by The Medina Battling Bees and the visiting Cleveland Heights Tigers clashed in the Regional Quarterfinal this past Friday evening. Medina had dismembered the Shaker Raiders on the field last week as the Bees had a wire to wire 54-0 win. The Tigers escaped an upset hopeful Elyria off a scoop and six at as the clock hit zero.
Coming into this week’s matchup, the yellow and black were hoping to come out stronger and avoid needing any sort of heroics to snag a win on the road. The first half was a sign that things might have been different this time around.
But, Medina would still pick up right where they have left off all season, scoring in bunches. Our Spencer German talked with Penn State commit and quarterback Drew Allar last week after the game. Allar mentioned the fast starts they like to have, “We’ve done a really good job of this whole year coming out and setting the tone offensively and it’s really helped us pick up momentum throughout the game.” Boy did they.
Just a minute and change into the first quarter, the green and yellow would get into the endzone. A dime over the shoulders and into the arms of star wideout Brennen Schramm would get the ball rolling. He is just one of four receivers you have to account for on the scouting report. Their top four pass catchers can all run and bust out excellent routes.
Allar was testing the backend of the Cleveland Heights defense all night and that is what kept the Tigers in it early. Number 14 was off and missing some throws, but credit definitely goes to the safeties and corners as well. A slew of pass breakups kept the man under center a little flustered in the pocket.
Two more touchdowns from the Allar and Schramm show would finally ignite a fire under the Tigers offense. A great run back by Jamir Cliff down to the Bees 37 would set up a touchdown run for QB Darreon fair. He was one of the few bright spots for the visitors.
It got the well-traveled crowd into it, and a botched punt by Medina would make matters even worse. The coordinators had some choice words for whatever went wrong there. Cleveland Heights would make them pay dearly for that mistake. The first play of that ensuing drive would result in another quick six points. Jeremiah Dillard galloped towards paydirt and trimmed the score to 14-21 in favor of the home team heading into the half.
It was a surprise to all of Medina fandom and for good reason. They have been utterly dominant all year. The first half reminded me of how the Kansas City Chiefs have performed this season. They have a generational talent at the quarterback spot, weapons everywhere, but something did not seem right. It was deep shot after deep shot. Hardly any semblance of a run game and it seemed they were relying too much on the big chunk plays and kept the Tigers in the game. What is different about Medina though is that they have a defense that can actually stop a cold.
Bumblebees would turn into the Battling Bees, and the nightmare would start for Cleveland Heights on both sides of the ball. Medina kept them scoreless for the entire second half and it did not take much effort. The Tigers first pass came with 6:10 left in the third quarter. All that was required was to stack the box heavy with the defensive tackles and linebackers and stuff the run.
It was a head scratching strategy from the Tigers, but Medina did what was necessary. Allar took over yet again with his arm. Sure, the deep ball plays would still be utilized, but it felt more balanced because Allar’s legs were game changing too. Some big runs designed for the QB were very effective and it got Allar two touchdowns on the ground. Those would expand the lead to 35-14 and effectively put the game out of reach for good.
Number 2 seed Medina went on to win 45-14 and send the Tigers home to slumber for the offseason. Next week, the Battling Bees will duel with the St. Ignatius Wildcats. Iggy walloped the 3 seed Stow-Munroe Falls 42-12. That matchup will take place at 7 p.m.
Player of the Game: Drew Allar – 4 Total TDs (2 Passing, 2 Rushing)
