by After almost eight straight weeks of decent football weather in Northeast, Ohio — the story did not remain the same. The Rocky River Pirates welcomed in the Glenville Tarblooders, after having to reschedule from their original matchup against Westlake.
Unfortunately, the game could not get started on time, as lightning and heavy rain caused an hour delay in the start of game action.
However, Pirates are famously great in water – could the swashbucklers of Rocky River take advantage of this and their home field this game?
First Half
Though they won the toss, the Pirates deferred to the Tarblooders to start the first half.
The away squad, led by QB Aston Pugh, relied on the legs of RB’s Raphael Williams and D’Shawntae Jones after a 10 yard pass put them in enemy territory. Off the legs of RB Jones, they scored on a two yard touchdown. A blocked kick by Braedon Spies made the deficit more manageable to start — 6-0 Tarblooders.
Unfortunately, the away team’s defensive effort was too much to start as well. A three and out by the Pirates allowed the Tarblooders the chance to extend their lead.
They did not. A swift three and out gave Spies and the Bebie Bro’s another chance to tie the game and take the lead — a chance they yet again could not take advantage of.
Another failed drive by the Tarblooders gave the ball back to the home team to start the second quarter, who started their drive with a couple explosive Bebie brother runs. However, a failed third down pass attempt in enemy territory from Spies set up K Mack Masaad to cut the lead in half with a 36 yard field goal.
He missed — Tarblooders ball on the 20 yard line.
The defensive stand by both teams continued through this first half, as the Pirates were able to shut them down again.
After an ugly punt, the Pirates have the ball back in enemy territory. This time relying on the legs of Spies, he rushed in a seven yard touchdown. Toward the end of the half, and after an extra point, the Pirates have the lead 7-6.
A good drive from the Tarblooders was stopped short yet again by the tough Pirates defense. However, a great punt within the 20 yard line set the Pirates up deep in their own territory with less than a minute to play in the first half.
They could not drive the length of the field before half, giving them a one point lead at half — 7-6.
Second Half
To start the second half, the Pirates received the ball — a chance to double dip and score again after their before-the-half touchdown.
They couldn’t get far, and in fact turned the ball over, off a Spies interception towards the middle of the field.
The Tarblooders looked to take their early lead back this drive. Pushing down the field, their drive was quickly stopped when Pirates Patrick Lange intercepted the ball right back for his team.
A long 30 yard toss from Spies to T. Bebie got the Pirates deeper into enemy waters, and Spies’ throw to WR Stan Heuler for seven yards went for a touchdown to end the third quarter. After an extra point, the Pirates lead grew to eight — 14-6.
With time running out and giving up 14 unanswered points, the Tarblooders needed to score this drive.
However, the Pirates’ strong defensive current withheld them again. After yet another punt, it was the Pirates chance to put this game out of reach.
They were unable to do that this drive, giving the away squad another chance.
This time, taking almost three quarters, RB DaShaun Whatley rushed in the Tarblooders second score of the game for 15 yards. Thanks to a perfect two point conversion pass to the corner of the endzone to WR Milique Herrin, the Pirates and Tarblooders are tied 14-14.
Another three and out series by the Pirates, with just under three minutes left, resulted in another Tarblooder opportunity to take the lead. They were stifled yet again by Rocky River’s defense.
With less than a minute left, the Pirates had one last chance to drive the field and take the lead to avoid overtime.
With a few key defensive penalties, the Pirates were able to drive within enemy territory quickly. However, their last ditch effort to score could not come to fruition.
At the end of regulation, the score remained 14-14 –sending the game to overtime.
Overtime
The Pirates maintained the ball to start OT – but moved backwards after starting with a couple penalties and negative plays.
They were able to get three points off the strong leg of Masaad, giving them a 17-14 lead to start OT.
Starting in the same field position for overtime, the Tarblooders needed at least a field goal to tie, or a touchdown to win it.
They did score a touchdown in no time at all – off the legs of RB Jones for his second rush touchdown of the game. His second would be the last touchdown of the game, as this won it for the Tarblooders in overtime 20-17.
The Pirates, unfortunately, leave their last home game with a loss. They travel to North Olmsted next week, while the Glenville Tarblooders travel to John Adams.
Player of the Game:
D’Shawntae Jones – 2 TD, 16 Yds Rushing
