by Game Overview
The Berea-Midpark Titans kicked off their season Friday night as they hosted the Brunswick Blue Devils at George Finney Stadium. The Titans came in with a 7-5 record last season. They won a playoff game over Massillon-Jackson but fell to Cleveland Heights in the next round. The Brunswick Blue Devils came in with a 3-8 record last season. The game was a nail-biter as both teams went back and forth all night, with the Titans finally winning the battle with a score of 34-27.
First Quarter Highlights
The Titans started their first drive with a bang. Senior quarterback Danny Bowser found senior running back Jayvion Showers for a 45-yard completion. Bowser found senior tight end Connor Stemm for a 9-yard reception to secure the 1st down. The Titans followed with a 7-yard carry from Showers and an 8-yard quarterback keeper by Bowser, to put the Titans into the red zone. Bowser handed the ball to Showers, who raced into the endzone for an 8-yard touchdown. The Titans failed the 2-point attempt, making the score 6-0, Titans.
The Blue Devils started their season with an interception. Junior quarterback Sean Barnett threw an interception to senior safety Mitchell Hausler. However, the interception was not costly, as the Blue Devils got the ball right back when Bowser threw an interception to junior defensive-back Landen Kirchner, who returned it 13 yards. The Blue Devils were able to bounce back and capitalize on the turnover. Barnett threw the ball to senior running back Collin Kavulic, who made a fantastic catch for an 11-yard gain. Barnett then found senior wide receiver Aiden Konopinski for a 46-yard touchdown reception. Junior kicker Vincenzo DiTeodoro added the extra point, making the score 7-6 with 4:31 left in the first quarter.
Second Quarter Highlights
The Titans took advantage of multiple penalties made by the Blue Devils. A costly pass interference gave the Titans 15 yards. Showers moved the ball downfield with several short runs. Bowser threw a 12-yard completion to Stemm to secure another 1st down for the Titans. A second pass interference call on the Blue Devils moved the Titans into the RedZone. Bowser found an open sophomore wide receiver, Andre Alexander, in the endzone for a 16-yard touchdown completion. Senior kicker Jalen Ball added the extra point, putting the Titans back on top, 13-7, with 8:15 left in the half.
The Blue Devils answered back. Barnett showcased his throwing skills as he connected with senior slotback Cooper Nee for a 16-yard reception to start the drive. Under pressure, Barnett found an open senior wide receiver, Hayden Swarm, for a 22-yard completion. Despite an 18-yard reception from Barnett to Neel, the Titans’ defense was able to hold the Blue Devils to a field goal. DiTeodoro came on and made the 29-yard field goal, putting the score at 13-10 with 1:32 left in the half.
The Titans immediately answered back. Bowser handed the ball off to Showers, who rushed for 12 yards. Bowser followed that play with a 16-yard completion to Alexander to move the Titans downfield. Following a 14-yard carry by Bowser, he threw the ball to Stemm who made an incredible catch for a 15-yard reception, to put the Titans at 1st and goal. Bowser handed the ball off to Hausler who ran into the endzone for a 1-yard rushing touchdown. Ball came on and scored the extra point, extending the Titans lead 20-10 with 8 seconds left in the half.
Third Quarter Highlights
The Blue Devils answered back to start the second half. Barnett found a wide-open Neel for a 22-yard completion. After a couple of incomplete passes, Barnett converted on 4th down with an 8-yard completion to Swarm, securing a Blue Devils 1st down. A costly offensive holding penalty negated an 8-yard touchdown completion, and the Titans forced the Blue Devils to settle for another field goal. DiTeodoro came on and made the 33-yard field goal, putting the score at 20-13 with 4:55 left in the 3rd quarter.
After forcing the Titans to a 3-and-out, the Blue Devils stormed back downfield. Barnett threw a 35-yard completion to Kavulie. The Blue Devils followed that with a 23-yard carry by Neel, to put them at 1st and goal. Despite pressure from the defense, Barnett found an open Swarn in the endzone and threw a 7-yard touchdown pass. DiTeodoro continued his busy night by coming on and scoring the extra point, tying the game at 20-20 with 1:33 left in the 3rd quarter.
The Titans immediately answered back. Junior wide receiver Dylan Maddox returned the punt to the 50-yard line to start the drive for the Titans. Bowser handed the ball off to Showers, who had a 7-yard carry. Bowser found himself in the endzone once again as he evaded the Blue Devils and ran into the endzone for a 42-yard rushing touchdown. Ball came on and scored the extra point, putting the Titans back on top, 27-20 with 2 seconds left in the 3rd quarter.
Fourth Quarter Highlights
Barnett and the Blue Devils answered right back on their next drive. Barnett found junior wide receiver Ryder Kern for a 13-yard completion. Neel was handed the ball and he evaded a swarm of Titans for a 15-yard carry. The Blue Devils ran a jet sweep flea flicker play to misdirect the Titans’ defense. Barnett carried the ball for a 22-yard gain. The Titans were hit with a costly 15-yard personal foul penalty, which helped the Blue Devils inch closer to the endzone. Barnett threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Swarm to keep the Blue Devils in the game. DiTeodoro came on and continued his perfect night, securing the extra point and tying the game at 27-27 with 3:01 left in the game.
Bowser and the Titans worked quickly on their next drive. The Titans moved downfield with a series of short runs by Showers. A 15-yard defensive pass interference penalty also helped, putting the Titans in a good position to score. Bowser handed the ball off to Showers, who broke free from the Blue Devils’ defense for a 19-yard carry, putting the Titans in the red zone. Working against the clock, Bowser kept his composure.
He handed the ball off to Showers again, who rushed for 10 yards to secure another Titans 1st down. Bowser was the hero as he dodged the Blue Devils’ defense and rushed into the endzone for a 6-yard rushing touchdown. Ball had a perfect night as he came on and scored the extra point, which helped the Titans open their season with a victory and made the final score 34-27.
Player of the Game
This week’s Player of the Game was Titans quarterback Danny Bowser. His calmness and composure in times of adversity helped lead the Titans to victory. He recorded 8 completions on 19 attempts for 114 passing yards and 1 passing touchdown, along with 95 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns on 9 carries.
Looking Ahead
Next week, the Berea-Midpark Titans host the Nordonia Knights as they hope to add on another win. The Brunswick Blue Devils look to bounce back as they host the Olmsted Falls Bulldogs.
