by In the pregame, North Ridgeville head coach, Bryan Morgan said that the game plan in this game was to “Eliminate the big play and keep the ball out of the hand of Dior Jones, because when he gets the ball in his hands things tend to happen”. While the Rangers did not completely eliminate the big plays and Jones, they still were strong enough on both sides of the ball to get the job done. With great performances out of Junior Zackary Barnhart and Senior Charlie Steinmetz they came away with a 38-20 home victory.
The Rangers deferred the coin toss giving the Middies the ball to start the game. Midview looked to be driving until senior linebacker Carson Madis came up with a huge interception setting the Rangers up at midfield.
The run game was the Rangers’ game plan from the start as they methodically ran the ball down field. They capped an eleven-play drive with a 13 yard touchdown run from senior H back Charlie Steinmetz, making the game 7-0, with 4:20 left in the first quarter.
The Middies, wanting to strike back, made a crucial mistake on the kickoff, fumbling the ball and setting up North Ridgeville in plus territory. They led another run-heavy drive and ended the first quarter with a Zackary Barnhart 1 yard touchdown run, extending their lead 14-0.
Midview looked strong on the ground to start the second quarter. They managed to cross the fifty yard line after a helmet to helmet call, but the Rangers defense held strong. They forced a 50 yard field goal attempt from the Middies and while it had the leg, it missed wide right giving the Rangers the ball back.
The Middies would force a much needed 3 and out to get their offense back on the field. They would go on to slowly but surely move down the field and into Ranger territory. After a penalty they were backed up into a 3rd and 19 where Ranger inside linebacker Nolan Gill came up with a big sack which led to the Rangers getting the ball back with 3 minutes to play in the half.
Midview went on to force another massive 3 and out and brought out the Ridgeville punt team. Fielding the ball at his own 45 yard line Midview receiver Dior Jones put on a show and did exactly what Rangers Coach Bryan Morgan said he was capable of. He weaved in and out of defenders, broke tackles and returned the punt 55 yards for a score making it a 14-7 game with 2 minutes left in the half.
The Rangers didn’t want that to be the way their half ended however, as their passing attack finally came alive. Quarterback Cole Miller and receiver Charlie Steinmetz connected for 44 yards and led the Rangers to a last second 31 yard field goal making the game 17-7 at halftime
Midview’s first drive in the second half once again looked promising as they got to the Ranger 35 yard line. However the ranger defense would hold strong once again intercepting a 4th and long pass giving the Rangers the ball back.
The Rangers would quickly score as running back Zackary Barnhart would bust out a huge 72 yard touchdown run down the sideline making it a 31-7 game and virtually putting it out of reach late in the third quarter.
Midview wasn’t going to go down without a fight however. Their next drive they finally were able to break through the Rangers defense with a 1 yard touchdown run by junior running back Marcus McMahon, making the score 31-14 at the end of the third quarter.
The next drive the Rangers would put the game away driving slowly down the field and ending the drive with another short Barnhart touchdown, making it a 38-14 game. Midview would score another touchdown and the game would end with a final score of 38-20.
The Rangers boost their record to 6-1 and look to continue their success at Berea- Midpark next week, while the Middies move to 4-3 and have a tough one against Avon at home next week.
Players of the Game
North Ridgeville Rangers Running Back Zackary Barnhart – 21 Carries 206 yards and 3 Touchdowns
North Ridgeville Rangers H Back Charlie Steinmetz – 8 Carries 52 yards and a Touchdown, 6 Catches 114 yards and a Touchdown
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