by Akron, Ohio – Behind four forced turnovers, the host Akron Buchtel Griffins defeated visiting Benedictine, 24-19, on Saturday afternoon.
Benedictine jumped on top, 6-0, thanks to a one-yard touchdown run from sophomore Chris Maloney. The Bengals took advantage of a short field, thanks to a bad snap on a punt attempt.
Maloney would score once more, this time, from 12 yards out, giving the Bengals a 12-0 lead late in the first quarter. However, the Griffins got on the board moments later, thanks to a Marcel Boyce kickoff return to the end zone. The ensuing PAT was good, and the Griffins trailed 12-7 after one.
The Buchtel defense got going in the second quarter, and the offense followed suit. Sophomore two-way player Zyaire Lewis picked off a pass for the Griffins, and later scored on a 14-yard touchdown toss from Stevie Diamond. This gave the Griffins a 14-12 lead with 3:12 left in the second.
That score was set up thanks to a fumble recovery by Elijah Williams.
The Griffins added to their lead late in the first half thanks to a Demetrion Duvall 38-yard field goal. This upped the score to 17-12 going into the half.
Junior tailback Wiley Chairs scored on a 28-yard touchdown run to pad the Buchtel lead to 24-12 with 2:16 left in the third.
The Griffin defense also added a pair of interceptions in the second half, with one from junior Dame Johnson and the other from senior Marques Turner.
Benedictine sophomore quarterback Lucas Kaltenbach found Chris Maloney for a 14 yard touchdown reception with 1:20 to play to cut the deficit to 24-19.
The Griffins recovered the onside kick attempt and knelt to run out the clock.
Buchtel (1-4) hosts Ellet next Saturday to open up Akron City Series play.
Benedictine (0-5) travels to Boardman next Friday night.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Akron Buchtel defense
The Griffins defense was all over the field Saturday afternoon, with three interceptions and a forced fumble. Key standouts included seniors Davion Greenlee, Tinell Edwards, and Marques Turner.
Extended highlights below:
Love the article and the video. Just one thing Zyaire Lewis is a Jr.