by University Heights, Ohio – The Benedictine Bengals defeated visiting Strongsville, 21-17, at Don Shula Stadium on the campus of John Carroll University.
Benedictine won the opening coin toss and elected to receive. Senior kicker Bryce Meitin booted a 31-yard field goal to cap the Bengals’ opening drive and put Benedictine ahead, 3-0.
It didn’t take long for Strongsville to answer the bell though. Sophomore Nathan Rodak had a long kickoff return into Benedictine territory to put the Mustangs in great field position. They would cap their drive with a two-yard touchdown run from junior Storm Miller. The ensuing PAT was successful, and Strongsville took the lead, 7-3.
This lead stood at the end of the first quarter, and the Mustangs expanded upon it in quarter #2.
Senior quarterback Nolan Beard found junior wide receiver Alex Espay for a 20-yard touchdown run in the right corner of the end zone to increase the Mustang lead to 14-3 with 2:55 left in the second quarter.
The Bengals looked to respond with a score of the own as the half drew to a close.
Jamere Church had a big first down run on third-and-long to keep the Benedictine drive alive. Matthew Furst then found Jonathan Spikes for a first-down reception on a ball that was nearly picked off. Furst also connected with Jayce Baldwin, who made a sensational one-handed snag worthy of nomination for a SportsCenter Top 10 play.
Strongsville made a goal line stand to keep the Bengals out of the end zone, and partially blocked a 24-yard field goal attempt late in the first half to keep the score at 14-3.
Benedictine would cut into their deficit in the third quarter when Matthew Furst found Joey Pomnean for a 14-yard touchdown reception with 5:52 left in the third quarter. The PAT was no good, and Strongsville’s lead stood at 14-9, where it remained at the end of three.
After another Benedictine stop, the Bengals took over on offense, looking to take the lead. They would succeed, as Matthew Furst executed a QB sneak into the end zone on fourth-and-goal. The ensuing two-point try was no good, and Benedictine led 15-14 with 8:18 to play.
On the ensuing Strongsville possession, the Mustangs moved down the field, getting a pair of first downs thanks to a pass interference penalty and a first-down run from Sam Dimacchia.
The Mustangs had to settle for a field goal, which sophomore kicker Vincent Roncone made from 37 yards out. This put Strongsville ahead, 17-15, with 5:11 left.
Benedictine came up with a response on their ensuing drive. Senior tailback Jamere Church had a pair of runs for first downs, and JJ Baldwin came up with a big catch despite being draped by two defenders. Church would rush for a touchdown, but it was called back due to holding.
Two plays later, Matthew Furst found JJ Baldwin for a 17-yard touchdown reception to put the Bengals ahead, 21-17, with 1:11 left. Now it was Strongsville’s turn to respond.
However, the Benedictine defense came up with one more big play. Benedictine sophomore defensive back Antowine Smith picked off a Nolan Beard pass, to the delight of the home crowd. Two kneel downs later, and the Bengals would secure a victory in Saturday night’s thriller.
Benedictine, now 3-1, hosts Shaker Heights on Friday, September 19th.
Strongsville, now 1-3, travels to Euclid on Friday, September 19th to open up Greater Cleveland Conference play.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Jayce “JJ” Baldwin (Benedictine)
The junior wide receiver had what turned out to be the game-winning touchdown on a reception with 1:11 remaining. He came up with several big catches on Saturday evening.
Extended highlights below:
