by CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio – Senior quarterback Chris Molica fueled the Eastlake North Rangers to a 26-14 win over the Kenston Bombers on Thursday (Sept. 17) night at Bomber Stadium.
Molica rushed for 140 yards and four touchdowns as Eastlake North improved to 3-1 on the season. As a team, the Rangers totaled 308 rushing yards in the game.
Kenston struck first after Molica fumbled the ball on North’s first possession. Sophomore Nikko Georgiou completed a six-yard pass to Carson Rivera-Gebeau for the first score. Kenston took a 7-0 lead with 3:03 left in the first quarter, which was the only score of the first quarter.
Eastlake North tied the game with a scoring drive in the final four minutes of the second quarter. The Rangers started in Bombers territory and after six rushes, Molica found the end zone. His one-yard scamper tied the game at seven with 1:43 to go. The game was deadlocked at seven at halftime.
The Rangers’ vaunted rushing attack opened the second half with a methodical drive, which paid off with a score. Molica and Mo Morgan combined for a 13 rush, 67-yard drive, taking 7:50 off the clock. Molica put the Rangers up 14-7 with a 26-yard run, his second score of the night.
Kenston took advantage of a North fumble, as Anthony Valocchi went 88 yards on a scoop and score. The Bomber defensive touchdown tied the game at 14 with two minutes in the third quarter.
The Rangers responded with a five minute drive, capped with a Molica touchdown. Four different rushers combined for ten rushes as Molica bounced in from the four-yard line. The extra point was no good, but Molica’s third score made it 20-14 with 9:22 to go.
Four minutes later, Molica iced the game with his fourth touchdown. He scored from the one-yard line for a 12 point lead, with the extra point was no good. Eastlake North led 26-12 with 5:25 left in the game.
Steven Cammack allowed the Rangers to use the victory formation as he picked off Georgiou with 2:31 left. Eastlake North won their third straight game with a 26-14 win on the road.
Eastlake North totaled 333 yards of total offense on 54 plays. The Rangers ran the ball 53 times for 308 yards, grabbing 20 first downs (22 total). This was the third time North has totaled over 300 yards on the ground.
Kenston’s offense struggled with a season-low 85 yards of total offense, tallying 53 rushing yards and 32 passing yards.
Molica rushed 24 times for 140 yards, scoring four touchdowns. He also completed his one pass attempt for 25 yards. Morgan (14 rushes, 55 yards), Reontae Lowery (3-55), Joey Nguyen (9-29) and Donyea Ward (3-29) all contributed to the rushing attack for the Rangers.
For Kenston, Georgiou completed eight of 17 passes for 32 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Senior Stanley Sell rushed 12 times for 67 yards.
Eastlake North will host rival Willoughby South next Friday (Sept. 25) while Kenston will face Orrville at home next week.
Box Score: https://stats.digitalscout.com/football/boys/game/12811030
Player of the Game: Eastlake North QB Chris Molica, 165 total yards, 1-1 passing (25 yards), 24 rushes, 140 yards and 4 rushing touchdowns
