by The 6-0 Mentor Cardinals played host to the 5-1 Strongsville Mustangs in a game with huge implications in the Greater Cleveland Conference. It was a back and forth battle early on, but the Cardinals pulled away in the second half for a 55-21 victory.
Kendrick Boddie started the Mustangs off hot when he broke free for a 55-yard score on the games third play. The Cardinals responded a strong drive ending in a touchdown run by Jackson Farley to make it 7-7. Boddie then ripped off another long touchdown run. This time it was a 65-yarder to put the Mustangs back in front.
Mentor quarterback Brogan Jones tied the game up at 14 when he connected with Justen Hodge for a 4-yard score. The Cardinals took their first lead of the night on their next drive on a 37-yard run by Jackson Farley. The lead did not last for too long. Just a few plays later, Strongsville receiver Alex Espay tied the game up at 21 on 38-yard catch and run.
A 36-yard field goal by Jacob Brown put the Cardinals back in front. They were looking to add to their lead when Jones was intercepted by Mustangs linebacker Nathan Rodak. On the ensuing possession, the Mustangs attempted a fake punt and were stopped well short of a first down. That gave the Cardinals the ball with great field position just before halftime. Brown then knocked through his second field goal of the night to make it a 27-21 game.
Jackson Farley continued his strong performance into the 3rd quarter. He got into the end zone once again to put Mentor up 35-21. Farley, a Kent State commit, racked up 155 yards and 3 touchdowns on the night. Strongsville had a great chance to get back into the game after driving into the red zone. However, the Cardinals defense came through with a stop on 4th down.
Cardinals running back Dominic Burns ripped off runs of 30 and 31 yards on his first two touches of the night. That set the Cardinals to extend the lead to 21 on a 1-yard run by Braylon Callahan. Burns got his touchdown on the following drive, making a 49-21 game.
The two teams traded turnovers in the 4th quarter. After Strongsville fumbled the ball away, Brogan Jones was intercepted in the end zone. The Cardinals were able to add another touchdown in the games final minute. It was Callahan again, another 1-yard score for his second of the night.
Mentor Player of the Game:
RB Jackson Farley 22 carries, 155 yards, 3 TDs
Strongsville Player of the Game:
RB Kendrick Boddie 18 carries, 201 yards, 2 TDs
