by YOU CAN WATCH THE FULL GAME HERE – https://www.youtube.com/live/ZdOvmBzC8y4?si=Yl187VH55SwWGb5v
Strongsville jumped out to a 24-point halftime lead and survived an Avon Lake comeback to earn a 24-22 victory Friday night.
The Mustangs got on the board first with a 47-yard field goal by No. 53 Vincent Roncone. Strongsville quarterback No. 18 Jack Kasner then connected with No. 13 Brayden Alfred for a 29-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 10-0.
Strongsville continued to control the game in the second quarter. After an Avon Lake fumble near midfield, No. 10 Nick Carrossellia scored on a 14-yard touchdown run to make it 17-0.
The Mustangs’ defense then provided one of the biggest plays of the night. No. 4 George Majernik intercepted an Avon Lake pass and returned it about 70 yards for a touchdown, giving Strongsville a commanding 24-0 halftime lead.
Avon Lake came out looking like a completely different team in the second half. Quarterback No. 10 Dawson TenBrink led the comeback, connecting with No. 4 Luke Gliha for a long touchdown and later finding No. 1 Chris Gaulding for another score. Strongsville also hurt itself with a total of 12 penalties and a bad snap that resulted in a safety.
The Shoremen continued to battle, and Gliha eventually scored his second touchdown of the night to pull Avon Lake within 24-22. Avon Lake attempted a two-point conversion with a chance to tie the game, but Strongsville’s defense made the stop to preserve the lead.
The Mustangs’ defense came through again in the fourth quarter. Strongsville recorded back-to-back sacks, including one that pushed Avon Lake out of field-goal range.
Avon Lake received another opportunity late, but Strongsville eventually came away with an interception in the closing moments, putting an end to the comeback and securing the 24-22 victory.
Strongsville dominated the first half, while Avon Lake controlled much of the second. The Shoremen scored 22 unanswered points, but the Mustangs’ defense made enough big plays down the stretch to hold on.
Players of the Game
Strongsville — No. 4 George Majernik made one of the most important plays of the night, recording an interception and returning it about 70 yards for a touchdown. The pick-six gave Strongsville a 24-0 halftime lead, and those seven points proved crucial in a game where the Mustangs won by just two points.
Avon Lake — No. 4 Luke Gliha finished with three receptions for 51 yards and two touchdowns, making the most of his opportunities in the passing game. Both touchdowns helped fuel Avon Lake’s second-half comeback from a 24-0 deficit and gave the Shoremen a chance to tie the game late.
Final: Strongsville 24, Avon Lake 22
