by Berea, OH – On a rainy Friday night, the Berea-Midpark Titans hosted the Elyria Pioneers at George Finnie Stadium. The Titans came into the game looking to keep their momentum rolling following a 35-21 win over the Olmsted Falls Bulldogs. The Elyria Pioneers came into the game looking to bounce back after suffering a 35-28 loss against the Midview Middies. The Titans came out on fire and did not look back, winning the game by a score of 28-3.
The Titans, backed by junior quarterback Daniel Bowser III came out strong. After recovering the ball in the Pioneers territory, Bowser III started off the drive with a rush for a 4-yard gain. Bowser found a wide-open Austin Clay for a 22-yard completion, putting the Titans into the RedZone. Bowser handed the ball off to Noah Silva, who rushed into the endzone for a 4-yard rushing touchdown. Maddox Swisher threw a completion to Devyn Zahursky who was wide open in the endzone to secure the 2-point conversion putting the score at 8-0 with 8:23 left in the 1st quarter.
The Titans were able to capitalize on a fumbled punt by the Pioneers. The Titans took the field in the RedZone with great field position. Bowser threw a 13-yard touchdown to junior running back Adriel Mendez. Junior kicker Jalen Ball came on and scored the extra point, making the score 15-0 with 7:20 left in the 1st quarter.
Despite the Titans quick start, the Pioneers did not let that stop them. Junior quarterback Justin Godbolt handed the ball off to Steven Gilbert who ran for 11 yards. A 5-yard offsides penalty on the Titans moved the Pioneers downfield and secured the 1st down for the Pioneers. Godbolt threw a 32-yard completion to senior wide receiver Xavier Church to give the Pioneers another 1st down and put them into the RedZone. The Titans defense was able to hold the Pioneers to a field goal attempt. Senior kicker Tim Rader came on and scored the 22-yard field goal, putting the score at 15-3 with 4:21 left in the 1st quarter.
The Titans were able to answer back on a long drive. Bowser threw an 11-yard completion to senior wide receiver Brayden Cupach to secure the 1st down. A 5-yard illegal procedure penalty on the Titans moved them further from the endzone, but the Titans did not let that affect them. Bowser threw another 11-yard completion to Cupach to move the Titans towards the endzone. Bowser threw a 10-yard completion to Devyn Zahursky to secure another 1st down for the Titans. Bowser handed the ball off to Mendez who weaved through the Pioneers defense for a 15-yard carry, putting the Titans at 1st and goal. Bowser handed the ball off to Mendez who rushed into the endzone for a 6-yard touchdown. Ball came on and missed the extra point, putting the score at 21-3 with 8:44 left in the half.
The Titans weren’t done yet for the half. A 25-yard punt return by Austin Clay put the Titans at Elyria’s 12-yard line. Bowser handed the ball off to Silva who darted into the endzone for a 10-yard rushing touchdown. Jalen Ball came on and scored the extra point, making the score 28-3 with 2:33 left in the half.
This week’s player of the game was senior running back Noah Silva. He boasted a stat line of 16 carries for 101 yards. He also scored two touchdowns for the Titans.
Next week, the Berea-Midpark Titans host in their first playoff game with their opponent to-be-determined. The Elyria Pioneers end their season with a record of 1-9.
