by Written by Nathan Samuel
Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School opened its home schedule Friday night with a 16-7 victory over the Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Royals in a non-conference matchup. With both teams entering the game ready to compete, the Bees and Royals battled throughout the night in front of an energized crowd. From the opening kickoff, it was clear that both defenses were well prepared.
Brecksville-Broadview Heights head coach Dan Schreiber and Cuyahoga Valley Christian
Academy head coach Nick Cook had their defenses ready to play, as neither team allowed a point during a scoreless first quarter. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy relied heavily on its running game early in the contest.
Junior running back Tommy Kopec, consistently found ways to move the chains and keep the Royals’ offense on the field. Kopec finished the game with 23 carries for 78 yards and scored CVCA’s only touchdown of the night. Brecksville-Broadview Heights also moved the ball effectively, with quarterback Alex Henegar and the Bees finding opportunities through the air. The first quarter ended with both teams still searching for the game’s first points.
The second quarter brought the game’s biggest offensive plays. Brecksville-Broadview Heights quarterback Alex Henegar connected with junior wide receiver Bryndan Williams on a 58-yard touchdown pass, giving the Bees their first score of the night. Peyton Williams then delivered another big play shortly afterward, breaking free for a 61-yardrushing touchdown. His ability to create big plays helped Brecksville-Broadview Heights take control of the game and build a 14-0 lead.
At halftime, Henegar had completed 4 of 8 passes for 80 yards. Peyton Williams had three
receptions for 73 yards, while junior wide receiver Peyton Williams recorded three rushes for 96 yards. On the other side, Kopec had already carried the ball 14 times for 47 yards. The second half became a battle of possession and field position. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy continued to lean on its rushing attack in the third quarter, using Kopec and the rest of its ground game to control the clock. The Royals’ offensive approach limited Brecksville-Broadview Heights’ opportunities while putting pressure on the Bees’ defense.
The Bees, however, continued to hold strong. Their defense prevented Cuyahoga Valley
Christian Academy from building on its momentum, keeping the Royals off the scoreboard throughout the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Royals finally broke through. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy
drove down the field behind its rushing attack, and Kopec finished the drive with a 3-yard
touchdown run.
The score cut the Brecksville-Broadview Heights lead to 14-7 and gave the
Royals an opportunity to make a late comeback. The Bees responded with strong special teams play. A big punt pinned Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy deep inside its own territory with approximately four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Brecksville-Broadview Heights then recorded a safety, extending its lead to 16-7 and effectively putting the game out of reach.
The Bees’ defense finished the night with a strong performance, while their ability to capitalize on explosive offensive plays proved to be the difference.
Brecksville-Broadview Heights Player of the Game: Peyton Williams — 4 carries for 94 yards and a touchdown
Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Player of the Game: Tommy Kopec — 23 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown.
Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School will look to build on its opening-night victory,
while Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy will look to bounce back in its next contest.
