by Valley Forge looked to build off of their first win of the season last week but Rocky River came to play after dropping their first game of the season last week. The first half was a bit of a slow start for the Pirates but the second half was pure dominance. This 52-28 win was led by Junior Quarterback Ryan Taylor who threw for over 250 yards and 4 touchdowns and his primary target Senior Cam Bulkowski who had 147 yards receiving and a score.
The Patriots wasted no time after a good opening kickoff return and went up 7-0 early after a 18 yard rushing touchdown by senior running back Cam Wadsworth.
Rocky River responded quickly going back to the air on their next drive. On the second play of the drive Ryan Taylor threw a deep ball to senior receiver Cam Bulokowski for a massive 57 yard touchdown knotting the game up at 7.
Valley Forge continued its rushing barrage on their next drive which was highlighted by a 4th down 21 yard run from Cam Wadsworth. He would wrap up the drive just a few plays later with a 16 yard touchdown putting the Patriots in front 14-7 at the end of the first quarter.
Rocky River took the ball down the field with their next drive, picking up first down after first down. Senior Receiver Oran Grieve picked up a crucial 3rd and long with a 21 yard catch and run on the drive. It was capped off with a 2 yard touchdown run by quarterback Ryan Taylor making the game 14-14 with 9:56 left in the half.
The back and forth continued as the Patriots ran right down the field after getting the ball back. Cam Wadsworth ran for a 5 yard touchdown making it his 3rd of the game after being set up by a 41 yard rush from Evan Tappe. This gave them a 21-14 lead.
The lead did not last long however as the Pirates marched right down the field and capped the drive off with a 7 yard touchdown run from junior running back Joey Disalvo. The extra point was blocked making the game 21-20 and giving the Patriots the halftime lead after not completing a first half pass.
Rocky River came out of half with a fire lit underneath them as wide receiver Oran Grieve would find himself in the endzone on their first two drives. The first one was a 17 yard grab and the second was a huge 70 yard catch and run. The Pirates would fail the 2 point conversion on both scores giving them a 32-21 lead with 7:10 to play in the 3rd quarter.
Needing to respond, Patriots running back Cam Wadsworth made a brutal mistake fumbling the football. The ball was recovered by Oran Grieve for a touchdown making the score 38-21 after another failed 2 point conversion.
Rocky River continued to control the game with a blocked punt by senior Josh Mommers. He recovered the ball in the endzone for a touchdown giving the Pirates a 45-21 lead late in the 3rd quarter.
The game concluded with 4th quarter touchdowns from Pirates Josh Mommers and Patriots Quarterback Lucas Schillinger ending the game in a 52-28 Rocky River victory.
Valley Forge Looks to bounce back next where they play at Westlake, while Rocky River looks to build off this win and pick up another at home against Lakewood.
Players of the Game
Valley Forge Patriots:
Senior Running Back Cam Wadsworth – 16 carries for 148 yards and 3 touchdowns
Rocky River Pirates:
Junior Quarterback Ryan Taylor – 14/21 283 yards 4 touchdowns and 1 interception, 12 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown
Senior Wide Receiver Cam Bulkowski – 9 catches for 147 yards and a touchdown
Senior Wide Receiver Oran Grieve – 3 Catches 108 yards and 2 touchdowns and a 20 yard Fumble recovery for a touchdown
Great article, I love the attention to detail It made me feel like I was actually there.