by STRONGSVILLE, Ohio – The Strongsville Mustangs celebrated Homecoming in style with a 27-12 victory over the Euclid Panthers. The game was defined by big defensive plays by the Mustangs and a breakout performance from freshman running back Austin Tatulinski.
1st Half:
The game began as a defensive battle between the two teams. Strongsville’s defense came out strong, having batted down two passes and forcing an early Euclid punt. The Panthers’ defense answered back, forcing a three-and-out of their own. After another quick Euclid possession and a nearly blocked punt, Strongsville took over on their own 42-yard line. Quarterback Jack Kasner came in and immediately took a deep shot. The pass was intercepted by Euclid’s standout corner, Kei’Shjuan Telfair. The quarter ended in a scoreless tie, 0-0.
Strongsville’s passing woes continued early in the second quarter as Kei’Shjuan Telfair grabbed his second interception of the night, setting up the Panthers with great field position. Euclid capitalized on the turnover with a trick play when quarterback Dion Russell pitched the ball to Colby Orr, who threw the ball to Tyjuan Hill for the 19-yard touchdown pass. The two-point conversion failed, but Euclid led 6-0 with 9:46 left in the half. Defensive pressures from Chris Jones and Kendo West put Strongsville in bad field position, which forced a Mustang punt. Dropped passes and penalties were costly for Euclid. Strongsville would receive the ball back with 3:47 to play in the half. With under a minute to play, Strongsville quarterback Nick Carrossellia threw an interception to Sincere Hamilton, halting a late score attempt from the Mustangs. Euclid hung on to the 6-0 lead going into half.
2nd Half:
Strongsville’s offense came alive in the second half. Freshman Austin Tatulinski burst out onto the scene with a 26-yard touchdown run, giving the Mustangs a 7-6 lead with 8:02 in the third. Moments later, the defense stepped up again. Storm Miller came up with a clutch interception in the red zone that stalled a promising Panthers drive. Tatulinski continued the momentum with a 33-yard run that set up the 6-yard rushing touchdown for Nathan Rodak. The PAT was blocked, but the Mustangs led 13-6. Euclid’s offensive struggles continued as they went three-and-out following three straight dropped passes. The freshman standout Tatulinski still was not done as he broke off another 19-yard run to close out the third quarter.
Early in the quarter, Euclid would attempt a fake punt, but the Mustangs’ special teams swarmed Kei’Shjuan Telfair, forcing a fumble that Austin Adkins scooped and scored. The PAT was good, and Strongsville extended the lead 20-6 with 11:25 to go. Euclid answered quickly. Quarterback Dion Russell connected on several big passes, including a 30-yard touchdown to Marcellus Thompson. The two-point try failed again, cutting the deficit to 20-12. Then it was Tatulinski again. He broke off a 46-yard run down to the 3-yard line that set up Nathan Rodak’s second touchdown of the night. Strongsville pushed the lead to 27-12 with 8:40 remaining. Euclid refused to quit. After driving down the field, a costly unsportsmanlike conduct penalty set them back. On a screen pass, Strongsville’s George Majernik came away with an interception. The Panthers had one last possession, but Storm Miller delivered a big hit that popped the ball out, and Nathan Rodak snagged the ball for the interception. Strongsville lined up in the victory formation to seal the victory.
Player of the Game: Strongsville Mustangs – Freshman running back Austin Tatulinski who had 33 carries for 254 yards and one touchdown.
Player of the Game: Euclid Panthers – Quarterback Dion Russell who was 17/34 with 194 passing yards and one touchdown pass.
