by Gates Mills, Ohio – The Perry Pirates, behind an impressive performance in all phases of the game, defeated host Hawken, 55-10, on Friday evening at Walton Stadium.
Perry won the toss and elected to receive to begin the drive. They cashed in, finishing off with a one-yard touchdown run from junior quarterback Nate Trefzger. The ensuing PAT was good, and the Pirates led 7-0 with 8:59 left in the first quarter.
Hawken responded with a drive that took just over seven minutes off the quarter clock, converting a pair of fourth downs. The Hawks would settle for a 26-yard field goal off the leg of junior kicker Joey Skoczen, trimming the lead to 7-3.
The Pirate offense responded quickly, as Trefzger found Bowling Green commit Trent Taylor for a ten-yard touchdown toss. As the quarter hit all zeroes, Perry led 14-3.
Perry showed they could move the ball with precision on offense through the first quarter. The second quarter, their defense would come up with huge plays of their own.
The Pirates stopped Hawken on a fourth-and-one at the Hawks’ 24 yard line, getting the ball in great field position. Three plays later, Trefzger rushed for his second one-yard touchdown of the game, increasing the lead to 21-3.
On the very next series, the Pirates blocked a punt, setting up shop at the Hawken 31. It didn’t take long for Perry to add to their lead, as Trefzger handed the ball to Traxton Richards, who tossed a 31-yard touchdown to Greg Mecheniber. In a span of less than 70 seconds, the Pirates’ 14-3 lead became 28-3.
But the Pirates’ defense was not done.
Hawken drove to midfield, going for it on fourth down. Junior linebacker Carter Hopkins picked off a pass and returned it 57 yards to pay dirt. This score would increase the lead to 35-3. Hopkins would later score on a four-yard touchdown run on the next possession to up the margin to 42-3.
Perry made a goal-line stand late in the first half to keep the score at 42-3 going into the halftime break.
The second half was played with a running clock due to the 30+ point lead by the Pirates. Chase Sivon added a 49 yard touchdown reception from Nate Trefzger, increasing the lead to 49-3.
Both teams scored in the final stanza. Donovan Moorhead found Harvard football commit and senior Kene Obi for a 60-yard touchdown reception on the first play of the fourth quarter. Perry freshman quarterback Nolan Andrejack found sophomore Anthony Howe for a 21 yard touchdown reception for the final margin.
Perry finishes the regular season at 8-2 overall. The Pirates unofficially clinch a first-round bye in Division IV, Region 13 according to JoeEitel.com.
Hawken also finishes their regular season at 8-2 overall. The Hawks unofficially clinch a first-round bye in Division III, Region 9 according to JoeEitel.com.
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