by Twinsburg, Ohio – The Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Royals won their first regional championship in school history with a 42-7 victory over the VASJ Vikings Friday evening.
The Royals took the lead, 7-0, thanks to a two-yard touchdown run from senior Wesley Keeler. The CVCA defense came up with a three-and-out, forcing a VASJ punt. Charley Levak scrambled for a big gain, getting inside the Viking ten yard line. He would score from nine yards out, increasing the lead to 14-0 with 2:21 left in the first quarter.
The Vikings looked to cut into their deficit, but turned the ball over on downs. One play later, defensive end Marcel Dickson recovered a fumble, giving VASJ new life. However, like the last drive, the CVCA defense held firm, forcing a turnover on downs.
Charley Levak looked to rush for a 79 yard touchdown run to increase the lead to 21-0. However, the score was nullified due to a holding penalty on the offense. Facing second-and-28, Levak dropped back to throw and found Brayden Harris for a long gain, flipping the field.
Wesley Keeler added a touchdown run to increase the lead to 21-0 midway through the second quarter.
Following a short field due to a kickoff out of bounds, VASJ found the end zone for the first time. Joe Efford found Ardell Chatman for a 53 yard reception to move ball to the Viking five yard line. After a personal foul penalty, Efford found Chatman for a 21 yard touchdown, cutting the Royal lead to 21-7.
On the last drive of the half, Charley Levak dropped back to pass the ball. His pass was deflected into the air and caught by senior Dongino Bickley, who went the rest of the way for the touchdown. The score would provide a lot of momentum for the Royals, who would take a 28-7 lead going into halftime.
The rain, which started as a sprinkle late first half, picked up in intensity in the third quarter. Facing fourth and short, the Vikings decided to go for it. On the snap, the ball came free, and Wesley Keeler picked it up and returned it 18 yards to the house. The Royals’ lead stood at 35-7 midway through the third quarter.
After making another stop, the Royals took over on downs at the VASJ 28. Wesley Keeler would rush for another touchdown from four yards out. Keeler’s third rushing score and fourth on the evening increased the Royal lead to 42-7 and triggered the running clock.
After the game, the CVCA faithful celebrated their first regional championship in program history.
CVCA advances to play Region 10 champion Toledo Central Catholic on Friday, November 28th, at a site to be determined by the OHSAA.
Extended highlights below:
