by NORTH ROYALTON, OH – On Friday night, the Holy Name Green Wave hosted the Lutheran West Longhorns in the second round of the OHSAA playoffs. The GreenWave defeated the Copley Indians last week in the first round of the playoffs, with a score of 49-13; while the Longhorns defeated the Toledo Scott Bulldogs, 31-0 to advance to the next round of the playoffs. The game was a thriller and both teams played with grit and heart until the very last snap. The Longhorns and the GreenWave both had very strong defensive performances. Following a slow start, the Holy Name GreenWave dominated the 2nd half. The GreenWave were led by key players senior quarterback Jayvon Williams, senior running back Kriztion Sanchez and senior running back Austin Wondolowski.
Jayvon Williams was an offensive weapon for the GreenWave. His accurate passes and unstoppable speed were crucial in the GreenWave’s great team win tonight. His 29-yard carry and 21-yard carry set his offense up for success. Williams’ leadership contributed to the win as he led his team to a comeback, after being down by 10.
Senior running back Kriztion Sanchez could not be stopped by the Longhorns defense. His 39-yard carry got the momentum going for the GreenWave. His carry put the GreenWave at 1st and goal and set them up to score their first touchdown of the night. His quick feet allowed him to evade the Longhorns defense and make key plays that contributed to the great team win.
Senior running back Austin Wondolowski came in clutch for the GreenWave tonight. He scored two of the GreenWave’s three touchdowns. His ability to get open and evade the Longhorns defense made him an important weapon in the win.
The 1st quarter was a battle of the defenses. Both the GreenWave and Longhorns defenses stopped their opponents from driving the ball downfield. The GreenWave defense shut down the Longhorns offense and forced them to a quick three-and-out on their second drive of the night. After an 8-yard quarterback keeper by senior quarterbackWilliams and a costly 15-yard pass interference penalty on Lutheran West, the GreenWave were able to put themselves into field goal range. Senior kicker Curtis Robinson II came on to attempt a 32-yard field goal for the GreenWave, but the Longhorn defense was able to block the kick, keeping the score at 0-0.
The Longhorns offense was able to get around the GreenWave’s defense on their next drive. Senior quarterback, Clay Noble was able to lead his offense on a lengthy drive that ended in a touchdown. The Longhorns started off the drive with an 11-yard carry by senior wide receiver Lamar Scott for the 1st down. Noble handed the ball off to Scott a couple more times to continue to move the ball downfield. Sophomore running back Ja’Marrion Banks evaded the GreenWave defense and ran the ball 31-yards, putting the Longhorns at 1st and goal on the 7. Junior wide receiver Jayden Theodore rushed the ball into the endzone to put the Longhorns on the scoreboard first. The Longhorns led the GreenWave, 7-0 with 5:12 left in the first half.
The Longhorns offense kept their momentum rolling on their next drive. Theodore started the drive off with a 10-yard reception, giving the Longhorns the 1st down. Noble put his speed on display with a 4-yard quarterback keeper to keep the Longhorns drive alive. Lamar Scott carried the ball 6-yards to secure another 1st down for the Longhorns. The Longhorns threatened to score another touchdown after a costly personal foul penalty on Holy Name, which put the Longhorns at 1st and goal. The GreenWave defense bounced back and held the energetic Longhorn offense.
A crucial block by senior defensive linemen Kriztion Sanchez forced the Longhorns to settle with a 26-yard field goal attempt. A 5-yard false start penalty on the Longhorns made Bryce Groppe’s job a little more challenging. Groppe kicked a perfect kick right through the goalposts for a 31-yard field goal, putting the score at 10-0 with 2 seconds left in the half.
The Holy Name GreenWave came back from halftime with a new energy. They were able to bounce back and put themselves on the scoreboard. Williams started off the drive with a 9-yard completion to senior running back Kesean Gardener. Sanchez was unstoppable after Williams handed off the ball to him. He sped down the field and carried the ball 39-yards to put the GreenWave at 1st and goal. Wondolowski rushed into the endzone for a GreenWave touchdown. Kicker Cutis Robinson II came on and missed the extra point, putting the score at 10-6 with 6:40 left in the 3rd quarter.
The GreenWave had their offense and defense firing on all cylinders in the second half. The GreenWave defense was able to recover a Longhorn fumble to give the ball right back to their offense. The GreenWave capitalized on the fumble after Williams had a 29-yard quarterback keep starting off the drive. The GreenWave found themselves back in red zone, ready to strike again. Kriztion Sanchez carried the ball 8-yards to secure the 1st down. Williams linked up with junior wide receiver Andrew Cole for a 1-yard touchdown completion. Kicker Curtis Robinson II came on and scored the extra point, putting the score at 13-10 GreenWave, with 3:24 left in the 3rd quarter.
The GreenWave offense continued being unstoppable on their next drive. Jayvon Williams speed started the drive off strong for the GreenWave. His 10-yard quarterback keeper secured a 1st down for the GreenWave. A series of costly penalties against the Longhorns moved the ball downfield for the GreenWave. Williams was able to swiftly evade the Longhorns defense again as he ran the ball 21-yards, putting the GreenWave at 1st and goal. Williams handed off the ball to Austin Wondolowski and he rushed into the endzone for another touchdown. Robinson II came on and scored another extra point for the GreenWave, putting the score at 20-10, with 11 minutes left to play in the game.
The player of the game was senior quarterback, Jayvon Williams. Williams was an important part of the GreenWave’s win. His speed and leadership kept the GreenWave in the game and led them to a win.
The Holy Name GreenWave’s season will continue next week as they play the Mansfield Senior Tygers. The location of the game has not been named and will be released on Sunday.
