by Akron, Ohio – The Copley Indians pitched a shutout of the host Akron Garfield Golden Rams, 41-0, at Kenmore Stadium Saturday afternoon.
Copley got the offense going on their first drive, capping things off with a one-yard touchdown run from sophomore quarterback Dane Wininger. The Indians led, 7-0 at the 9:42 mark of the first quarter.
Akron Garfield looked to even things up on their first drive of the game. A pair of flags on the defense set the Golden Rams up at the ten yard line.
However, three consecutive false start penalties pushed them back. As a result, plus a pair of tackles for loss by the Copley defense, the Golden Rams were forced to punt the ball away.
Copley would move the ball down the field on their next possession, capping the drive with a 38 yard scoring connection from Wininger to senior Andrew McKnight.
The Indians’ lead would stand at 14-0, as the defense forced another Akron Garfield punt. Wininger would connect with McKnight once again, this time from ten yards out, to push the lead to 21-0.
Speaking of the defense, on the ensuing kickoff, Jalen Owens forced a fumble. Jacob Kuczkowski would recover the loose ball in the end zone for another Copley score.
The Indians defense would come up with a couple more plays before the end of the half.
First, senior Collin Witherspoon II picked off a pass setting the Indians up in Akron Garfield territory. However, the Indians came up empty handed, turning the ball over on downs. At the end of the first half, Andrew McKnight had an interception.
Copley came up with another stop on defense, helped by a sack from senior two-way lineman Lucas Tielsch. After forcing a punt, Dane Wininger would find the end zone once again. His two-yard score put Copley ahead, 35-0, triggering the running clock in the third quarter.
Dane Wininger connected with Andrew McKnight once again for a 25-yard touchdown score, making the lead 41-0 with 10:07 to play in the fourth quarter.
Akron Garfield looked to put points on the board as Darius Sales found Dominique Douglas for a pair of receptions. The Rams got to the 4 yard line, but the Copley defense came up with a goal-line stand to ice the game.
Copley improves to 2-1 on the season. They will host Tallmadge on Friday, September 12th to open up Suburban League American Division play.
Akron Garfield drops to 1-1 on the season. They will travel to CVCA on Friday September 12th.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Andrew McKnight (Senior) (Copley)
The senior wide receiver caught three touchdown passes (two in the first half) and had an interception on defense to close out the half.
Extended highlights below:
