by The Bay Rockets came from behind to defeat the Westlake Demons by a final score of 44-28. They were led by their 2-headed monster at running back in Brendan Spellman and Rocco Ereditario. The duo combined for 336 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. Spellman led the way with 19 carries for 203 yards and 3 touchdowns. Ereditario added 3 touchdowns of his own all of which came in the 2nd half.
Westlake had the game under control at the start. On their opening drive, they marched 80 yards down the field in 13 plays to get the scoring started. Matthew Porcelli capped off the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run. After the Demon’s defense forced a 3-and-out, they were in position to go up two scores quickly. They did just that. Porcelli found the endzone for his second score of the opening quarter with just under a minute to go. Porcelli would end the night with 20 carries for 83 yards and 2 touchdowns. With the extra point going through, Westlake held a commanding 14-0 lead after the 1st.
On Bay’s next drive, they needed to find some rhythm in the offense. With the help of some defensive penalties along the way, the Rockets took off a large chunk of clock on a 16-play 80-yard scoring drive. Brendan Spellman got the scoring started for Bay with a 12-yard touchdown run on a 4th down trick play. However, Westlake would come right back and answer. The Demons finished off the half on a 71-yard scoring drive that finished with a 5-yard touchdown run from Cooper Rummel. The Demons were perfect in the first half on offense, putting up 21 points in their three drives. At the half, Westlake led Bay 21-7.
The second half got off to a fast start for the Bay Rockets. They opened the half with a scoring drive that started all the way back at their own 7 yard line. Brendan Spellman punched one in from 8 yards out to give him his second touchdown of the game. On their next drive, the Rockets were threatening to score and take the lead when the Westlake defense forced a fumble. The Demons recovered and took over deep in Bay territory.
After the Bay turnover, their defense began to kick in to gear. They forced Westlake into a quick three-and-out which set up great field position for the offense. Moments later, Rocco Ereditario scored his first touchdown of the game on a 19-yard run. Off a botched snap on the PAT, the Rockets lucked out and converted a 2-point conversion to give them a 22-21 lead after 3 quarters.
On the first play from scrimmage in the 4th quarter, the Bay defense forced a fumble and recovered. Rocco Ereditario would find the endzone for his 2nd touchdown of the half moments later. After the 2-point conversion, Bay looked to be running away with the game and all the momentum. On the ensuing kickoff, Cooper Rummel received the kick at the very edge of the goal line. He went on to take it 100 yards to the house for a touchdown. Cooper’s 2nd touchdown of the contest put the game right back in reach for the Demons.
However, Bay had other ideas. Rocco Ereditario would extend the Rockets’ lead on the next possession with his 3rd touchdown of the half. To put a final exclamation on the game, with just over a minute to play, Brendan Spellman would score his 3rd touchdown of the game. This put the contest completely out of reach. The Rockets completed a comeback victory with a final score of 44-28.
Next week, the Bay Rockets (7-1) will play host to the Rocky River Pirates (7-1) in a battle for the GLC.
Players of the Game
Bay RB Brendan Spellman: 19 carries, 203 yards, and 3 touchdowns
Westlake ATH Cooper Rummel: 5 receptions for 40 yards – 4 carries for 9 yards – 100-yard kickoff return TD
