Nolan Beard. The Mustangs defense answered back with an interception of their own, courtesy of Devin Boyle.
In the 2nd quarter, the Comets struck again after a lengthy drive. Quarterback Charlie Bubonics’ leadership was on display as he helped his offense recover from an early penalty that could have been costly for the Comets. Senior running back Brock Bowling and junior wide receiver Brian McQuaide both played pivotal parts in the Comet’s scoring drive. McQuaide opened the drive with a 6-yard completion. Bubonics linked up with McQuaide to secure the first down for the Comets.
Brock Bowling ran the Comets into the red zone and quickly got the Comets into 1st and goal after a 10-yard carry. After being forced back by a penalty, Bubonics was able to remain calm and lead his offense to a touchdown on a a 12-yard completion to McQuaide. Evan Funderburg came on and got the extra point for the Comets to put them up 10-0 with 5:51 left in the first half.
The Comets threatened late in the 3rd quarter. Max Thompson picked off Nolan Beard for the second time tonight, putting the Comets at first and goal. Senior linebacker Michael Novak was the hero for the Mustangs. He stopped the lighting fast Brock Bowling and kept the Comets from scoring on that drive.
The last half of the game was a defensive slugfest on both sides. Both teams were forced to quick three and outs nearly all half.
I feel that the player of the game was Charlie Bubonics. His leadership of the offensive led to a great team win by the Comets. He was able to throw a 12-yard completion to Brian McQuaide to score the only touchdown of the night for both sides. His quick thinking helped the Comets offense capitalize on the few defensive mistakes that the Mustangs made to put the Comets on top.
Next week the Strongsville Mustangs look to bounce back as they travel to Medina to take on the Medina Battling Bees on Friday, September 16. The Solon Comets look to keep their winning streak going when they travel to Erie, Pennsylvania to take on the Cathedral Prep Ramblers on Friday September 16.
