by BARBERTON, OH— Two words signify the best time of year… playoff football. The opening round of the 2021 OHSAA playoffs kicked off Friday evening. One of those matchups featured two Division II teams. The Lakewood Rangers (5-5) traveled to take on the #14 ranked Barberton Magics (9-1).
Both are basically strangers to each other. They have only met once and it was last year. The Magics had their way all game long. It was a 49-0 decimation. It was more of the same with the final score being 38-7.
Things got off to an uncharacteristic start for the home squad though. Known for putting up points in a hurry, the Lakewood defense put a number on them early on.
A 39 yard field goal by Eston Brown would be the only points in the first quarter.
Following a 3 yard TD run by Hakeem Quran, the Magics took over for the second time. Defensive end Tico Jones Jr, brought down quarterback Chanden Lee for a massive loss of 12 yards. It backed up Barberton deep into their own territory and forced a punt.
However, with Barberton on their heels, Lakewood was not able to capitalize on the opportunity to expand their lead.
After a failed punt, the purple and white would take over at the Ranger 48.
Facing a big 3rd & 2, workhorse Cameron Macon answered the bell. A solid gain of 13 yards prolonged the drive. He would be repaid for his hard work, running it in for a 9 yard score.
The Magics would stifle Lakewood again and regain possession.
With Lakewood’s offense remaining stagnant, they desperately needed another defensive stand.
At around the 3 minute mark in the second quarter, Barberton was on the 24 yard line of the Rangers. Lee slinged it over to his go to receiver Kaige Lowe The defender got tangled up with Lowe and a flag was thrown.
It was deemed an offensive pass interference— a crucial call — that pushed them back 17 yards to a 1st & 47 at their own 49. The fans were outraged with the call and it cost them a possible touchdown. Lakewood would earn the football back, halting a 4th & 17 attempt.
Heading to the half down 7-10 and receiving the second half kick, the visiting Rangers were in prime position to pull off a huge upset.
Unfortunately, a three and out would be all the Magics needed to pull away and never look back.
Lowe would field the punt and run it back for a 68 yard house call, but it would be called back.
Setting up shop at Lakewood’s 28 would suffice anyway. Tight end Roosevelt Andrews took advantage of the short field and ran it in for six from the 11 yard line.
Lee would add insult to injury on the first play of their next drive. A 58 yard bomb to Lowe put the finishing touches on this one. Number 14 had to juke and break a couple of tackles to reach the pylon. It rocked the home crowd and Barberton would cruise the rest of the way.
Chanden Lee had a solid day going 12/17, 202 yards, and 2 TD. Macon also was steady with 18 carries, 109 yards and 2 TD. Lowe was the top ball catcher tonight. Lowe hauled in 6 receptions for 94 and a TD.
Besides the slow start, the Magics were stout on the defensive side of the ball. The continuous short fields assisted the scoring drives, but they got the big plays when they needed them most.
Tony Gotto and his group continue their stellar bounce back season after going 3-6 the year prior. They will most likely need to continue to put up the points, as they face Rocco Conti and the high-octane Olmsted Falls Bulldogs next Friday at 7 p.m. Lakewood ends their season at 5-6.
Game Ball: Chanden Lee- 12/17 202 yards and 2 TD
