by Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio – The host CVCA Royals defeated the visiting Akron East Dragons, 30-0, in the Division III, Region 9 regional semifinal at Royals Stadium Friday night.
CVCA won the opening toss and elected to receive the ball to open the game. The Royals would march down the field, capping their drive with a ten yard touchdown run from senior Joey Kopec to go ahead, 7-0, in the first quarter.
The Royals looked to add to their lead on their next possession, but Akron East forced a punt. Brayden Harris would down the ball at the East one-yard line, forcing the Dragons to start their possession in the shadow of their own end zone. Reed Jones came up with a tackle for loss in the end zone, giving CVCA a safety and a 9-0 lead late in the first quarter.
The Royals would move to the Akron East 26, but turned the ball over on downs. It didn’t take long for the Royals to regain possession, as junior Zac Anderson recovered a fumble, giving CVCA amazing field position. One play later, senior Wesley Keeler rushed for a 21 yard touchdown, and converted the ensuing two-point try, increasing the Royal lead to 17-0.
Akron East moved down the field and into the red zone, thanks to a Marlin Ingram to Emmanuel Jefferson connection. However, the CVCA defense stood its ground and held the Dragons off the scoreboard.
After forcing another CVCA punt, Akron East had another big play as Ingram connected with Emmanuel Jefferson for a long gain to the CVCA 21. Two plays later, Lawrence Cherry Jr. caught a pass from Ingram, absorbed contact, and went down at the Royal four-yard line, setting up first and goal.
The CVCA defense stepped up once again, keeping Akron East out of the end zone and taking over on downs. It didn’t take long for the Royals to find the scoreboard, as Wesley Keeler rushed for a first down, dragging several defenders with him. After Charley Levak scrambled to the two-yard line, he would find junior Carter Walkley for a two-yard touchdown toss with 53 seconds left in the first half.
CVCA led 24-0 at the end of the first half.
The Royals would score the only points of the second half, thanks again to Charley Levak. Levak scrambled and found Zac Anderson for a long reception to the Akron East one yard line. One play later, he rushed for a one-yard touchdown, increasing the lead to 30-0. The fourth quarter was played with a running clock due to the 30 point margin.
With Friday’s victory, CVCA advanced to their first regional championship in program history. They will take on VASJ, who defeated top-seeded Canfield, 32-0, in the other Division III, Region 9 semifinal.
Extended highlights below:
