by Wadsworth, OH: The Wadsworth Grizzlies (11-0) got contributions from a variety of players offensively in their 34-6 victory over Toledo St. Francis de Sales (7-5). Quarterback Brysen Hall went 17-24 for 189 yards and two touchdowns, highlighted by a nine-catch, 117-yard performance by Calix Lemp. On the ground, Cooper Gray racked up 114 yards and a score, while Gavin Madigan added 80 yards of his own.
First Half
The Knights received the opening kickoff, but neither offense could find its groove early, resulting in punts by both sides. Wadsworth began their second drive at their own 18-yard line. On the fifth play of the drive, Wadsworth got a huge 21-yard completion from Hall to Kyle Schmeltzer that moved the ball into Knights’ territory. One play later, Madigan took the handoff up the middle for a 47-yard Grizzlies touchdown. The extra point was blocked, giving Wadsworth a 6-0 lead midway through the first.
Early in the second, St. Francis had a drive stall out near midfield when Jaiden Gross tipped a pass and came up with the interception for the Grizzlies. Facing a fourth and four, Hall hooked up with Lemp to pick up the first down. One play later they connected again, this time for a 31-yard touchdown to extend the Wadsworth lead to 13-0.
After forcing a three-and-out on the ensuing drive, the Grizzlies would get the ball back with just under seven minutes remaining in the half. Wadsworth would drive 67 yards in 15 plays, getting on the board thanks to an eight yard run by Cooper Gray. After the extra point sailed through the uprights, the Grizzlies led 20-0, a score that would hold until the half.
Second Half
Coming out of the break, neither offense could get things rolling, resulting in punts on each team’s first two drives. Wadsworth began their third drive near midfield at their own 45. A big completion from Hall to Lemp moved the ball across midfield. Three plays later the two would connect again, this time for a 30-yard touchdown that extended the lead to 27-0.
On their next possession, the Knights would put together their most impressive drive of the game. St. Francis worked the ball all the way to the Wadsworth 25, but an incompletion of fourth down gave it back to the Grizzlies.
Starting on their own 25, Wadsworth picked up two first downs to move the ball into Knights’ territory. Then disaster struck for the Grizzlies. The shotgun snap went wide of Hall and was recovered by Noah Edwards, who rolled 49 yards to draw the Knights closer at 27-6 early in the fourth.
Starting on their own 20 with just over nine minutes remaining, Wadsworth would string together its longest drive of the game. The Grizzlies were able to eat up nearly six minutes of game clock before Jude Haller plowed in from a yard out to extend the lead to 34-6.
St. Francis would get one more possession, but could not make any progress before punting the ball back to Wadsworth. One carry from Gray and a couple of kneel downs from Hall sealed it, giving Wadsworth a 34-6 victory and advancing them to next week’s Regional Semifinal.
Keys to the Game
The Grizzlies are one of the most potent and balanced offenses in the state. The combination of Cooper Gray and Gavin Madigan in the backfield is a nightmare for opposing defenses. If teams load the box to stop them, the QB-WR duo of Brysen Hall and Calix Lemp will exploit it. Wadsworth has yet to face an opponent the quality of Avon, but the offense seems to be in stride at the right time.
Next Week
The Grizzlies advance to next week’s Regional Semifinal where they will host the defending Division II State Champion Avon Eagles (10-1). The Eagles advanced with a 46-13 win over Olmsted Falls. Kick off is scheduled for 7 pm at Art Wright Stadium in Wadsworth.
Top Performers
St. Francis de Sales Knights
Eli Beal: 14 carries 42 yards
Thomas Nowowiejski: 15-28 124 yards INT
Wadsworth Grizzlies
Brysen Hall: 17-24 189 yards 2 TD
Cooper Gray: 30 carries 114 yards TD
Calix Lemp: 9 catches 117 yards 2 TD
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Wadsworth 5:33- Gavin Madigan, 47-yard touchdown (kick blocked)
2nd Quarter
Wadsworth 8:55- Brysen Hall to Calix Lemp, 31 yards (kick good)
Wadsworth 1:30- Cooper Gray, 8-yard run (kick good)
3rd Quarter
Wadsworth 4:43- Brysen Hall to Calix Lemp, 30 yards (kick good)
4th Quarter
St. Francis 9:35: Noah Edwards 49-yard fumble recovery touchdown (kick blocked)
Wadsworth 3:49- Jude Haller, 1-yard run (kick good)
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | FINAL | |
| St. Francis de Sales | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Wadsworth | 6 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 34 |
