by NORTH ROYALTON, OH – Levi Ellis could not be stopped all night as Elyria Catholic took down Holy Name on the road 28-14. The dynamic running back was continually making plays, as he led the Panther offense to a big win.
The first half seemed relatively slow, as both offenses struggled to start. In the late first quarter, the pace started to pick up. Catholic’s star running back Levi Ellis broke free for a 9-yard touchdown making it 7-0 in favor of the Panthers.
While Holy Name’s offense couldn’t roll at the beginning, Senior Austin Wondolowski changed that. Quarterback Jayvon Williams dumped a screen pass to Wondowloski, which he eventually took for 45-yards. Stopped by the Panther defense, the Green Wave were forced to settle for a field goal. Again, Levi Ellis was making plays, as he had other plans. Ellis blocked the 39-yard field goal attempt, getting the ball back for the Panthers.
Although it seemed all momentum was heading in the direction for Elyria Catholic, this was not the case. Unfortunately for Panther fans QB Brady Cook threw a pick to William Dix Jr. setting up HNHS on the 26. The offense for the Panthers couldn’t get it going the rest of the first half as the Holy Name defense picked up some life.
Senior corner Collin Doskocz picked up the second interception of the game, setting up the Green Wave offense. This is where QB Jayvon Williams big night began. The senior capped off the ensuing two play drive with a 13-yard TD run.
Although Ryan Tanner returned the kickoff to the opposing 45 yard line, the Holy Name defense got another big stop. This time it was the quarter back Williams taking over again, but on the defensive side this time. Williams lit up a screen pass for a loss of 2, stopping any Panther momentum. The Wave defense then stood tall on 4th and 8, causing a turnover on downs.
Again, Jayvon Williams put his legs on display taking a 67-yard rush to the crib. Williams’ first half ended with 145 rushing yards and 2 TDs. As time expired in the first, the Green Wave were up a score 14-7.
The second half started with a bang. After a stop on 4th and 2 for ECHS, Levi Ellis took a 59-yard touchdown to the house. After just two plays and 1 minute of offense, the game was tied.
On the ensuing kickoff the ball was muffed, and the Panthers jumped on it. Catholic took over at the 24, but the momentum would abruptly stop. Driving in the redzone, Catholic fumbled at the two and the Wave recovered.
When Holy Name couldn’t get anything going on offense, ECHS took advantage. Led by their running backs as they had all night, the Panthers banged home a touchdown. This time, it was Senior Tavion Thomas on a 4-yard carry to take the lead 21-14.
In the 4th quarter, more of the same on offense continued. Neither defense would budge, and multiple stops were made. It seemed as if Holy Name were poised to make a comeback, as Catholic had a crucial penalty to save the Green Wave’s drive on 3rd and 9. Continuing the drive, Williams found receiver Andrew Cole for 24 yards on another third down.
Although it seemed like the Wave were rolling, Elyria Catholic got a massive sack for a loss of 7. Holy Name was unable to convert on third down and they were forced to punt.
On a beautiful punt, the ball was downed at the 2 and it seemed like there was still some hope for Holy Name as six minutes remained. This was not the case.
After a couple of nice runs, Levi Ellis decided it was over. Ellis exploded for an 84 yard touchdown, icing the game. After his third touchdown, the game was blown open 28-14.
The players of the game were Levi Ellis (279 rush yards, 3 TDs) and Jayvon Williams (167 rush yards, 106 pass yards, 2 rush TDs).
