by Elyria, OH – On Friday night, the Elyria Pioneers hosted the Amherst Steele Comets at Mercy Health Field at Ely Stadium. The Pioneers came into the game searching for their first win of the season, following a close game last week against the Avon Lake Shoremen. The Comets came into the game looking to bounce back after falling to the Olmsted Falls Bulldogs last week. In a back-and-forth thriller, the Elyria Pioneers secured their first win of the season with a score of 46-41. The Pioneers were led by junior running back Kevin Jordan who had a record breaking night and junior quarterback Justin Godbolt.
After an impressive defensive performance on both sides to start off the game, the Elyria Pioneers struck first. After the Comets turned over the ball on downs, junior quarterback Justin Godbolt handed the ball off to junior running back Kevin Jordan who ran through the Comets defense and into the endzone for a 40-yard rushing touchdown. The Pioneers were unable to convert on the 2-point conversion attempt, making the score 6-0 with 5:39 left in the 1st quarter.
The Amherst Steele Comets answered back as they took the field in the Pioneers territory. Junior quarterback Cole Norris opened the drive up with a 17-yard carry to give the Comets the 1st down. Norris threw the ball to senior running back Nick Costello who was wide open in the endzone, scoring a 15-yard touchdown for the Comets. Junior kicker Nathan Stewart came on and missed the extra point, keeping the score at 6-6 with 3:37 left in the 1st quarter.
The Comets were able to strike again behind Cole Norris. Norris threw a 20-yard completion to junior wide receiver Eli Solak to start off the drive. Norris went deep again and threw a 32-yard touchdown to Solak who was wide open in the endzone. Junior kicker Maddie Gates came on and scored the extra point, putting the score at 13-6 with 8:06 left in the half.
The Pioneers were able to answer back behind the speed of Kevin Jordan. Godbolt handed the ball off to Jordan who carried the ball 25 yards, securing the 1st down for the Pioneers. Godbolt handed the ball off to Jordan who rushed for 9 yards, putting the Pioneers into the RedZone. Jordan had a 7-yard rush to move the Pioneers closer to the endzone. Then Godbolt threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Larico Baker. Senior kicker Tim Rader’s extra point was blocked, making the score at 13-12 with 4:27 left in the half.
The Pioneers did not waste any time getting themselves back into the endzone. Norris was intercepted by junior linebacker Braylon Riase who returned the interception for 25 yards, putting the Pioneers at 1st and goal. Godbolt handed the ball off to Jordan who raced into the endzone for a 5-yard rushing touchdown. Jordan evaded the Comets defense and ran back into the endzone, scoring the 2-point conversion, putting the score at 20-13 with 4:05 left in the half.
Despite the Pioneers back-to-back touchdowns, the Comets answered right back. Norris threw a 6-yard completion to Costello to start off the drive. Norris kept the ball and ran through the defense to gain 9 yards and the 1st down for the Comets. A costly 15-yard pass interference penalty on the Pioneers moved the Comets downfield. Norris threw a laser 46-yard completion to senior wide receiver Jonathan Williams to put the Comets into the RedZone. Norris threw a 10-yard touchdown completion to junior wide receiver Tristyn Young. Gates came on and scored the extra point, tying the score at 20-20 with 19 seconds left in the half.
To start off the 2nd half, the defenses on both sides both recovered fumbles. The Comets were able to capitalize on their fumble recovery. Recovering the ball in midfield, Norris threw a perfect pass to Eli Solak who broke open, scoring a 49-yard touchdown. Gates came on and scored the extra point, putting the score at 27-20 with 8:49 left in the 3rd quarter.
Despite the Comets taking a quick lead, the Pioneers answered right back. A 5-yard offsides penalty on the Comets moved the Pioneers downfield. Godbolt threw a laser to junior tight end Teo Perez for a 31-yard completion. Godbolt handed the ball off to junior wide receiver Steven Gilbert who carried for 6 yards. Godbolt handed the ball off to Jordan who carried the ball 8 yards and secured the 1st down. Godbolt handed the ball off to Gilbert who weaved through the Comets defense and dashed into the endzone for a 12-yard rushing touchdown. Tim Rader came on and scored the extra point, tying the game at 27-27 with 7:08 left in the 3rd quarter.
After their defense forced the Comets to punt, the Pioneers added on to their lead. Godbolt threw a 7-yard completion to junior wide receiver Stephen Maiher to open the drive. Godbolt handed the ball off to Jordan who raced downfield, past the defense and into the endzone for a 43-yard rushing touchdown. Rader came on and scored the extra point, putting the score at 34-27 with 4:18 left in the 3rd quarter.
The Pioneers continued to find their stride late in the game. Godbolt handed the ball off to Jordan who carried the ball for 16 yards to open the drive. Godbolt handed the ball off to Riase who carried the ball for 6 yards. Jordan found himself in the endzone once again. Godbolt handed Jordan the ball and he broke downfield and ran into the endzone for a 53-yard rushing touchdown. Rader’s extra point attempt was blocked, putting the score at 40-27 with 8:29 left to play.
Despite being down, the Comets didn’t quit. A 15-yard personal foul penalty on the Pioneers moved the Comets downfield. Norris threw a 28-yard completion to Tristyn Young to secure the 1st down. Norris took his time despite pressure from the Pioneers defense and found an open David Dudziak in the endzone. Norris threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Dudziak. Gates came on and scored the extra point, putting the score at 40-34 with 6:56 left to play.
The Pioneers continued to add to their lead behind Kevin Jordan. Jordan carried the ball 12 yards to gain the 1st down for the Pioneers. Godbolt handed the ball off to senior running back Adrien Williams who carried the ball for 9 yards. Jordan carried the ball for another 17 yards, moving the Pioneers closer to the endzone. Jordan once again broke loose and ran into the endzone for a 22-yard rushing touchdown. The 2-point attempt was blocked, putting the score at 46-34 with 3:41 left in the game.
The Comets left it all out on the field. Norris threw a 12-yard completion to Dudziak to start off the drive. Norris found a wide open Solak and threw him a 41-yard completion to secure another 1st down and move the Comets downfield. Norris threw a 10-yard completion to Dudziak to put the Comets at 1st and goal. Norris pushed his way into the endzone for a 1-yard rushing touchdown. Maddie Gates came on and continued her perfect night, scoring the extra point, putting the score at 46-41 with 2:20 left to play.
The player of the game was junior running back Kevin Jordan. Jordan broke the Pioneers rushing record with an impressive 350 yards. He had 31 carries, 5 touchdowns, a 2-point conversion and averaged 11.3 yards per carry.
Next week the Elyria Pioneers look to add another win as they travel to play the Midview Middies. The Amherst Steele Comets look to bounce back as they host the Avon Eagles next week.
