Dzik, Defense Shines as Avon Lake Shoremen Shutout Southview

AVON LAKE, OH – As the playoffs opened up in Avon Lake, the Shoremen made no mistake avenging their home loss last season. Led by an incredible performance from Senior quarterback Jeremy Dzik and the whole defense, the Shoremen prevailed 26-0

Without star running back Wade Nelson, the Anthony Benedict was nothing short of a tremendous fill-in. Anybody who has watched the Shoremen all year would know the Sophomore is dangerous, as he finished the night with 78 yards and a touchdown.

The first quarter was nothing short of a defensive battle.

To open the game, the Shoremen defense came out hot. Getting a quick 3 and out, Southview was forced to punt.

On a beautiful punt from Logan Howe, the ball was fumbled by Pierden Pepe and recovered by Parker Sears of the Cougars.

Not dwelling on the mistake, Pepe was quick to make up for the fumble. Just a minute and a half later, Pepe picked off Sophomore quarterback Will Mayzes.

Then, on a big third down 4 minutes later, Pepe drilled the Cougar QB on a corner blitz for a huge loss of 7. The ensuing play, he made no mistake on the punt, with a gain of 30 setting up the Shoremen offense.

With great field position, Benedict did his thing. A 25-yard run set up the Shoremen deep into Cougar territory, which would result in an Ian Walsh 29-yard field goal.

While the second quarter opened up, Jeremy Dzik was quick to show everyone in attendance what he can do. As Dzik escaped what seemed to be a big loss, he scrambled and hit receiver Derek McCrum for a gain of 28.

As the Cougar redzone D stood tall again, the Shoremen were forced to settle with another field goal from Walsh.

With 4 minutes remained in the half, it was back to business for Benedict. The RB went 26 yards untouched to the crib. After the extra point was blocked, the score was 12-0 Avon Lake.

The Shoremen defense then quickly got a stop to set up Dzik and co for a 2-minute drill. Faced with a massive fourth and 1 out of field goal range, Dzik found Keegan Ruddock for a gain of 9.

As the drive continued, Keegan Ruddock was not done.

With 19 seconds remaining the Senior wideout made an incredible one-handed grab in the endzone to extend the Shoremen lead.

Following the touchdown, Mike Alexander of Southview took an explosive return to the opposing 40.

With 5 seconds left, linebacker Derek McCrum jumped the Cougar route and picked off the pass. With nothing but endzone ahead of the Senior, a misstep caused a fumble, which he recovered, but ended the exciting first half.

Right out of the half, the Shoremen offense was efficient. Taking off more than 6 minutes of clock.

Senior Ru Selmon proved to be the momentum stopper, taking down Dzik for a huge 15-yard sack for Southview.

For Southview, the first play from scrimmage in the half would sum up their night. An intended double pass resulted in a fumble, which the Cougars recovered at their own 5.

After the big loss, the Shoremen defense took advantage as they forced another 3 and out.

The Shoremen defense forced 5 three and outs, 2 interceptions, and one other punt. The defense was led all night by Derek McCrum, Jeremy Brausch, and Avery Viancourt.

Later in the game, Jeremy Dzik kept putting on a show. The drive started with a big 12-yard run escaping pressure. Then, the QB hit Senior receiver Brock Brennan for a huge gain of 24 to set ALHS up deep in Southview territory.

To cap off the drive, Luke Stuewe slipped open as a defender tripped in the endzone. Dzik hit the wide-open Sophomore, delivering the dagger to make the contest 26-0 with 9 minutes remaining.

Showing fight, the Cougars had a nice field goal block with 5 minutes left, but that’s the only positive Southview had to end their night.

Tonight’s stars of the night were Jeremy Dzik going for 198 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, and the entire Shoremen defense who held the Cougars to less than 50 total yards of offense.

The Shoremen will head to Toledo next week to take on Central Catholic in the round 2 matchup.