by Twinsburg, Ohio – The Archbishop Hoban Knights topped the Walsh Jesuit Warriors, 21-7, in the Division II, Region 5 final at Twinsburg Tiger Stadium Friday night.
Friday’s game was a rematch of the Week 7 contest between the two schools, in which Walsh Jesuit emerged victorious over Archbishop Hoban, 19-14, for their first win in the rivalry since 2014. Hoban came into the matchup looking for its fifth straight regional title and Walsh Jesuit looking for their first since 1999.
Walsh Jesuit won the toss and elected to receive to kick off the game. Two plays in, the Hoban defense forced a fumble that was recovered by senior Owen Carter. Two plays later, sophomore Brayton Feister punched it in from four yards out to give the Knights an early 7-0 lead.
This lead would hold until halftime, as the rainy conditions made it difficult for both teams. Senior defensive back and Eastern Michigan commit Tylan Boykin had an interception in the second quarter for the Knights on defense.
Hoban embarked on a drive in the third quarter that finished with a four-yard touchdown run from Brayton Feister. This would increase the Knight lead to 14-0.
Walsh Jesuit would get on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter, when senior quarterback Keller Moten rushed for a four yard touchdown to cut the Warrior deficit to 14-7.
The Warriors would come up with another huge play on defense thanks to a blocked punt. On the first play of the ensuing drive, what would have been a 35-yard rushing touchdown by Keller Moten was called back due to a holding penalty. Nonetheless, the Knights were in great field position with first-and-ten from the Hoban 15. However, the Hoban defense came up with a big stop, forcing a turnover on downs.
Hoban got the ball back, looking to melt away the game clock and ice the game. Runs by Brayton Feister and Ethan Roksandich would move the ball down the field, forcing the Warriors to call their two remaining timeouts. Feister would break free for a 68-yard touchdown run to increase the Knight lead to 21-7 with 1:24 to play.
Archbishop Hoban advances to the state semifinals where they will take on Avon. The Eagles defeated Medina Highland, 28-20, in the Division II, Region 6 final.
Walsh Jesuit finishes a remarkable season at 13-1, with three regional final appearances in a span of four seasons.
