by LAKEWOOD, OH – St. Ed’s needed nearly all 48 minutes to seal it but pulled it out in the end with a thrilling 15-12 victory to defeat the visiting Olentangy Liberty Patriots. The Eagles only had two scoring drives all game, their first drive of the game and their final one and is I all they needed.
Many wondered how they would perform without Brandon White, Zach Hacklemen and Johnny Evanchick, the answer is simple, DEFENSE AND EXECUTION. They did both tonight for the win as the Peter Pappas defense shined, only allowing 141 yards and never breaking.
Eagles quarterback Langston Lucas was perfect by going 14 of 14 for 158 yards while also rushing for 32 yards and both Eagle scores. All 32 of those yards proved to be pivotal in crucial times.
What an impressive opening drive for St. Ed’s to open the game. It came with a huge third and long connection to Joe Moore on a third and long that went for 17 yards and created a first and goal from the 7. It was capped off by a Langston Lucas 4 yard sneak to open the scoring and give them the early 7-0 lead with 2:17 to play in the first quarter. It was an impressive 9 play drive, going 66 yards and soaking up over 6 minutes of clock time.
The Liberty Patriots answered with a long methodical drive of their own. It took over 10 plays with a good mix of runs and passes until they reached the with endzone with a strike from 20 yards out from Leonard to Schmelmer with 8:21 left to play. The extra point was missed and the Eagles retained a 7-6 lead.
On the next Eagle drive, Langston Lucas made a 20-yard run up the middle on a fourth and 1 in the Eagles territory to cross midfield. Later they would face a fourth and four from the Liberty 35-yard line. A 10-play drive was for not as they were turned away, handing the ball back to the Patriots with 2:52 to play, still up 7-6. The game went to half by that same score.
St. Ed’s worked the sidelines to open the second half with several quick hits to get the chains moving. Another 10 play drive wouldn’t lead to any points however and they eventually punted it back to Liberty after 6 minutes. The game went to the fourth quarter with the Eagles still clinging to that 7-6 lead as both offenses were stagnant against good difference.
A strip sack of Lucas early in the fourth quarter, handed the ball back to Liberty at the Eagles 16-yard line with 8:01 to play. A few minutes later they turned the mistake into points on a 3-yard touchdown jaunt by Davis. A two point stop by the Pete Pappas Eagle defense made one heck of a stand, holding the score at 12-7 Liberty with 5:33 to play.
The Eagles were unfazed by the pressure and put together a nice drive to respond. They got nice chunk plays and made smart decisions which paid off as they just kept moving the chains. This led to a first and goal from the Liberty 4-yard line with just 1:13 to play. The Eagles went back their bread and butter with a Lucas rumble up the middle to re-take the lead with just 1:13 to play.
They defense forced a four and out moments later to secure the win. The Eagles host Canton McKinley next Friday night at BW.
Players of the Game
St. Ed’s QB Langston Lucas with 158 yards passing and 2 rushing touchdowns.
Liberty WR Kaidan Schmelmer with 5 catches for 36 yards and a touchdown.
