by In week two of the Division III, Region 10 OHSAA playoffs, the (3) Rocky River Pirates welcomed in the (6) Medina Buckeye Bucks for another high-school football playoff matchup.
In a game played only a couple weeks ago against the same teams in the conference championship, last time at Medina-Buckeye, the Rocky River Pirates came out on top 23-12.
Just as last game was a defensive battle, this one was as well. Buckeye was able to maintain Rocky River to just 15 halftime points, but they could not score themselves in the first half. Into the second half, the Buckeyes made it interesting, but still came up short 17 points — losing to the Rocky River Pirates 32-15.
First Half
The Pirates began on offense to start this game. Like last game, they began with a methodical drive that included a healthy mix of passing from Braedon Spies and a tough rushing attack from Tommy Bebie.
Penalties and negative plays forced the Pirates to attempt a 40 yard field goal from Mack Masaad — who made it right down the middle (with room to spare). The Pirates took up more than half the quarter with that drive, and found an early 3-0 lead.
On their drive, after a good kickoff return from a pooched Pirates kick, the Bucks were able to drive deep into Pirate waters. Unfortunately, their drive ended with a missed field goal attempt, turning the ball over and pining the Pirates deep in enemy territory.
This drive, it was Spies who got it done with his legs, who set the Pirates up in scoring position after two rushes combined for 45 yards. However, it was Tommy. Bebie who rushed in a five yard touchdown, extending the Pirates lead to 9-0 (Masaad went on to miss the extra point).
Having to punt away their drive, the Bucks found themselves right back on defense — down nine, they needed to make a stop before the half.
They didn’t, and the Pirates made it look easy on this drive. As they got deep into Buckeye territory, Spies threw a 16 yard touchdown dart to Patrick Lange. With under two minutes until halftime, the Pirates were up 15-0.
Before half, and with the clock running quickly, the Bucks were able to drive the field methodically. However, as time ran down and on fourth down, the Bucks were not able to get the extra push that allowed them to score.
Into halftime, River was up 15-0.
Second Half
Unable to score in the first half, the Bucks looked to get their first score coming out of halftime. Having to drive the majority of the field, it was Ben Barnes who was able to finally rush in a tough four yard touchdown rush. Able to extend the play and spin out of tackles, his athleticism allowed the Bucks to begin their comeback. After an extra point, it was 15-7 Pirates.
On the Pirates next drive, they were stifled by the Bucks. A quick but effective punt from Spies set the Bucks up deep on their own side of the field. However, their drive was cut short after Jalen May threw an interception to Spies.
Now deep in Buckeye waters, and on fourth and one, the Pirates decided to attempt a 20 yard field goal from Masaad. He made it, extending the River lead to 11 at 18-7.
Needing a score on this drive, the Bucks used the arm of May to push the ball down field. On the one yard line, they handed off to Barnes — who was able to score again. They went for two and got it. With less than seven minutes in the fourth, Buckeye cut the Pirates lead to 18-15.
Unable to gain a first down, the Pirates were forced to punt it back to the Bucks. With under four minutes left, this was their last chance to take their first lead of the game. Those hopes were cut short immediately, as Spies collected his second interception of the night.
In one play, they handed off to T. Bebie who rushed in the 15 yard proverbial nail in the coffin. An extra point made it 25-15, making it completely impossible for the Bucks to come back at this point.
Attempting to run the clock out, T. Bebie found another hole, taking it 60 yards for another score. An extra point allowed for this to become a true blowout, 32-15.
The Rocky River Pirates survive another week of the Division III, Region 10 OHSAA playoffs. They will face off against the winner of (2) West Holmes vs. (7) Columbian next week.
Player of the Game
Tommy Bebie: 204 Yards Rushing, 3 TDs
