by Perry, OH- On a calm warm early November night, The Perry Pirates led by Brayden Richards put together a complete team win from start to finish. Shutting out the high scoring Fairless Falcons from Stark County who came into game averaging nearly 40 points per game 35-0 from Alumni Stadium.
One of the higher scoring offenses in the area, averaging 37 points per game wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Converting on multiple 3rd downs in the process, the Pirates were able to convert an 8 play 60-yard drive into points thanks to Junior Brayden Richards who had a first half to remember. Following a strong 10-yard run, he punched it in from 1 yard out. This would be his first of many impact plays in the first half. Fairless was able to move to the ball near the redzone area of Perry which led to a big moment early in the game.
A tipped pass from Cade Schiano on 4th and short led to a big turnover on downs handing the ball back to the Pirates. The Pirates offense again would use their ground attack to their advantage led by Richards and fellow lead back Jayden Studio. Richards found the endzone again on a quick swing pass from Quarterback Walter Moses for a 7-yard touchdown. At this point, the visiting Falcons could not find any momentum as the Pirates completely controlled the first quarter on both sides of the ball.
After an interception from Richards, Perry was in position yet again to add to their first half lead. But a big drop on what would’ve been a 30 yard touchdown gave Fairless some life. The Falcons put together their best drive of the game before halftime in an attempt to put some points on the board. But after electing to not try a short field goal, Perry’s Studio came up with a huge 4th down and short run stop to keep the Falcons off the board.
Brody Pumneo of Fairless would intercept Moses’ pass on the ensuing possession to give his Falcons another chance before half to put up some points. But once again, it was Richards for the Pirates who would make a game changing impact play. Stepping in front of Quarterback Carson Colucci’s pass, Richards capped off his impressive first half with his 2nd interception to go along with 2 total touchdowns.
The 2nd half would be more of the same as the Pirates would be in complete control leading to a running clock in the 4th quarter. Perry would continue their dominant ground attack with another Richards score his 3rd of the game on a 4-yard run early in the 3rd quarter. This was a quick 5 play 71-yard drive for the Pirates who got right back to work following a punt by the Falcons.
Richards ended his night on an explosive 56 yard run down the right sideline. This run would setup his teammate Owen McKoon who take care of the rest from there. He found the endzone from 18 yards out up the middle, juking and breaking a few tackles along the way. Studio joined the touchdown scoring barrage on the ground with a 5-yard touchdown in the 4th quarter making the score 35-0.
Perry’s ground attack controlled the game and wore down the visitors from Navarre. Brayden Richards was the main catalyst for the Pirates as he was the biggest difference maker in the game on both sides of the ball. Perry will take on the undefeated Pirates of Sugarcreek Garaway next Friday at a neutral site.
Player of the Game:
Perry Running Back/Cornerback Brayden Richards- 10 carries, 168 yards, 3 total touchdowns, (2 rushing, 1 receiving) and 2 interceptions
