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Eastlake, Ohio – The Willoughby South Rebels overcame the elements and got a late interception to defeat Eastlake North, 21-14, at Carter Stadium Friday night.
With both teams being undefeated going into Friday’s game, there was a lot of excitement on both sides. Willoughby South won the toss and received to begin the game. On the second play from scrimmage, Luke Jensen found Ethan Christopher for a 71 yard touchdown reception. However, the play was nullified due to a holding penalty. The Rebels would have to punt the ball away. North drove down to South territory, but had to settle for a punt of their own.
Willoughby South would move the ball down the field on their next drive. Luke Jensen found Josh Jensen for a pair of huge catches to advance the ball downfield, and Moogy Fullerton had a pair of key runs. The Rebels found their way onto the scoreboard first when Anthony Mock scored on a wide receiver reverse from 16 yards out. The point after was good, giving Willoughby South a 7-0 lead with 9:53 left in the second quarter.
Eastlake North would respond. Taking advantage of a short field, they went to the ground, capping things off with a 31 yard touchdown run by junior Joshua Fenick. The point after clanged off the crossbar, but cleared, tying things up at 7 with 6:24 left in the second quarter.
Willoughby South took the lead on their next drive. Despite the windy conditions, the Rebels were not afraid to air it out. Luke Jensen completed a pair of passes, and Moogy Fullerton had a first down gain to move into Eastlake North territory.
On the next play, it appeared that the Rangers would recover a fumble as Brand Bambrick stripped the ball and recovered it. But the turnover was nullified due to a roughing the passer penalty. Three plays later, Luke Jensen connected with his brother for a ten-yard touchdown toss. The Rebels led 14-7 with 4:26 left in the half.
They would force an Eastlake North punt and go into the halftime break leading 14-7.
After forcing a punt, Eastlake North looked to even things up. They got down to the Willoughby South 25, but were turned away thanks to a fourth-down stop by senior Scotty Balash.
The Rebels padded their lead with a huge touchdown drive, capped off by a 17 yard touchdown run by junior Moogy Fullerton. Heading into the fourth quarter, Willoughby South led 21-7.
Eastlake North needed a response and got one. Junior Javion Whaley took a handoff and went 31 yards to pay dirt cutting the Ranger deficit to 21-14 with 8:24 left.
The Rangers forced a punt on the next drive and took over, looking to even things up. But Willoughby South came up with another stop on defense, as Anthony Mock had a tackle for loss on fourth down.
Eastlake North forced a punt and got the ball back with 2:51 left. Facing third and long, they passed the ball for the first time Friday evening. Josh Fenick connected with Brand Bambrick for a big gain, putting the Rangers in South territory.
Two plays later, the Rangers aired it out once again. This time, Willoughby South junior Harlen Boyd came down with the ball in the end zone. Two kneel downs later, and the Rebels celebrated remaining among the unbeaten.
Eastlake North, now 8-1 overall and 5-1 in the CVC Lake Division, travels to Hawken to conclude the regular season next Friday October 23rd.
Willoughby South, now 9-0 overall and 5-0 in the CVC Lake Division, hosts Lutheran West to conclude the regular season next Friday October 23rd.
Players of the Game:
Luke Jensen (Willoughby South)
The senior signal caller went 14 for 20 passing for 122 yards and a touchdown. Despite the windy and rainy conditions, Jensen was able to connect with six receivers, including junior brother Luke, who had six catches for 51 yards and the lone score.
Javion Whaley (Eastlake North)
The junior tailback had the bulk of the carries for the Rangers Friday night, rushing the ball 19 times for 86 yards and a touchdown.
Extended highlights below:
