by Chardon, Ohio – The Notre Dame Cathedral Latin Lions withstood the elements and held off the Garfield Heights Bulldogs, 14-7, in the OHSAA Division III, Region 9 semifinals.
After a stop on the first series, a fumbled snap on a punt attempt gave Garfield Heights great field position. One play later, NDCL got the ball back thanks to a fumble recovery by Joey Penny.
However, their drive would stall, and they were forced to punt. The loose ball hit a Garfield Heights player and was recovered by senior Collin O’ Brien.
A few plays later, senior quarterback Brady Capel rushed for a one-yard touchdown to give the Lions a 7-0 lead.
Following a short punt and kick-catch interference, NDCL started a drive on the 13 yard line. Capel capped the drive with a six yard touchdown run to increase the lead to 14-0 in the second quarter.
Late in the first half, Garfield Heights got on the board when senior Jariah Morgan found Rayjon Anglen for a three-yard touchdown. NDCL led 14-7 at the half.
The second half belonged to the defenses, as neither team gave an inch, even with the harsh conditions. NDCL drove into Garfield Heights territory early in the fourth quarter, but turned the ball over on downs. Garfield Heights had the ball with a chance to tie the game, but a Braeden Ryan tackle for loss thwarted those plans.
The Bulldogs were forced to punt, and NDCL chewed up clock and got a pair of key first downs to ice the game.
The NDCL Lions captured their first 11-win season in school history and are advancing to their first regional final since 2016. They will play against Youngstown Ursuline at a site to be determined.
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