by Lakewood traveled to Fairview where two 1-1 teams met in the western suburb of Cleveland Fairview Park. Both teams wanted to prove that they were contenders.
Lakewood kicked and the Fairview Warriors took the football and marched straight down the field with QB Captain Jason Courtney mixing pass and run beautifully keeping the Lakewood defense off balance early. Courtney hit Senior Wideout David Medina for an 8 yard gain to the 19. Several Warriors got touches and ball control seemed to be a Fairview strategy. Senior back Nate Glanc plunged in from one yard out. After the PAT, Warriors led 7-0 with just 3:05 remaining in the first quarter.
Lakewood wasted no time when Junior QB Alex Symons hit Receiver Eddie Gillick in the right flat and he took it to the house shocking the Warriors on the Ranger’s first play for a 60 yard stunner. First quarter winding down tied 7 to 7.
Lakewood survived a turnover on a bad snap and stopped the Warriors on a three and out. Turnovers were a big problem last week against Bay. This time Lakewood survived the fumble and the Rangers we’re looking strong.
Symons seemed determined to win with a big run on the first play of the third Ranger drive. Symons ran in from the one to put Lakewood up 14-7 with 5:02 left in the half.
Lakewood spread the ball around much better this week and Symons put a deep ball right on the money to Wideout Sophomore Jaylen Chappell for a 32 yard Touchdown and Lakewood led 21 to 7 mid way through the third quarter.
Fairview had a long sustained drive to finish the quarter and looked very strong, but they came up short on points as Lakewood’s Defense held strong. QB Glanc threw a beautiful pass to Junior receiver Nolan Reis in the left corner of the end zone, but he couldn’t bring it in for the catch and the Warriors turned it over on downs and it was a heartbreaker for Fairview. Third quarter ended Lakewood up 21-7.
Symons hit receiver Senior Mason Ivinskas for a beautiful 23 yard pass completion. Several nice keepers for Symons and then a 1 yard plunge for Senior Back Josh Bohurjak. Lakewood now firmly in control and both teams seemed to understand the situation as the fourth quarter clock wound down for the final score of Lakewood 28 to Fairview 7. Lakewood now sits at 2 and 1 and ready for Neighborhood Rival Rocky River next week.
Player of the game Lakewood:. QB Alex Symons
Fairview: RB Jason Courtney
