by The 3-1 North Ridgeville Rangers went on the road to face the winless Elyria Pioneers in a Southwestern Conference matchup. The Rangers were looking to rebound after their first loss of the season to Avon last week. They did just that, dominating the Pioneers by a score of 35-7.
Rangers coach Bryan Morgan decided to go bold and try an onside kick to start the game off. They were able to recover it, but were unable to turn it in to points on the opening drive. After the Pioneers had two big plays through the air, Brian Strippy intercepted Omari Ford to give the Rangers ball back. Zack Barnhart then got North Ridgeville on the board first with a 5-yard touchdown run.
The Rangers lead grew to 14-0 when Cole Miller connected with Duke Baker for a 30-yard score. Miller capped off the Rangers following drive with an 8-yard touchdown run. The Pioneers defense could not do much to contain Miller’s legs, as he consistently had backbreaking scrambles for big gains.
Duke Baker found the end zone for a second time in the first half to make it a 28-0 game. The Pioneers finally got the big play they needed when Dolan Melendez picked off Miller and returned it into the redzone. However, the Pioneers offense could not capitalize. The Rangers defense came through with a stop at the goal line to keep the score 28-0.
Miller’s success on the ground continued to start the second half. His 27-yard touchdown run put the Rangers up 35-0. The Rangers senior quarterback finished the night with 123 rushing yards, 120 passing yards, and 4 combined touchdowns. In the final minute of the game, the Pioneers finally got into the end zone when Antonio Pride found Jacory Bradley for a 40-yard score.
North Ridgeville Player of the Game:
QB Cole Miller 11/18 passing, 120 yards, 2 TDs; 10 rushes, 123 yards, 2 TDs
Elyria Player of the Game:
WR Jacory Bradley 3 receptions, 50 yards, 1 TD
