by Kent, Ohio – The Kent Roosevelt Rough Riders prevailed over host University School, 28-3, in Division II, Region 5 action Firday night.
The first quarter started off shaky for both teams. On the opening kickoff, Roosevelt got a great return, but US recovered a fumble. Roosevelt would force a fumble right back to thwart the opening drive for the Preppers.
Junior kicker Evan Weybrecht converted a field goal from 29 yards out to put the Preppers on the board in the first quarter. It would be their only points of the game.
Quinten Upshaw scored from six yards out later in the quarter to give the Rough Riders the lead, 7-3, before the end of the first.
In the second quarter, senior quarterback Kristian Daetwyler found Raheem Howard for a 28-yard touchdown reception to increase the lead to 14-3.
The Rough Rider defense also picked up some points of their own.
On the first play of the next possession, Raheem Howard picked up a loose ball and took it to the end zone to pad the lead to 21-3.
Ty Wright rushed for a touchdown early in the third quarter to cap the scoring. Kent Roosevelt looked to add to the lead later in the third, getting inside the five, but the Preppers defense forced a fumble and took over. But Kent Roosevelt’s defense stood firm, helping the Riders cruise to victory and advance to play at state-ranked Hoban.
The Roosevelt defense held University to 55 yards passing and 92 yards rushing.’
Junior running back Ty Wright had 18 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown. Senior quarterback Kristian Daetwyler went four of eight passing for 91 yards and a touchdown to aid the winning effort.
“We have a lot of stuff we have to clean up. We turned the ball over too many times. But our defense deserves credit for getting the ball back and scoring.” said Kent Roosevelt head coach Alan Vanderink.
Friday night, the Rough Riders forced four turnovers on the way to victory.
“We’re gonna get better, compete, and then play another football game next week.” he added.
Kent Roosevelt improves to 1-2 and they advance to take on Hoban next Friday night.
“I think our defense battles incredibly. We made some mistakes, but I thought we played a physical game. I asked our guys to play with emotion for one another.” said University School head coach Ben Malbasa. “And they did that for 48 minutes. I’m really proud of these guys.”
In a losing effort, Preppers senior running back Nick Flowers carried the ball 26 times for 94 yards. Junior tight end Joey Valerio had three catches for 20 yards.
University School drops to 1-6 overall and hosts Westlake on October 23 to conclude their season.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Raheem Howard (Senior) Kent Roosevelt
Howard made two huge plays in the second quarter. The first was a 28-yard touchdown reception, and the second was a fumble recovery that he took the house for another score.
