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The Solon Comets received the ball to start this contest and the defensive slugfest began. On the very first play of the game, Storm Miller stormed into the backfield for a sack and put a stop to any chance on the opening drive for the Comets.
Solon’s defense would do the exact same thing Strongsville did, force their opponent to punt. Strongsville could only muster one first down before having to punt the ball right back to the Comets.
This trend continued the entire first quarter as the teams combined for seven punts and just 53 total yards. On the Mustangs first drive of the second quarter, it seemed like they were going to finally break through and put points on the board. They drove the ball all the way down to the Comets 15-yard line but would be stopped on a fourth and one giving the Comets the ball back. The Comets would string together a few first downs but ultimately be forced to punt again.
Again, the Mustangs seemed like they would finally put points on the board as two pass interference penalties moved the ball into Comet territory. The drive was again short-lived as Braeden Springer jumped Nolan Beard’s pass and would take it 54 yards for six. It was only fitting that in a defensive battle, the first points would be scored by the defense. A bad snap would lead to a failed two-point attempt making the score 6-0 with 5:44 left in the half.
Strongsville would get the ball back looking to tie the game but would go three and out once again. However, another sack by Storm Miller stopped the Comets ensuing drive and gave it right back to the offense.
The Mustangs would finally get rid of the donut on the scoreboard as Nolan Beard found Jeremy Knauf down the right sideline for a 26-yard score. The PAT would be blocked, and we were all knotted up at 6 heading into the half.
The second half would start just like the first half. Both teams punting. Strongsville’s second drive of the half would go deep into Comet territory, but a holding call in the red zone would back them up and end the drive with a turnover on downs. The Comets would take over at the 19-yard line.
The drive would not last long as on the third play of the drive Elias Petite intercepted Luke Kormuth’s pass and took it back to the nine-yard line. One play later, Nolan Beard would call his own number and take it in for the score. After another blocked PAT the Mustangs led 12-6 with 3:08 to go in the third.
The teams would trade punts to end the third and we would head to the fourth with a 12-6 Mustang lead. Solon had the ball to start the fourth quarter but a huge sack by Liam Lally would force them to punt once again.
The Strongsville offense would take over at the Comet’s 41-yard line looking to add to the lead. Nine plays later, they would, as Xavier Belvin took it in from four yards out to extend the lead to 18-6 with 6:20 left.
The Comets did not go out without a fight as they finally found the end zone on offense. An eleven play, 80-yard drive capped off by a 20-yard pass from Luke Kormuth to Brian McQuaide on 4th and goal had the Comets down five with 2:32 to go.
Solon elected to trust the defense and kick it deep with two timeouts hoping for a stop. After two short runs, Strongsville rolled the dice on fourth and inches from their own 37-yard line. Needing just inches Nolan Beard took the snap and followed his offensive linemen to get the inch and close the book on a Mustang Victory.
Players of the Game
Strongsville- Entire defensive line- 9 Sacks
Solon- #10 Brian McQuaide- 7 Catches 72 Yards 1 TD
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
None
2nd Quarter
5:44- #4 Braeden Springer 54-yard INT return for TD. 2PT no good
1:36- #17 Nolan Beard 26-yard pass to #9 Jeremy Knauf. PAT Blocked
3rd Quarter
3:08- #17 Nolan Beard 9-yard run. PAT blocked
4th Quarter
6:20- #4 Xavier Belvin 4-yard run. 2PT no good
2:32- #17 Luke Kormuth 20-yard pass to #10 Brian McQuaide. PAT Good
