by Akron, OH: Offense came at a premium for both squads, as the Archbishop Hoban Knights (6-2) shutout the Glenville Tarblooders (5-3) Friday night at Dowed Field in Akron. While both defenses turned in impressive performances, Hoban took advantage of special teams miscues to set up two of their scoring opportunities.
First Half
Things could not have started worse for Glenville, as they fumbled the opening kickoff and the ball went out at the two, forcing a three-and-out on their opening drive. Starting their first possession at the Tarblooder 37, it would take Hoban six plays to find the end zone, a two-yard touchdown from Brayton Feister to make the score 7-0 early in the first.
Most of the remaining first quarter went by as both offenses struggled to get things going. With under a minute remaining in the first, Hoban started another drive in Glenville territory. While the drive took about four minutes, the Knights were unable to move the ball much, eventually settling for a 41-yard field goal from Jeremy Hammel to extend their lead to 10-0.
Just before the half, Glenville would make an attempt to score but coughed up the ball and Hoban’s Tanner Mintz returned it all the way to the Tarblooder 1. Brayton Feister got stuffed at the line and the ball popped out, rolling into the end zone. Luckily for the Knights, Braylin Parker fell on the ball for another Hoban touchdown, making it 17-0 at the break.
Second Half
As was the case in the first two quarters, most of the third featured dominating defense on both sides. Late in the third, Glenville put together their most impressive drive of the game. Starting on their 14, the Tarblooders would move the ball all the way to the Hoban 16. On 2nd & 15, LaMarques Greenwood threw the ball to the back corner of the end zone. Unfortunately for Greenwood, Tylan Boykin came down with a toe-tap interception to halt the drive.
On the ensuing drive, Hoban would eat up nearly nine minutes of game time. The Tarblooders would actually force a punt, but the returner was blown up and fumbled the ball. The Knights would run seven more plays and extended the lead on a 27-yard field goal from Hammel. Glenville would try and move the ball, but turned it over on downs, leading to two kneel-downs from Trent Hayden to seal the Knights’ 20-0 victory.
Keys to the Game
Defense, defense, defense. Both defensive coordinators deserve a round of applause for their efforts. Brayton Feister (Hoban) and Chris Newell Jr. (Glenville) are two of the top running backs in the state and both were held in check Friday night. Feister finished with 67 yards on 23 carries and Newell had 14 carries for 50 yards.
Ultimately, special teams mistakes doomed the Tarblooders. A fumble on the opening kickoff and a muffed punt in the fourth led to 10 points for the Knights. In a game where neither offense could consistently move the ball, that can be the difference and it was in this one.
Next Week
Archbishop Hoban will hit the road next Friday night when they travel to Pennsylvania to take on Central York (7-1).
Glenville will look to get back into the win column next week when they host John Marshall (2-6).
Top Performers
Glenville Tarblooders
LaMarques Greenwood II: 9-25 69 yards INT
Chris Newell Jr.: 14 carries 50 yards 1 catch 6 yards
Archbishop Hoban Knights
Brayton Feister: 23 carries 67 yards TD
Trent Hayden: 7-14 75 yards INT
Jackson Callaway: 4 catches 54 yards
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Hoban 8:25- Brayton Feister, 2-yard run (kick good)
2nd Quarter
Hoban 9:07- Jeremy Hammel 41-yard field goal
Hoban 0:43- Braylin Parker, fumble recovery in end zone (kick good)
4th Quarter
Hoban 2:07- Jeremy Hammel 27-yard field goal
