Bay Rockets Hold Strong Late for 12-6 Victory Against Valley Forge Patriots

Story by Austin Fischer

Homecoming Night for the Valley Forge Patriots, and it is safe to say they felt at home with the old school, smash-mouth football displayed on Friday night. This one started as slow as any, as both teams combined for just three first downs in the opening quarter (one came from a penalty), and ZERO attempted passes. The highlight of the quarter was a forced turnover on downs by Bay Village, but nothing came of it, as the quarter ended 0-0.

The second quarter saw the game take a look at some other offensive options, as Bay took advantage of a 32 yard field following a short punt, and the two-headed monster of number 24 Charlie Rodgers and number 38 Rocco Ereditario combined for all 32 yards, and Ereditario finished the drive with the opening points.

A missed extra point made the game 6-0 midway through the second quarter. Valley Forge would take a long drive down the field to end the half, as number 16 QB Lucas Schillinger found the game’s opening completion with two minutes left to his receiver number 3 Cam Wadsworth. The Patriots would find themselves desperate late in the half, and on fourth down within the final 30 seconds of the half, Charlie Rodgers showed off his defensive prowess with a late half interception to seal a 6-0 Rocket advantage at halftime.

The second half was similarly sluggish with neither team producing any offense on their opening drive. Once again the rushing attack of Bay Village would break through for a 73 yard touchdown drive capped off by a 3 yard walk in TD for Ereditario.
The Rockets were unsuccessful on a two point conversion attempt, and doubled their lead to 12 with 2:09 in the third quarter. The Patriots seemed to have realized the gravity of their situation, as they finally found success following a massive 38 yard pass on fourth down.

Daymon Watts, number 4, would score from 4 yards away, and the Patriots cut the lead in half following a missed extra point of their own 3 minutes into the fourth period. Valley Forge forced a three and out, and were marching down the field seeking a game tying touchdown, but they were shut down on a 4th and 2 with just 2 minutes to go. The defense would do enough to force a punt with 35 seconds left, but a muffed punt sealed the deal in a battle of the trenches.

Bay (4-3) (2-0) takes their 12-6 victory over the Patriots into North Olmsted against a team with a very similar style. As for Valley Forge (2-5) (0-2), they seek a bounce back game at Lakewood next Friday night.

Players of the game:
Bay Rockets: #38 Rocco Ereditario – 18 car 55 rush yds 2 TDs 3.1 ypc
Valley Forge Patriots: #4 Daymon Watts – 8 car 26 rush yds 1 TD 3.3 ypc