by LAKEWOOD, Ohio — The St. Edward Eagles looked every bit like the No. 2 team in the cleveland.com Top 25 on Friday evening, defeating Football North (Ontario) 42–23 at First Federal Lakewood Stadium behind a balanced offensive attack and a defense that thrived on creating chaos.
The win moves the Eagles to 7–1 on the season — their third straight victory — while Football North falls to 3–4.
Clock Control Sets the Tone
From the opening snap, St. Edward made it clear they wanted to dictate tempo. Their first possession was a masterclass in control: 13 plays, more than seven minutes off the clock, capped by a four-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Jonny Evanchick to junior tight end Joe Moore.
The sustained drive showcased St. Edward’s offensive rhythm and discipline, as senior running back Brandon White churned out steady yardage behind a dominant offensive line. By the time Moore hauled in the touchdown, Football North’s defense had barely touched the sideline.
“That’s who we are,” said head coach Tom Lombardo. “We want to control the game from the first whistle — and that drive set the tone.”
Ball-Hawking Defense Changes the Game
The Eagles’ defense was opportunistic all afternoon, turning Football North’s mistakes into momentum.
After a rare Brandon White fumble gave the Canadian visitors a short field, senior Miami (OH) commit Makhi Boone came up huge — intercepting sophomore quarterback Jacob Muller in the back of the end zone. It was the first of three St. Edward interceptions on the day.
Boone’s pick flipped the field, and the Eagles’ offense capitalized immediately. Evanchick connected with senior Kent State commit Zach Hackleman for a 19-yard touchdown, doubling the lead to 14–0.
“That’s the kind of response we expect,” Lombardo said. “One side picks up the other.”
Lehmer’s Defensive Masterclass
If the first half belonged to the offense, the second was the Landon Lehmer Show. The junior safety was everywhere, making plays in coverage and at the line of scrimmage.
Lehmer intercepted sophomore QB Brandon Bailey twice in the second half — including a highlight-reel 22-yard pick six that extended the lead to 28–0 early in the third quarter.
“I told him it was coming,” Boone said postgame with a grin. “I told Landon his time was coming soon to step into the spotlight — and he did exactly that.”
Lehmer finished the game with two interceptions, a touchdown, and a tackle for loss. This performance earned him Kee-On Player of the Game honors.
Football North Finishes Strong
Despite the deficit, Football North refused to go quietly. Following Lehmer’s pick-six, head coach Jamie Lalonde leaned on junior tailback Josh Martin-Pendley, who delivered in a big way.
Lalonde called Martin-Pendley’s number seven straight times, and the running back broke free for a 45-yard touchdown run to give Football North life.
Evanchick and Hackleman quickly silenced the comeback attempt with another touchdown connection — this time a 25-yard strike for Hackleman’s second score of the day.
Bailey later found freshman Teavaun Palmer for a seven-yard touchdown, while Evanchick and Martin-Pendley exchanged late scores to close the contest.
Martin-Pendley finished with 25 carries for 150 yards and two touchdowns, while receiver Donovan Wade added five catches for 112 yards and a score.
Eyes on Moeller Showdown
With three straight wins under their belt, the Eagles turn their attention to one of the biggest matchups of the Ohio high school football season: a Week 9 home clash with (5–2) Archbishop Moeller, led by reigning Mr. Ohio Football and Mr. Ohio Baseball winner Matt Ponatoski.
“This game next week will give us a big idea of where we are in terms of the big postseason run,” Lombardo told his team postgame.
Cam Boone added, “We’ve had this one circled all season. It’s going to be a battle.”
Kee-On Players of the Game
St. Edward:
QB Jonny Evanchick: 12–13, 155 yards, 3 TDs; 1 rushing TD
RB Brandon White: 22 carries, 126 yards, 1 TD
WR Zach Hackleman: 5 catches, 100 yards, 2 TDs
DB Landon Lehmer: 2 INTs, 1 pick six, 1 TFL
Football North:
RB Josh Martin-Pendley: 25 carries, 150 yards, 2 TDs
WR Donovan Wade: 5 catches, 112 yards, 1 TD
