by Under the pitch black of Friday Night in the middle of October, High School Football may have never felt so perfect. Tonight’s matchup, the North Olmsted Eagles at the Holy Name Green Wave.
In a throwback defensive battle, Holy Name trailed the majority of the time. While it seemed that the Eagles had control the majority of the game, it was the Green Wave who came away with the win 12-7.
First Half
With under two minutes before halftime and the game scoreless, the Eagles needed to flock down the length of the field if they wanted to get a lead before halftime.
A big 37 yard pass from Balson to Kelley allowed the Eagles to get past the midfield mark and Balson’s legs put them in an even better position after his subsequent 24 yard rush. With under 30 seconds to go in the first half and after a 99 ½ yard drive, Balson threw to WR Brady Haug for a six yard touchdown. Going into halftime, the score was 7-0 Eagles.
Second Half
Receiving the ball after half, the Holy Name Green Wave was able to drive the field almost automatically after a collection of personal fouls gave them 30 yards and position in the Eagle’s nest.
A deep pass from Williams to Eric Jones Jr. set them up even closer, and Sanchez was able to finish the drive off with a two yard score. A blocked extra point still kept the Wave in the hole, however, 7-6.
Maintaining a lead midway through the third quarter, the Eagles looked to extend it further. They could not extend it on this drive though, as a sack on fourth down gave Holy Name the ball right back.
Off their workhorse running back Sanchez, the Green Wave attempted to score and take the lead. A perfect pass from Williams was dropped in the endzone of fourth down though giving the Eagles a turnover on downs.
A big sudden change in defensive play did come for Holy Name halfway through the fourth, though. A fumble recovery set them up within the Eagles 40 yard line in prime position to score and take their first lead of the game.
They did just that, off a 10 yard Williams toss to Jones Jr. touchdown. Despite a failed two point conversion, the touchdown put the Green Wave on top 12-7.
With under two minutes left and down five, the Eagles needed to show their talons this next and last drive if they wanted to fly away with a win. A methodical drive allowed them to go the length of the field quickly.
With their backs on the ropes and five seconds left, the Eagles tried a direct snap to Kelley and a sweep right. He stretched for the endzone, but could not score.
Final score, Holy Name 12, North Olmsted 7.
Player of the Game:
Eric Jones Jr. : 72 Yards Receiving, 1 TD (Go Ahead TD Reception)
