by Cleveland Heights was able to defend their home field as they beat Mentor by a score of 14-13. The two teams battled in a low scoring affair, as a gutsy two point try by Cleveland Heights won them the game in overtime.
The game started off slow, as both teams exchanged possessions throughout the first quarter. Cleveland Heights was able to gain some momentum with 3:46 left in the first quarter, when defensive back Emere Atkins reeled an interception. This gave the Tigers the ball at the Mentor 37-yardline. A minute later, quarterback Amaar Lakes ran left on the speed option and took it to the house form 35 yards out. This gave the Tigers a 6-0 lead as the PAT was blocked.
Both teams continued their fight as time went on. Halfway through the second quarter, Mentor had sustained a solid drive thanks to some solid running from Marty Johnson and Jackson Farley. The drive was capped off by junior kicker Dylan Tackett who knocked in a 44-yard field goal, making the score 6-3. This scoring held until halftime, as both defenses continued to step up and make plays.
The second half continued to be a defensive battle. Late into the third quarter, Mentor gained momentum thanks to a blocked punt. The punt was blocked by senior Caden Marksowksi, who went full extension to give Mentor the ball at the Heights 20-yardline. Heights’ defense held strong, however Mentor was still able to get on the board, as Tackett knocked in 26-yard field goal 10 seconds into the fourth quarter. This made it 6-6 with most of the fourth quarter to go.
The scoring held at 6 until the end of regulation, as the game would head into overtime. Both defenses were absolutely dominate in regulation. Cleveland Heights had held Mentor to just two field goals, one of which Mentor started the possession in the redzone. They also snagged 3 interceptions in their dominant effort. As for Mentor, their defense was lights out after the first quarter touchdown. The Cardinal’s front 7 played a huge role in stopping the Tiger’s strong rushing attack. Despite not getting any turnovers, Mentor’s defense shutout Heights after the first quarter score.
Mentor got the ball to start overtime. On the very first play of OT, quarterback Ben Pierce rolled right, and found Justin Hodge in the corner of the endzone from 20 yards out. After the PAT, Mentor was up 13-6, with Cleveland Heights still to get the ball.
Heights’ gameplan was very clear, get the ball in Marquise Davis’s hands. Davis carried the ball three times in a row, which setup a critical fourth down for them. That’s when he once again got the ball, and found a crease down the sideline to convert, and give the Tigers the ball at the 6-yard line. Two plays later, senior running back John Gordon Jr. punched one in from 5 yards out to bring the Tigers within one point.
The Tigers were facing a tough decision, especially since they had a PAT blocked earlier in the game. They decided to go for it. That’s when Amaar Lakes dropped back and swung it out to Emere Atkins on a screen. For a split second, it appeared Atkins was going to try and throw a double pass, but once he surveyed his options, he ran to the pylon to give the Tigers the win, by a score of 14-13.
Tonight’s player of the game goes out to the Cleveland Heights defense. As stated earlier, the Tigers held Mentor to just two field goals in regulation, one of which Mentor started in the redzone. The Tigers also caused three turnovers, one of which was an interception in the endzone. The three interceptions were grabbed by Emere Atkins, Josiah Jones, and Henry Perrymond. The defense was able to pick up the slack and give the Tigers the huge win.
This win put Cleveland Heights atop the Greater Cleveland Conference, and gave them their fourth win of the season, putting them at 4-1. Next week, the Tigers will play host to Strongsville. Mentor dropped to 2-3 after tonight’s loss and will travel to Solon next week.
