Rootstown, OH– On October 14th, Rootstown kicked off their ninth game of the season against Southeast. Rootstown won with 18 points, while Southeast was restricted to 13. Hundreds of fans supported their teams on the cold and rainy day. Rootstown now possesses a 7-2 record and Southeast a 4-4 record after tonight’s game for the 2022-2023 season.
First Half
The game started with an early touchdown from Rootstown. Southeast responded quickly when Nate Muncy evened it up. The first half ended with Rootstown in the lead 12-7.
Second Half
The Pirates had done an amazing job stopping Rootstown’s Cody Coontz, but they still trail behind the Rovers 12-7.
Cody Coontz was named Portage County’s leading rusher, and third in Ohio.
Southeast’s offense began to pick up in the second half when they were able to score another touchdown, but missed the two point conversion. The Rovers answered with a touchdown of their own from Cody Coontz, but had also missed a two point conversion due to Southeast’s defense.
The score now stood at 18-13 with the Rovers in the lead. Rootstown’s defense helped secure the game with an interception from sophomore Nick Malek, his second of the game, with :40 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
Despite losing, Southeast had brought their passing game tonight, with their quarterback having his best performance, although having three interceptions. Southeast’s defense also held Cody Coontz under his average.
Rootstown will play at Mogadore next week, and Southeast will play at John F. Kennedy Catholic Eagles in their last regular games of the season.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Rootstown:
Cody Coontz: 1 TD and 175 yards.