by ROCKY RIVER, OH – On Friday night, the Lutheran West Longhorns hosted the Toledo Scott Bulldogs at Alumni Stadium in the first round of the playoffs. The Longhorns entered the game as conference champions with a record of 9-1. The Bulldogs were also their conference champions with a record of 8-2. The Longhorns won 31-0, securing their first playoff victory in school history. The Longhorns offense was electric and led by senior quarterback Clay Noble, senior running back Lamar Scott and junior wide receiver Jayden Theodore.
Clay Noble was an important part of the Longhorns offensive success. His veteran presence led the offense in their amazing performance. His accurate throws and speed contributed to the Longhorns success. Noble scored two of the Longhorns four touchdowns on the night.
Senior running back Lamar Scott was a crucial offensive weapon for the Longhorns. Scott could not be caught by the Bulldogs defense all night. He rushed 56-yards for a touchdown and constantly moved the ball downfield for the Longhorns. Scott was able to evade the Bulldogs defense and make key plays that were crucial in the Longhorns win.
Junior wide receiver Jayden Theodore was another key player in the Longhorns win tonight. He swiftly escaped the Bulldogs defense and was able to get open for Noble. Theodore had several crucial catches to keep drives alive for the Longhorns. He had a 17-yard rushing touchdown to extend the Longhorns lead.
The Longhorns struck first and carried the momentum all the way through the first half. The Longhorns opened the game with a 10-yard run for the 1st down by Noble. Lamar Scott had a 5-yard carry to keep the ball moving downfield for the Longhorns. Sophomore running back Ja’Marrion Banks evaded the Bulldogs defense as he carried the ball 16-yards to put the Longhorns into the red zone.
Noble ran the ball into the end zone for the touchdown, putting the Longhorns on the scoreboard first. Junior kicker Bryce Groppe came on and scored the extra point putting the Longhorns up 7-0 with 6:56 left in the 1st quarter.
Despite a threat from the Bulldogs on their next drive, the Longhorns defense was able to force the Bulldogs to punt, giving the ball back to the Bulldogs. Longhorns senior tight end Di’Marion Gill blocked the Bulldogs punt to start the Longhorns next drive.
The duo of Noble and Scott moved the ball downfield for the Longhorns. Noble passed the ball to Scott and he gained 7 yards on the first down of the drive. Junior wide receiver Jayden Theodore followed with another 7-yard carry to keep momentum rolling for the Longhorns. The Longhorns evaded the Bulldogs defense with a strong run game. Scott had another 7-yard carry to put the Longhorns into the red zone.
Noble rushed into the end zone to secure his second touchdown of the night. Bryce Groppe added the extra point for the Longhorns with another perfect kick, putting the Longhorns up 14-0 with 4:26 left in the half.
The Longhorns were dynamic on both sides of the ball tonight. On the Bulldogs next drive, junior quarterback Carnel Smith II was intercepted by sophomore linebacker Ja’Marrion Banks who ran the ball for 15-yards, putting the Longhorns back in the red zone. The Bulldogs defense answered back and forced the Longhorns to settle for a field goal. Bryce Groppe came on with a perfect kick to tack on three more with the 35-yard field goal, putting the score at 17-0 with seven seconds left in the half.
The Longhorns came into the second half playing with the same intensity that they began the game with. Noble handed the ball off to Scott and he could not be caught by the Bulldogs. Scott weaved through the defense and ran right into the end zone for another Longhorns touchdown. Bryce Groppe came on and scored the extra-point for the Longhorns, putting the score at 24-0 with 6:06 left in the 3rd quarter.
The Longhorns quickly found themselves in the end zone once again. Noble ran the ball 20-yards to put the Longhorns into the red zone to begin the drive. Noble passed the ball to Theodore who ran 17 yards after the catch and found pay dirt (31-0 Longhorns).
The Longhorns attempted to extend their lead with 40 seconds left in the game. Noble ran the ball for 10 yards to get the Longhorns into field goal range. Bryce Groppe’s perfect night came to an end as he missed a 36-yard field goal attempt.
Tonight’s player of the game was Lamar Scott. He was a weapon on both offense and defense. He rushed for 104 yards and was a crucial part in the Longhorns win. He had a 56-yard rushing touchdown and 2 tackles on defense. His athleticism and speed played a key role in securing the win.
The Lutheran West Longhorns advance to the next round of the playoffs. Next week, they will play the Holy Name GreenWave in North Royalton.
