by All state championship coverage at Kee On Sports is brought to you by JBL Construction. You can learn more about them here – https://jblrc.com/
Canton, Ohio – The Carey Blue Devils captured their first state title since 1975 with a 26-14 victory over state power Coldwater Saturday afternoon.
In the first quarter, Coldwater marched down the field, capping their drive with a one-yard touchdown run from Isaac Fullenkamp. The ensuing point-after made the score 7-0 with 5:41 left in the first.
Carey would counter with a touchdown of their own. Senior running back Jordan Vallejo punched it in from a yard out. He would also convert the two-point try to give the Blue Devils the lead, 8-7.
The Blue Devils would continue with the ground-and-pound offense in an attempt to add to their lead.
However, Coldwater came up with a stop on defense. But the Blue Devils took the ball right back on the next play thanks to an interception.
They would capitalize on the short field with a three yard touchdown run from senior Derek Lonsway. This increased the lead to 15-7 with 3:41 left in the second quarter.
The Blue Devil defense would force another turnover, thanks to a strip sack by Trennen Stoll. Landon Kemerley would recover the fumble.
Carey would have a succesful two-minute drive, going 42 yards to paydirt. Jordan Vallejo would punch it in from two yards out for his second score of the game. This increased the lead to 23-7 with :32 left before halftime.
However, Coldwater would march down the field with a score of their own. Reece Dellinger found Tanner Muhlenkamp for a 27-yard touchdown reception as time expired. The ensuing point after was good, making the score 23-14.
In the third quarter, Carey would once again utilize the services of Derek Lonsway and Jordan Vallejo. These two young men played a huge role on offense.
Thanks to picking up first down after first down, the Blue Devils found themselves on the doorstep of the end zone, looking to add to their 23-14 lead.
However, the Coldwater defense came up with a goal-line stand to force a turnover on downs.
However, Carey would respond with a stop of their own, and took back possession.
They marched down the field and capped off their drive with a 41-yard field goal from Anthony Bell. The score increased the lead to 26-14 with 11:48 to go.
Coldwater attempted to counter with a drive of their own. Marcel Blasingame made a catch for a 28-yard gain to move the Cavaliers down the field. He had five catches for 55 yards on the day.
The Cavs would pick up a couple more first downs, driving to the red zone. However, Reece Dellinger was flushed out of the pocket and stopped short of the first down and Carey took over.
Carey ate up seven minutes of the fourth quarter with runs of three and four yards. Once again, Lonsway and Vallejo did the majority of the work.
A defensive stop with 2:16 left gave Coldwater one more chance. However, the Carey defense stood tall one more time.
Three kneeldowns ended it and Carey celerbrated their first state championship victory since 1975.
Carey running back Jordan Vallejo had 25 carries for 95 yards and the two scores. Derek Lonsway added 21 carries for 82 yards and a score.
Coldwater senior quarterback Reece Dellinger went 13 of 31 passing for 205 yards and a touchdown. He also had four carries for 30 yards.
Congratulations to both teams on an excellent season!
Check out extended highlights below:
