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Tonight’s game at Clearview High School marked the beginning of a new era. Fans were ushered into the stands of the Clipper’s brand-new stadium for their first home game in over two seasons. Unfortunately, the Clippers could not deliver the home crowd a homecoming win, as Strader and the Falcons proved to be too much for Clearview’s defense.
FIRST HALF
The Clippers won the toss and elected to defer until the second half. After a 33-yard kickoff by junior return man Timmy Phillips, the Falcons went 53 yards on six plays to take their first lead of the game. Phillips also capped off the drive by carrying the ball 16 yards into the endzone.
Clearview received the ball on their own 44-yard line to begin their opening drive. After a few touches for junior running back Ethan Lorenzana, the Clipper offense was faced with 4th and 7, just five yards outside of the redzone.
Freshman quarterback Cy Christenson connected with junior wideout Keith Colvin for 16 yards to pick up the first down. On the following play, Lorenzana found the endzone for a nine-yard score, tying the game at seven.
Firelands’ offensive line struggled to provide sturdy pass protection for quarterback Jimmy Aunspaw, allowing back-to-back knockdowns. On the second occasion, Aunspaw fumbled, allowing Firelands to take over possession deep in Clipper territory.
After picking up six yards on third and one, Lorenzana was able to give the Clippers a fresh set of downs. From there, Christenson found Colvin again, this time in the endzone for an 11-yard score. Clearview jumped out to an early 14-7 lead.
Firelands’ next three drives were only briefly interrupted by a couple of short-stinted possessions from the Clipper offense. With help from his O-line, Falcon senior Weston Strader was able to capitalize on several defensive miscues.
He scored on three consecutive possessions, picking up over 100 rushing yards in the process. With six minutes remaining in the half, the Falcons led 28-14.
From their own 21 yard line, the Clippers took over possession. Set to receive the second half’s opening kick, a score and a hold would have given them a chance to even the score out of the lockeroom. However, Christenson was unable to deliver.
On third and four, he failed to find his open man in the flat. Still in their own territory, the Clippers elected to punt. Firelands was able to get a hand on the kick, sending it straight up into the air recovering right at midfield.
A lousy snap and a delay of game penalty set up third and nineteen for the Falcons. Aunspaw connected with Abel Coultrip for 11 and set up a 33-yard field goal attempt for Rocco Iafolla. The junior kicker knocked it through, and Firelands led 31-14 at the half.
SECOND HALF
After sputtering out towards the end of the first half, Clearview’s offense looked rejuvenated to open the third quarter. Christenson began finding open men and picking up first downs. He fed junior Dominic Jackson out of the backfield and had control of his offense.
During an eight-minute drive that ran through most of the quarter’s clock, Christenson faced multiple third-and-long situations. Each time, he evaded pressure, used his feet, and stepped up to the moment. On fourth and nine from the opposing 28, Clearview set up for what had been the play of the game up to that point.
Christenson dropped in a dime to the double-covered junior Lane Malcolm in the back of the endzone, bringing his team within 10.
With eight minutes to go, the Clipper’s sideline elected to attempt an onside kick. In trying to catch the Falcon return crew napping, Firelands began their drive inside Clipper territory. Two touches later, Strader had picked up 25 yards.
He capped their drive off with a seven-yard score, bringing his season total to 21 touchdowns. In doing so it gave Firelands a 38-21 lead that would be too much to overcome in the end for Clearview.
PLAYERS OF THE GAME:
Clearview Clippers
Freshman QB Cy Christenson- 26/39, 173 yards, 2 TDS
Firelands Falcons
Senior RB Weston Strader- 26 carries, 207 yards, 4 TDS, 7.9 YPC
