by It was a beautiful night for football as The Brecksville Broadview Heights Bees (4-3) traveled to take on the Hudson Explorers (5-2), where the Explorers handled business taking home a 27-0 victory. Defense was the Explorers key to victory in this one as they held the Bees to just 138 yards of offense and just 8 total first downs. It was an all around team game on offense from the Explores, everyone seemed to be clicking with each other. They finished with 144 yards on the ground between 6 different rushers and 143 yards through the air.
The Explorers started with the ball after the Bees deferred the toss. It was clear that they wanted to establish the run early in this game. They were slowly chunking down the field after a big run was called back due to a holding penalty. They found themselves past the 50 yard line with a fourth and inches. Quarterback Hayden Lipinski went under center and took the snap trying to sneak for the first down. The Bees defense held tight and gave him nowhere to go, forcing the turnover on downs.
Looking to take advantage of the stop, the Bees put in in the air. On 3rd and manageable quarterback Nate Henegar looked for his receiver down the seam. The pass went just over his target’s head and into Hudson cornerbacks Kyler Boyle’s hands. After a shifty return he put his squad just outside the redzone.
With the ball in great field position, the Explorers continued to pound the rock. It took them 4 plays to reach pay dirt and put the games first points on the board. Senior running back Brennan Funyak got the score from 7 yards out and put the Explorers up 7-0 with 5:33 left in the opening quarter.
It didn’t take long for the Explorers to get the ball back as their defense forced the Bees off the field in a 3 and out. They got the ball back on their own 22 yard line and marched on an impressive 78 yard, 12 play, 6 plus minute scoring drive. The drive was a great mix of pass and run as they used both very effectively. The drive was highlighted by a clutch 3 down catch by tight end Nathan Judy. He caught it short of the sticks but used his strength to break 3 tackles and get the ball inside the 5 yard line. From there Hayden Lipinski took a QB keeper into the endzone from 3 yards out extending their lead to 14-0 with 9:54 left in the first half.
After a couple good defensive stops from both teams, Brecksville Broadview Heights got the ball with 2:53 left in the half and finally looked to have something going. They mixed the run and pass and moved across midfield for the first time in the game. Shortly after however, they found themselves with a 4th and 7 and they lined up to go for it. Hengar took the snap and rolled out to break a sack. He then tried to pick it up with his legs, but came up just short and gave the ball back to the Explorers. With little time left they chose to run the clock out and take the 14 point lead into the locker room.
The Bees started with the ball in the second half but were forced off the field quickly and after a short punt, the Explorers were set up with very good field position. Once again they leaned on the run. Junior Christopher Horner took a handoff 13 yards for a score and extended the Explorers lead to 21-0 with 9:22 left in the third.
Brecksville’s next drive again looked promising but stalled out again, having to punt it back to Hudson. The Explorers went on another impressive long scoring drive. This time it was a 70 yard, 10 play, near 7 minute drive. The drive looked to be at an end when the 4th quarter started. Hudson was looking at a 3rd and 23 and the only spot they struggled on the night was having to connect on long gains. Lipinski took the snap out of the gun and scanned the field. Instead of looking for the sticks, he wanted it all. He launched it to the front end of the endzone over 2 defenders connecting with his man, Louie Castellarin for a 35 score. After a missed PAT the Explorers lead grew to 27-0.
Brecksville, desperate to get something going, were off to another hot start to a drive. The heat once again sizzled out, this time because of a fumble on 2nd down. Hudson recovered and started their drive around mid field.
This drive was another successful one for Hudson, but for different reasons than the others. They put together an 8 play drive that in all lost them 2 yards, which doesn’t sound so good. However it was because in those 8 plays they managed to burn 6 minutes off the clock and pin the Bees offense at the 1 yard line after the punt.
The special teams stayed hot for Hudson. After a 3 and out from the Bees, Hudson came up with a blocked punt, giving them the ball at the 10 yard line. With backups in the game they came up short and ended up turning it back over on downs to the Bees.
They ran out the clock and the game finished 27-0 with Hudson on top.
Hudson looks to keep on rolling next week as Nordonia comes to their house. On the other end the Bees look to get back on track with a home game against Solon next week.
Player of the game
Hudson Explorers RB Brennan Funyak – 13 carries for 58 yards and a touchdown
