by Cleveland Heights, Ohio – The Chardon Hilltoppers held off the Cleveland Heights Tigers, 26-24, for the first victory of the Brian Landies era.
Chardon got off to an ideal start on defense, making three straight tackles for loss. They would also block a punt, which was recovered by junior Jack Weaver in the end zone. This gave the Toppers an early 6-0 lead three minutes into the game. They would make another big defensive play as Drayton Allgood had an interception.
The Cleveland Heights defense got a stop of their own, forcing Chardon to punt. Junior quarterback LaMarques Greenwood II, making his first start of the season, tossed a nine-yard touchdown toss to Henry Perrymond. The ensuing two-point try was blocked, keeping the score knotted at 6 at the 10:55 mark of the second quarter.
Chardon would retake the lead, 12-6, with a two-yard touchdown run from senior two-way athlete Jayden Buth. It would not take Cleveland Heights long to respond though.
One play later, LaMarques Greenwood II found a wide open Sirr Gibson for a 57-yard touchdown toss to even the score back up at 12. The ensuing two-point try was broken up in the end zone, keeping things tied at the 5:18 mark of the second quarter.
After a Chardon punt, the Tigers drove down the field, looking to take the lead. But the Chardon defense would come up with another turnover. Junior Dylan Conroy picked off a Greenwood II pass, keeping the game tied at 12 going into halftime.
On the ensuing kickoff, Cleveland Heights got a fumble recovery of their own by junior defensive back Sirius Jones. The Tigers set up shop deep in Chardon territory looking to take the lead.
The would do so, as LaMarques Greenwood II found junior wide receiver Jariah Morgan for a 15-yard touchdown. The ensuing two-point conversion attempt was thwarted, but Cleveland Heights took their first lead, 18-12.
Cleveland Heights would come up with another stop to take over. However, they were stopped on fourth and short at their own 30, giving Chardon a short field.
The Hilltoppers would take advantage, as sophomore quarterback Andrew Cole rushed for a 14 yard touchdown. The point after was successful, giving the Toppers a 19-18 lead with 3:14 left in the third quarter.
Chardon made a defensive stop, forcing a Cleveland Heights punt.
The Hilltoppers continued to eat clock with their effective ground game, capping their drive with a one-yard touchdown run from senior Drayton Allgood. The ensuing point after was good, increasing the lead to 26-18 with 5:18 remaining.
LaMarques Greenwood II rushed for a three-yard touchdown on fourth and short to cut the Cleveland Heights deficit to 26-24. The Tigers attempted a game-tying two point conversion, but the Chardon defense made a big stop to preserve their lead with 1:31 remaining. The Hilltoppers would recover the ensuing onside kick and run out the clock to hang on for victory.
Friday night’s victory was the first for head coach Brian Landies, who succeeded longtime head coach Mitch Hewitt following the 2024 season.
Chardon movs to 1-1 and hosts Erie McDowell next Friday, September 5th. Cleveland Heights, now 0-2, travels to Canton McKinley next Saturday night, September 6th.
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
Chardon defense
The Topper defense made three straight tackles for loss to begin the game, blocked a punt, and picked off a pair of passes.
LaMarques Greenwood II (Cleveland Heights)
Making his first start of the year, the junior quarterback accounted for four touchdowns (three through the air and one on the ground).
Extended highlights below:
