by The Strongsville Mustangs went on the road looking for a bounce back win against the Lorain Titans. Behind an incredible performance from WR Alex Espay, the Mustangs cruised to a 43-14 victory. Espay exploded for 11 catches, 182 yards, and 3 total touchdowns on the night.
The game couldn’t have gotten off to a better start for the Mustangs. Espay took the opening kickoff all the way to the end zone for a 91-yard touchdown. Jonathan Ware then blocked the Titans opening drive punt for a safety to make it a quick 9-0 lead.
The special teams struggles continued for the Titans, as their next punt traveled only 15 yards. That set the Mustangs up in the red zone. The lead grew to 16-0 when quarterback Jack Kasner connected with freshman Brayden Alfred for a 9-yard score. On the Mustangs next drive, they had a 40-yard field goal try blocked by Jaylen Moore of the Titans.
In the 2nd quarter, Lorain got on the board when David Whitaker found Brandon Serrano for a 12-yard touchdown. The Titans had prime chance to score again on the following possession. However, the Strongsville defense stepped up to force a turnover on downs.
Alex Espay took over the game in the final minutes of the 2nd quarter. He first hauled in a 78-yard touchdown from Nick Carrossellia. Then, with 6 seconds to go until halftime it was Kasner connecting with him on a 46-yard pass to put the Mustangs up 29-6. The Mustangs rotated Kasner and Carrossellia at quarterback throughout the game.
Austin Tatulinski added two long rushing touchdowns in the second half for Strongsville. He was their leading rusher for the game with 87 yards on just 5 carries. Lorain was able to find the end zone late in the 4th quarter on a 24-yard run by Whitaker to make it a 43-14 game.
Strongsville Player of the Game:
WR Alex Espay 11 catches, 182 yards, 2 TD, 1 Kick Return TD
Lorain Player Player of the Game:
WR Brandon Serrano 5 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD
