by Hudson, Ohio – Thanks in part to a strong ground game, the Wadsworth Grizzlies defeated the host Hudson Grizzlies, 35-17, to remain unbeaten overall and in Suburban League play.
The Grizzlies set the pace beginning with their first drive of the game. Utilizing the ground game as well as a no-huddle offense, they would take the lead, 7-0, thanks to a 34 yard touchdown run from senior Cooper Gray. Gray finished with 133 yards on 26 carries Friday evening.
After the two teams exchanged punts, senior tailback Gavin Madigan rushed for a three yard touchdown, increasing the Wadsworth lead to 14-0 with 2:24 left in the first quarter.
Madigan would add his second rushing touchdown of the game, this time from five yards out, increasing the Wadsworth lead to 21-0 with 3:42 left in the second quarter. This came after the Grizzly defense stopped Hudson on fourth-and-two.
The Explorers got on the board with a 31 yard field goal from senior Ian Katz, cutting Wadsworth’s lead to 21-3 at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter, Gavin Madigan found the end zone from four yards out to increase the Explorer lead to 28-3 with 8:29 to play. Hudson responded two plays later when junior quarterback Hayden Lipinski found senior Louie Castellarin for an 80 yard touchdown reception 19 seconds later.
Wadsworth responded with a touchdown on their ensuing drive, as sophomore Brysen Hall found senior Calix Lemp for a three yard touchdown, increasing the Grizzly lead to 35-10 with 4:54 left.
Hayden Lipinski tossed his second touchdown of the game to senior Jayden Carlton with 1:04 left for the final margin. Lipinski finished 16 of 36 passing with 222 yards passing Friday evening.
Wadsworth moves to 7-0 overall and 4-0 in the Suburban League National Division. They travel to Nordonia to continue conference play next Friday, October 10th.
Hudson drops to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the Suburban League National Division. They host Brecksville to continue conference play next Friday, October 10th.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Gavin Madigan (Senior) (Wadsworth)
The senior tailback had 153 yards on 20 carries with three rushing touchdowns.
Check back later for extended video footage from Friday’s game.
