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PAINESVILLE, OH𑁋 After a quick exit in the 2021-2022 postseason the Painesville Riverside Beavers (10-1) have higher expectations this time around. While winning the Western Reserve Conference for the first time since 2006 is certainly a tremendous achievement for Dave Bors and the program, their eyes are set for ultimate Division-II supremacy.
The Beavers quest for a title began with an annihilation of the Ashtabula Lakeside Dragons (6-5) in the 15 versus 2 seed matchup in Region 5. The final score was 63-6.
Riverside has been a major force because of a talented and seasoned passing attack. The offense is led by junior quarterback Mikey Maloney with loads of weapons on the outside at his disposal. Wide receivers Brady McKnight and Jake Elley are dynamic and technically sound, making Maloney’s job that much easier.
Both were heavily active in the game plan tonight, especially with a wounded and junior varsity-heavy, Dragon defense. McKnight and Elley’s services were not needed much tonight with the starters being sidelined coming into the second half with a 42-0 advantage.
McKnight only hauled in two receptions but still totaled 59 yards and a two-yard rushing touchdown. Elley managed four catches, tallied 36 yards, and scored twice.
Maloney was poised in the pocket throughout the evening. He ended his shortened day at the office going 10/12 for 122 yards and four total touchdowns.
The defense for the Beavers is also outstanding, strangling opponents to a stingy 15 points per game. Those 11 men showed up once again. It was the sixth time they allowed a team single-digit points. A handful of fumbles were recovered, one going for a touchdown in the second quarter to put Riverside up 35-0 with 6:33 remaining.
Lakeside had to ride with backup quarterback Angelo Collazo who is listed as a wide receiver. He filled in for the injured junior Alex DiSalvatore and mostly ran the ball on designed quarterback draws. His lack of reps as a passer unfortunately were easy pickings for the Riverside defense. He was intercepted a few times in the second half.
Bors’ squad advances to the second round of the OHSAA playoffs for the third consecutive year but will look for more as they will take on the Nordonia Knights next Friday. The Ashtabula Lakeside Dragons finished with a 6-5 record and placed fifth in the Chagrin Valley Conference.
Player of the Game
Painesville Riverside Beavers
QB: Mikey Maloney- 10/12 122 yards 4 TOT TDs
