by Under the bright lights of Lakewood Municipal Stadium in Lakewood Ohio the John Marshall lawyers visited the Lakewood Rangers to kick off the 2021 high school football season. Both sides of the stands were near capacity showing the support from the local crowd and the Lawyer’s supporters who traveled from Cleveland.
The Rangers hoped to start their season off with a win expecting to best their 3 and 7 record from last year. They look to topple the John Marshall Lawyers who boasted a 5 and 5 record in the 2019-2020 season. Lakewood is led by their starting quarterback number 10 Lucas Winters who is getting his first shot at a starting gig is shooting for a bounce back season and aims for a winning record.
In response John Marshall was led out by their starting quarterback number 17 Jermaine Stennies, a strong-armed mobile QB with tremendous potential. Each team displayed a hard-fought game but in the end the Lakewood Rangers were able to hold strong for the win.
Rangers’ Player Spotlight
The Rangers got off on the right foot for the season with a convincing win over the Lawyers by a wide margin managing a 38-6 victory. The action started quickly in the first quarter. After being forced to punt on their first drive The Rangers stabilized themselves with a staunch defensive stand.
During the second drive of the game, Rangers’ senior defensive star Tico Jones Jr. made his presence known immediately. After the Rangers forced a second and long situation, Jones powered through a double team to sack the opposing team’s quarterback for a seven-yard loss.
The following play, after a high snap, Jones tracked down the loose ball pinning the Lawyers back in the wrong end-zone. Tico Jones Jr kept the pressure on Stennis throughout the game but had to sit out most of the second half. On the offensive side of the ball, running back Hakeem Quaran had a game to remember for the Rangers.
An obvious focal point of the Rangers’ offense, Quaran amassed 3 rushing touchdowns and 4 break away carries that all went for more than 25 yards totaling well over 100 yards rushing. For most of the game Quaran looked like the fastest player on the team and seems to have great potential due to his athleticism. Both young men played a vital role in the Ranger’s win this evening.
Lawyers’ Player Spotlight
Despite not having the game they had hoped for, the Lawyers certainly had players who shined. The Lawyers’ special team unit was by far the brightest facet of their game. Tavion Jackson took snaps this evening as a tailback and wide receiver as well as at defensive back. Jackson played with a great motor and did everything; he could anytime he was near the ball.
He was the primary return man for the Lawyers and showed high level vision on both sides of special teams. All of the kicks Jackson brought back went for more than 20 yards because of his downhill running ability.
Jackson also brought in the only touchdown of the game for the Lawyers from an insane throw from quarterback Jermaine Stennies. Stennies was forced out of the pocket and had to roll out to his left. While throwing on the run Stennies lofted a ball to the endzone that was tipped out and looked to be an incomplete pass.
Jackson double backed and managed to hall in the wayward throw. Next, he made half of the unsuspecting Rangers defenders miss to plow his way into the endzone. On the defensive side of the ball linebacker Desmond Brown shined brightest.
Brown was the leading tackler for John Marshall showing great anticipation by taking effective angles. Brown even managed to break up a few passes and dropped into zone covered smoothly. Brown was a huge factor in containing the Rangers’ passing attack forcing them to rely on the run game.
Closing Remarks
Looking forward, Lakewood looks to maintain momentum by notching another win against the 1-0 Bay Village Rockets next week. On the other hand, John Marshal hopes to find some stability with a win against the Beachwood Bisons who have yet to play a game this season.
Each team put on a show and should continue to do so for the remaining season. In conclusion, both teams seemed well coached and played with a ton of heart and should have fine seasons respectively.
Next time leave out the pic that completely contradicts your statement regarding a capacity crowd. Lol. No one would have been the wiser.