by Ravenna, Ohio – The Chardon Hilltoppers defeated the top seeded Ursuline Fighting Irish, 31-14, in the Division III, Region 9 at Portage Community Bank Stadium in Ravenna.
The Chardon offense got going on their first possession. After forcing an Ursuline punt, the Toppers utilized their traditional ground-and-pound offense, finishing the drive with a Vinny Colombi five-yard touchdown run. This, plus the ensuing PAT, put the Toppers ahead 7-0 at the 5:54 mark of the first quarter.
Ursuline responded when junior tailback Joe Balog rushed for a one-yard touchdown to tie it up with 2:52 left in the first.
The Topper defense came up with the first of two big plays Friday night, as senior defensive back Austin Green forced a fumble and ended up recovering it. Colombi ended up rushing for another touchdown to put Chardon back ahead, 14-7, at the 8:15 mark of the second quarter.
Sam Sacerich drilled a 28-yard field goal to increase the Topper lead to 14-7 at the 6:35 mark of the third quarter. The Fighting Irish once again responded, as Jack Erickson found Tairan Davis for a 22-yard touchdown reception. This score cut their deficit to 17-14.
Later in the third quarter, Ursuline had the ball again, with a chance to take the lead. However, Austin Green had other plans, picking off a Jack Erickson pass and returning the ball deep into Fighting Irish territory.
Chardon would finish the drive with a 34-yard touchdown run from junior Caleb Hewitt to increase their lead to 24-14, 43 seconds into the final stanza.
After another defensive stand, senior tailback and Penn commit Andrew (AJ Bruce) scampered for a 13-yard touchdown run, increasing the lead to 31-14 with 4:25 to play, capping the scoring.
The Toppers advance to the OHSAA state semifinals to take on Region 10 winner Toledo Central Catholic next Friday evening.
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