by As the month of October falls upon us, High-School football continues its season. Coming off of a loss at home last week, the Bay Village Rockets looked to defend their home field this week — as they entertain the five-win North Olmsted Eagles.
First Half
Starting the second quarter still tied at zero, the Rockets needed to take advantage of the continual turnovers and mistakes by the visitors. A long 40 yard bomb from Knapp to TE Malachi Edgerly gave the Rockets position within enemy territory. A few short rushes after a fourth down conversion allowed Rockets RB Pawie Ault to run in a three-yard touchdown. After the extra point, the home team led 7-0.
After another threat of a turnover, the Eagles found a way to get into the endzone within a few plays – this time off the arm of QB Xavier Balson. A 41 yard touchdown bullet to WR Eric Wasen, followed by an extra point, tied the game at 7-7.
On the Rockets following drive, they relied yet again on the legs of Spellman. One positive yard rush after another allowed the Rockets to drive the field methodically, while also chewing clock before halftime.
With less than a minute left before half and facing a fourth and two, the Rockets failed to score. However, a facemask penalty on North Olmsted gave the Rockets another shot with no time on the clock. This time, they were able to score off a toss to RB Ault – putting them up 14-7 at halftime.
Second Half
Following the trend of their game thus far, the visiting Eagles started their second drive of the half with another personal foul. As they were able to drive the field off the legs of their running backs, a five-yard jump pass touchdown from Eagles Balson to Jared Kelley and extra point tied the game again at 14 apiece to end the third quarter.
Set up on their own 25 to start their next drive, the Eagles needed to flock 75 yards for a score and lead. A big 23-yard rush from Kelley followed by a tough 25+ yard touchdown grab by Kelley gave the Eagles a seven point lead midway through the fourth quarter 21-14.
With less than four minutes on the clock, the Rockets needed to drive the field quickly for a chance to tie or take the lead. Relying on the legs of RB Ault, the Rockets were able to continually gain yardage. Running like his life depended on it, Ault could seemingly not be taken down. With less than one minute left, the Rockets found themselves in enemy territory – just 19 yards away from the endzone.
Though Ault got them in this position, it was a pass from Knapp to Edgerly for a 19 yard TD. The extra point just barely made it in, tying the game at 21-21.
Set up to receive first in overtime was the home team Rockets. Set up in enemy territory, Ault got every carry until he scored on a four yard touchdown rush – his third of the game. The extra point gave them a 28-21 lead.
It was the Eagles who got the next chance to score – they did in only two plays. This time, it was a quick pass to Kelley from Balson – his fourth touchdown pass of the game. After a gutsy two point conversion attempt off a wildcat, Kelley ran in the dagger – a two point conversion.
After an instant classic, the away team North Olmsted Eagles sneaked away with a 29-28 win in OT.
Players of the Game:
Xavier Balson: 14/15 141 yds, Four Pass TDs
Jared Kelley: 3 TD catches and a 2 pt conversion to win the game.
It was a real nail biter of a game and so fun to watch! Go Eagles!!
There was uncalled for, unruly harassment from the North Olmsted fans towards Bay Village players.
Although this was brought to the attention of officials and North Olmsted. It was ignored.
Go Eagles – Go Xavier