by This game recap is brought to you by – https://keeonsports.com/sponsors/
Elyria, OH – North Ridgeville’s ground attack was just simply too much for Elyria. As they would get back on track tonight by a final score of 35-11 from Mercy Health Field at Ely Stadium.
Coming off their first loss of the season at the hands of undefeated Avon, the Rangers wanted to get off to a solid start on the road. By reestablishing their defense prowess that has been a key point to their success thus far prior to last week. North Ridgeville managed to force a quick 3 and out before gaining possession inside Pioneer territory. The Rangers decided to go for it inside the 30-yard line but were stuffed as the home team’s defense came up with a big stop early.
Following another punt, the first big play of the game would occur. Xavier Church of Elyria intercepted Brendan Watchorn’s pass and gave Elyria their best field position thus far near North Ridgeville’s 40-yard line. The 1st quarter ended scoreless, but the Pioneers began the game’s scoring with a 32-yard field goal from Tim Rader early in the 2nd quarter.
The Rangers relied heavily on their ground game all night. Charlie Steinmetz and Zach Barnhart were the main catalysts for the Rangers rushing attack, combining for 200+ yards to carry the load offensively. Steinmetz took a quick flip from 5 yards away to find paydirt late in the 1st half to give the visitors from North Ridgeville a 7-3 lead. That score would hold going into the half with neither team not having quite control yet.
North Ridgeville began with the ball and saw their largest play of the game wiped out by a procedure penalty. But that did not stop the Rangers from marching down the field and adding to their lead. The Rangers decided to go from it on 4th and goal and hand it off to Barnhart once more. He kept the legs moving to just get across the goal line for the touchdown to extend the advantage midway through the 3rd quarter. Elyria could not get into a rhythm offensively despite getting a turnover off a fumbled snap late in the quarter. Barnhart scored his 2nd touchdown of the game this time from 15 yards out to close out the quarter.
21 unanswered points had the Rangers feeling quite comfortable going into the 4th quarter. That was until Elyria came up with their biggest play of the game. Laron Anderson-Oliver caught a bubble screen pass and raced down the sidelines for a 50-yard touchdown. On the ensuing kickoff, it was squibbed by the Pioneers and recovered. A huge momentum shifted for Elyria to get back in the game, but nothing came of it after that recovery. Despite the good field position, penalties backed up the offense and stunted the drive.
The Rangers would score twice in 2 minutes and 26 seconds to ice the game. Steinmetz caught a quick pop pass down the middle of the field for an untouched 66-yard touchdown. Soon after, Barnhart finished off his great night on the ground with a hat trick. His third touchdown of the game made the score 35-11 and that would be the final score of the evening. North Ridgeville (5-1) will look to continue to build on this strong season as they’ll head to Midview. Elyria (0-6) will travel to Avon Lake.
Players of the Game:
North Ridgeville’s Charlie Steinmetz – 129 total yards, 2 touchdowns (1 receiving, 1 rushing)
North Ridgeville’s Zach Barnhart – 20 carries, 145 yards, 3 touchdowns
