by LAKEWOOD, OH – The St. Ed’s Eagles rallied for 3 fourth quarter touchdowns in a thrilling 28-14 victory over Glenville. Avenging last years 28-27 loss to the Tarblooders. The thrilling fourth quarter rally was led by Brandon White who missed this game last year but finished this one with 172 yards on 26 carries with 17 for 112 in the second half alone.
The Eagles defense told the true story of this one, holding the powerful Tarblooder attack to just 7 offensive points on a short field and just 3 of 13 on third downs. Glenville had 203 total yards, but only 52 in the first half with just one first down in that stretch.
The Eagle defense held Tarblooder quarterback Arvil Nelson to 123 yard passing on 14 of 29 passing with a touchdown pass to Joe Saffold.
Glenville started with a short field on their opening drive at the St. Ed’s 30-yard line after forcing an Eagle 3 and out and short punt. The Eagles returned the favor by handing the Tarbooders a four and out in return to get the ball right back. This was all part of a defensive first quarter that saw zero total points.
Still 0-0 early into the second quarter, the Eagles took over near midfield and began to put things together. The score coming on one of the greatest plays you will ever see. A fourth down launch to the endzone appeared to be batted away by Scales of the Tarblooders but crazy enough in deflected into the hands of Hackleman who was tracking the play for a touchdown. You won’t see that ever again! It took 3:50 off the clock for 80 yards in 10 plays, giving them a 7-0 lead with 7:10 left in the half.
Over the Tarblooders first 16 plays, they didn’t move the chains a single time as the Coach Pappas Eagle defense shut them down. The first chain mover for the Tarblooders came with 3:21 left in the first half on a 13 McDougle run. It didn’t lead to points however as Glenville turned it over on downs again. However, it a crazy turn of events, the Tarblooders forced a fumble moments later and returned it 77 yards to get a scoop and score touchdown.
It was picked up by Edwards and taken to the house. They made the two-point conversion next. Thus, despite only getting 1 first down the entire half, Glenville took an 8-7 lead into the break.
The Tarblooders second drive of the third quarter started from the Eagle 48-yard line as they went right to work with back-to-back rushing first downs by McDougle. The Tarblooders wore them down a bit longer until they reached a first and goal from the 9. The former Eagle Joe Saffold made a beautiful catch in the corner of the endzone to extend the Tarblooder lead to 14-7 with 5:08 to go in the third quarter.
The Tarblooders were on the drive again when a Makhi Boone interception placed it back with the Eagles near midfield. Several grinding runs by White combined with an 18 yard passing strike to Jonah Koopman, placing the ball on the Tarblooder 1 yard line on first down for the Eagles. A White one-yard scamper broke the goal line with 11:26 left in the game. The score now tied at 14.
Runs from White of 17 and 39 yards set the Eagles up at the two-yard line of the Tarblooders in back-to-back beautiful runs. The line did a masterful job of blocking and creating the open holes. Moments later, it was White again bouncing in, handing the Eagles their first lead since the second quarter, now up 21-14 with 3:56 to play in the game.
A strip sack of Arvil Nelson handed the ball back to the Eagles moments later, giving them great scoring position. They took advantage as a Brandon White rumble from one yard out, put the game away for good as this increased the Eagle lead to 28-14 1:41 to play.
Players of the game
Glenville DB Jaylen Edwards with a scoop and score, also an interception.
St. Ed’s RB Brandon White with 3 TD’s and 172 yards on 26 carries
