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The Pirates looked to continue their winning ways as they went up against Elyria Catholic. The Pirates were in control early scoring 14 points in the first half. Not to be outdone Elyria Catholic fought their way down the field for 20 unanswered points.
Rocky River scored on a huge over the shoulder catch by Mack Massad for 78 yards and the TD to take the Pirates up by 1. In the end the Pirates could not hold the Panthers, as they marched down the field in the waning minutes of the 4th quarter. Elyria Catholic kicked a field goal to put the Panthers on top for a final of 23-21.
The first quarter was all Rocky River. Right out of the gate with a steady diet of runs to Johnny Bebie and Mack Massad. Massad ran for a big 30 yard gain on the first drive, taking the Pirates down to the 13. Bebie finished off the drive with a rush up the middle for 4 yards and the TD. Rocky River up 6-0 after missing the PAT.
The first drive for Elyria Catholic looked good, with a steady stream of direct snaps and Levi Ellis runs. Elyria Catholic pushed down the field after a big 47 yard catch by Tony Grasso. Things took a turn for the Panthers as they were down at the Rocky River 2 yard line on 4th and 2, Johnny Bebie made a TD saving tackle at the 1 yard line to deny the Panthers the score. Rocky River ended the quarter with a Johnny Bebie run and several incomplete passes which forced Rocky River to punt the ball as the 2nds quarter began.
The Panthers second drive did not go much better than the first. In the first Ellis was stopped at the 1 yard line and Rocky River’s Josh Mommers intercepted Brady Cook’s pass. The Pirates capitalized on the Mommers pick, using Johnny Bebie to push the ball down the field.
Rocky River has had some good ball control and clock management as the quarter was winding down. A pass to Nick DiSalvo and Aiden Konet set up a Julian Patti keeper from the 1 yard line for the score.
A successful 2 point conversion on a pass to Mack Massad 14-0 Pirates. A quick 4 play drive, Levi Ellis pushed the ball in for Elyria Catholic. Taking us into the half 14-7.
There was no lack of action in the 3rd quarter from Elyria Catholic. The Panthers started their first possession with a 3 and out , but on Rocky River’s first play of the half Bebie fumbled the ball and the ball was picked up by Panther Senior Thomas Niederst and taken to the house. Bringing the game within 1 point and a successful PAT has us all tied up at 14. R
The Panthers used a combo of direct snaps and hand offs to Levi Ellis who took it with an 11 yard touchdown run. Panthers up 20-14.
The Pirates and Panthers were back and forth in the fourth quarter with neither team making any real gains till we hit 4 minutes to go. Mack Massad of the Panthers would do just that, catching a beautiful pass over the middle and over his shoulder for a 78 yard TD score.
The PAT made it 21-20 Rocky River. With time counting down and starting on their own 35 yard line after Massad’s kickoff went out of bounds. The Panthers set up the game winning field goal after a 22 yard pitch and run from Tavion Thomas. With 55 seconds left and the Panthers on the 7 yard line, on 4th and 3, the Panthers kicked a field goal putting them up for good 23-21.
Rocky River is at home next week against Bay, while Elyria Catholic will host Fairview.
Player of the game
Elyria Catholic Levi Ellis
19 carries 94 yards 4.94 yards per carry 2 TD
