by Solon, Ohio – The host Solon Comets held off the visiting Shaker Heights Red Raiders, 10-7, at Stewart Field Friday night.
Shaker Heights got the ball to begin the game. The Solon defense forced a punt on the first possession. The Comet offense drove down the field, facing fourth and one at the Shaker 40. They would convert, but Shaker Heights forced a fumble, which was recovered by junior Theo Nagusky.
Defense was the name of the game through the first quarter of action.
Shaker would be the first to put points on the scoreboard. Following a pass interference penalty that gave the Red Raiders a first down, they would find the end zone on a 13-yard touchdown run by senior Rayhon Johnson.
The ensuing PAT was good, and Shaker Heights took a 7-0 lead at the 10:07 mark of the second quarter. The score would remain that way at the half.
Solon would knot the score on their first offensive possession of the second half. Junior Bryer Pickana rushed for a first down to keep the Comet drive alive on a fourth-and-short. One play later, junior tailback Henry Sharpley rushed for a nine-yard score. The ensuing PAT was good, knotting the score at 7 a piece with 5:09 left in the third quarter.
The defense continued to impress throughout the evening, as the score remained knotted at 7 going into the final quarter. Solon punted the ball away. However, the attempted return was muffed and recovered by Henry Sharpley, setting the Comets up in the red zone for the second time Friday evening.
One play later, senior defensive back Kevin Lowery picked off a pass and returned it to midfield. The Solon defense would stand strong to force another Shaker Heights punt. Taking over with about five minutes left, the Comets moved the ball down the field and ate up clock.
After failing to convert on third and short, the Comets sent out their field goal unit. Sophomore kicker Jimmer McMeechan drilled a 48 yard field goal that would have been good from sixty yards out. This gave Solon the lead, 10-7, with 2:52 to play.
Shaker Heights had a chance to either tie or take the lead on their following possession. The Red Raiders would get into Solon territory, but huge sacks by Ibrahim Diaby and Brady Bush pushed Shaker back, and the Comets would ice it thanks to a Bryer Pickana interception.
Shaker Heights drops to 1-2 and travels to Medina to open up Greater Cleveland Conference play next Friday, September 12th.
Solon moves to 1-2 and travels to Hudson to open up Suburban League National Division play next Friday, September 12th.
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
Solon Comet defense
Time and time again on Friday night, the Comets came up with big stops, including a fumble recovery and a game-sealing pick.
Rayhon Johnson (Sr.) (Shaker Heights)
The senior tailback rushed for the Red Raiders’ only score of the game Friday evening.
