by The Pirates of Rocky River celebrated their homecoming weekend in style, cruising to an easy 55-27 victory over the Demons of Westlake.
It was looking good for Westlake to start, getting down into Rocky River territory. However, an illegal blindside block stalled their first drive as they punted the ball to the Pirates. It was looking like another quick drive as Rocky River immediately faced a 3rd and long deep in their own territory. Thankfully, the personal foul flag went the other way and gifted the Pirates a first down.
It was a tough start for Rocky River running back Nick DiSalvo, as he fumbled near the 50 yard line to give the ball right back to Westlake. Don’t worry, you’ll hear from Mr. DiSalvo again soon.
Westlake opened up the scoring as running back Matt Porcelli found paydirt to give the Demons an early 6-0 lead. The boys in maroon responded fast, as DiSalvo redeemed himself after a costly fumble by taking a swing pass 53 yards to the house to give the Pirates a 7-6 lead to close out the first quarter.
After generating another defensive stop, the Rocky River Pirates were in business once again. This time it was receiver Ryan Ricketti who played hero. First, he hauled in a beautiful pass on the run from QB Julian Patti to get the Pirates inside the Demons 10 yard line. Then, he showed off his verticals by snagging a 6 yard touchdown grab out of mid air to extend the lead to 14-6.
Rocky River forced yet another Westlake punt, and their offense continued to sing. Patti threw a 58 yard strike to receiver Rowan McDougal to blow the game open 21-6.
The Demons began to chip away at the deficit, as Matt Porcelli went untouched for a 7 yard touchdown to make it a one score game. On the next offensive possession for Rocky River, Nick DiSalvo once again took a screen pass to the house for a touchdown, this time from 21 yards out for his second receiving touchdown of the night.
Looking to generate any positive momentum on offense, the Demons of Westlake went for it on 4th down at their own 30 yard line. QB Sam Brucchieri was sacked almost immediately, giving the Pirates one more drive in the first half.
Guess who? It’s Nick DiSalvo once again taking the handoff 28 yards up the gut for his 3rd total touchdown in just the first half. The Pirates headed into the locker room holding a commanding 35-13 lead.
Rocky River picked up right where they left off as they received the second half kickoff. Patti found receiver Andrew Lang wide open across the middle for a 45 yard gain. Shortly after, Patti threw a ball into the endzone that looked like a surefire incompletion. Receiver Oran Grieve had other plans as he somehow made a juggling one-handed catch to secure another Pirates touchdown to make it 41-13.
The Demons would finally answer with a 3 yard out pass to tight end Chris Campbell for the score. Unfortunately, it’s just a little too late, as the Pirates still have complete control over this game at 41-21.
After getting deep into enemy territory once again, Nick DiSalvo continued his stellar night, taking a shovel pass from Patti 14 yards for his third receiving touchdown of the game and his fourth in total to close out the 3rd quarter in style. 48-21 Pirates.
The onslaught continued for Rocky River, as they once again scored on their next drive. Patti threw a screen pass to Cam Bulkowski for the 8 yard score for his first touchdown on the season and padding the lead to 55-21.
The Demons tacked on another touchdown in garbage time to cut the deficit to 27.
Player of the Game
Another obvious choice, it’s Nick DiSalvo. He rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown while also catching 4 passes for 95 yards and three touchdowns. He did it all today!
I also want to shoutout the entire Rocky River offensive line for keeping QB Julian Patti upright and giving DiSalvo room to run for days.
What’s on Tap Next Week
The Pirates travel to Elyria Catholic while the Demons return home to take on Bay High School.
Julian Patti 22-28 comp. 378 yards 7 TD’s
Nick DiSalvo 16 carries 138 yards 1 TD 5 catches 88 yards 3 TD’s
Ryan Ricketti 11 catches 124 yards 1 TD
Andrew Lang 2 catches 69 yards
Rowan McDougal 1 catch 58 yards 1 TD
Oran Grieve 1 catch 27 yards 1 TD
Cam Bulkowski 1 catch 7 yards 1 TD
