Demons Denounce Doubt, Defeat Parma 49-7

PARMA, OH𑁋 The Westlake Demons traveled into Redmen territory where they improved to 3-1 by trouncing Parma, 49-7. Parma got off to a hot start, taking a 7-0 lead after an 18-yard touchdown pass from Nick Bonus to tight end Braden Szeleny.

But a slew of first half fumbles and two defensive scores allowed the Demons to put the score out of reach by halftime.

The game was highlighted by a stellar night from Westlake’s sophomore quarterback, Sam Brucchieri, who finished with 258 yards through the air and 3 passing touchdowns.

FIRST HALF

Towards the end of the first quarter, Brucchieri threaded a pass between three Redmen defenders, finding junior wideout Kaden Cole for a 10-yard touchdown that knotted the score at seven. Following a Parma punt, Westlake senior Will Ostrowski scored his first touchdown of the night on an 18-yard screen pass from Brucchieri.

Three plays later, the Demons had the ball again. A 24-yard connection from Brucchieri to Cooper Rummel extended their lead to two scores. 

The Demon defense must have been working on hitting drills all week long as they forced Parma to cough the ball up three times in the second quarter alone. Two of those fumbles immediately translated into 14 more Demon points, as Liam Shields and Ostrowski each added a scoop and score. At the end of the first half, the Demons led the Redmen 35-7.

SECOND HALF

If the first half was bad, then there is only one word fit to describe the second half; worse. The Redmen attempted an onside kick but that turned out to be a mistake. One player on the front end for the Demons scooped it up and it took it to the house. It is a play that summed up Parma’s night. 

Following a short kickoff return, Parma’s offense was pinned within their own 20-yard line. On their very first offensive play of the second half, they fumbled again. A few plays later, Demon backup quarterback Braelon Burnett was able to waltz into the end zone to go up, 49-7. 

TAKEAWAYS

In an abysmal showing, the Redmen fumbled six times in total and struggled to keep Westlake out of the end zone. One bright spot for Parma was sophomore Kawanta Houston. He consistently put pressure on the Demon backfield throughout the night.

These two teams may have the opportunity to meet again due to being regional foes. However, if Saturday night’s affair is any indication at all, place the mortgage on the Demons.

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

WESTLAKE DEMONS

QB Sam Brucchieri

258 passing yards, 3 touchdowns

WR/DB Will Ostrowski

125 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown, 1 defensive touchdown