by Akron, Ohio – The Mogadore Wildcats picked up their second consecutive victory with a 34-18 win over the host Ellet Orangemen at Joseph B. Yost Stadium.
Friday night’s matchup was the first time the two teams have met since 1934.
After a scoreless first series by each team, junior quarterback Braxton Dente got the scoring started finding sophomore Sean Thompson for a 70-yard touchdown toss. The ensuing two-point conversion attempt failed and Ellet led 6-0 at the 7:24 mark of the first quarter. Thompson finished with three catches for 73 yards.
Mogadore countered with a scoring drive of their own, as Aaron Rumschlag rushed for a four-yard touchdown. The PAT was successful, and the Wildcats led 7-6 with 3:36 left in the first quarter.
Ellet drove inside the 15 yard line when the Mogadore defense came up with a forced fumble that was recovered by Maddox Smith. On the very next play, Ellet came up with a fumble recovery of their own as Sean Thompson recovered a fumble of his own, putting Ellet back in the red zone.
Mogadore forced yet another fumble that was recovered by senior Nick Stephenson.
Aaron Rumschlag found the end zone for the second time Friday night, this from four yards out. The PAT was no good, and Mogadore led 13-6 with 7:51 left in the second quarter.
Ellet would respond as Braxton Dente found senior wide receiver Isaac McCoy on an eight-yard touchdown reception. The two-point try was unsuccessful, and Mogadore clung to a 13-12 lead with 4:31 left in the second quarter.
Mogadore would return back to their bread and butter known as their ground game, picking up valuable yardage and eating up the clock.
On third-and-goal, Aaron Rumschlag ran for his third touchdown of the game. This would increase the Mogadore margin to 20-12 with 21 seconds left in the first half.
But the Wildcat defense had one more big play to close the first half. Defensive lineman Nick Stephenson picked off a Braxton Dente pass and returned it to the house from 40 yards out. This would give Mogadore a 27-12 lead at the half.
Mogadore would further expand on that momentum. The Wildcats had the ball to begin the second half, and embarked on a nearly six-minute drive. Maddox Smith would cap the drive with a two-yard touchdown run. This would make the score 34-12 in favor of Mogadore. Smith finished with 70 yards rushing on 16 carries.
The Orangemen would recover a fumble on a punt return later in the quarter, getting the ball back in Mogadore territory. They would capitalize as Braxton Dente found Brandon Knowles for a six-yard touchdown reception. This cut the Mogadore lead to 34-18 with eight ticks left in the third quarter. Dente went 17 of 37 passing for 187 yards Friday evening.
They would get the ball back as Jeff Lutz pounced on a loose ball following a kickoff return.
Ellet would drive down to the Mogadore 15, but could not convert, turning the ball over on downs. Mogadore came up with one more stop after punting the ball away, and ran out the clock to secure the win.
Mogadore (2-3) hosts Warren JFK on Friday, September 27th to open up Portage Trail Conference play.
Akron Ellet (0-5) hosts Akron East on Saturday, September 28th, to open up Akron City Series conference play.
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
Aaron Rumschlag (Mogadore)
The senior tailback had three rushing touchdowns, all in the first half. He finished with 16 carries for 51 yards.
Sean Thompson (Ellet)
The sophomore two-way athlete had a 70-yard touchdown reception on offense, and a pair of fumble recoveries on defense.
Extended highlights below:
