by Solon, OH-
The Medina Battling Bees finished off the regular season with a decisive 35-0 shutout win over The Solon Comets in a Greater Cleveland Conference matchup. Medina’s defense led the way tonight with 5 takeaways to another conference victory.
On Senior Night, Solon got off to a fantastic start defensively with a sack on the first play from scrimmage from Davon Simmons. Both teams would go 3 and out on their first drive. Medina’s high scoring offense is led by Danny Stoddard. Coming into the game, the Senior standout came into this game with over 3,000 passing yards and nearly 40 touchdown passes. After an offensive pass interference brought back a 42-yard touchdown, Stoddard dropped back once again and this time it would count. Austin Knowles made an impressive leaping grab to haul in the score to open the scoring.
The ensuing kickoff was a squib kick recovered by the Battling Bees special team’s unit. With their first of many takeaways on the night, Medina found themselves in great field position to add to their lead. Getting down to the one-yard line, Stoddard quickly found Nathan Angus out wide to his left for the 1-yard touchdown. The next two possessions resulted in takeaways for both teams just two minutes apart from one another.
Camden Sokolowski of Medina stepped in front of Luke Kormuth’s pass but the Comets would take it right back with an interception by Max Thompson. Solon to this point was hanging tough with this high-powered Medina offense. Who came into tonight’s contest averaging 48 points per game. A handful of Medina’s passing plays were the result of Stoddard’s ability to keep the play alive and move around in the pocket. His third touchdown of the half was a perfect example of that. Stoddard was able to buy time by rolling out to his right and keeping his eyes down field, where he would find Jack Wojciak in the back of the end zone for the 16-yard touchdown.
The biggest play in the 2nd half for Solon came on a deep ball for a big gain of 53 yards. Brian McQuaide of Solon got loose down the sidelines for the big play. Nothing would come of that opportunity as Medina would go on to force one of many turnovers on downs on the night. As their defense stifled anymore big plays for the Comets. As the rain continued to come down steadily in the 2nd half, we saw Medina utilize their ground game with someone who hadn’t touched the ball in the first 3 quarters. Cooper Josefczyk made the most of his opportunities, scoring twice in the final quarter and totaling over 60 yards on the ground. He even caused a fumble on defense the following play after his 27-yard touchdown run.
Medina was in control of the game nearly all night on both sides of the football. Medina finished the night with 5 takeaways that halted any momentum for Solon. The Battling Bees of Medina finish the 2023 season 7-3 and will await their playoff matchup. As for the Solon Comets, they’ll look forward to next season after a tough 1-8 year.
Player of the Game:
Medina’s Danny Stoddard- 290 passing yards, 3 touchdowns
