by Wadsworth, OH: Last Friday night, North Royalton pulled an upset over Wadsworth to clinch a share of the Suburban League National title. Seven days later, the Grizzlies (10-1) responded with a 38-7 running clock victory over the Bears (5-6). The Wadsworth offense scored on each of its first five possessions, taking a 31-0 lead into the half. Junior Cooper Gray led the way offensively with 10 carries for 185 yards and three touchdowns, along with a 47-yard touchdown catch.
First Half
North Royalton moved out near midfield on their opening drive but, on the fourth play of the game, the ball came loose and Wadsworth recovered at the Bears’ 33. On 3rd & goal from the six, Brysen Hall hit Luke Maddox on a slant for a Grizzlies touchdown, making it 7-0 early.
After forcing a three-and-out on the ensuing North Royalton drive, Wadsworth began with great field position again, this time at the Bears’ 40. The Grizzlies would work the ball inside the ten but settled for a 26-yard field goal from Jack Dinwiddie to extend their lead to 10-0.
Starting their next possession near midfield, Cooper Gray took a handoff 50 yards right up the middle for another Wadsworth touchdown, making the score 17-0 after one quarter of play. On the third play of their next drive, Gray took the handoff yet again, this time for a 22-yard score that put the Grizzlies up 24-0 just five seconds into the second quarter.
Early in the second quarter, North Royalton was finally able to string together positive yardage plays and worked deep into Wadsworth territory. On 4th & goal, Joe Kinney was sacked by Jacob Earnest, halting the Bears’ momentum.
It wouldn’t take the Grizzlies long to get back on the scoreboard as Hall found a wide-open Gray in the flat and the junior took it 47 yards for his 3rd touchdown touchdown of the game. North Royalton would drive deep into Wadsworth territory yet again, but were halted inside the five-yard line in the final minute of the half. At the break, Wadsworth held a 31-0 lead.
Second Half
Just as they had in the first half, the Grizzlies offense got on the board quickly in the third quarter. On the third play, Cooper Gray broke loose once again, this time racing 68 yards to make the score 38-0.
With a running clock in effect, neither team ran very many plays in the second half. Midway through the fourth, Joe Kinney found Nicholas Piazza down the sideline for a 41-yard touchdown. Although both teams would have one more possession, neither made any progress. When the final whistle blew, the Grizzlies walked away with a 38-7 victory.
Keys to the Game
While the players were the same, Wadsworth looked like a completely different team than they did a week ago. Without the last drive of the first half, the Grizzlies scored on six straight possessions to start the game and forced two three-and-outs and three turnovers during the same time.
After carrying the ball 38 times last week, Cooper Gray only needed 10 carries to rack up 185 yards and three touchdowns, along with a 47-yard touchdown grab. Quarterback Brysen Hall was efficient, finishing 12-17 for 142 yards and two scores.
Next Week
The Grizzlies will hit the road next week when they travel to North Ridgeville to take on the Rangers (9-2). North Ridgeville advanced to the second round with a 42-6 win over Toledo Start.
Top Performers
North Royalton Bears
Mannix Wasco: 20 carries 84 yards 1 catch 6 yards
Nicholas Piazza: 2 catches 50 yards TD
Wadsworth Grizzlies
Cooper Gray: 10 carries 185 yards 3 TD 1 catch 47 yards TD
Brysen Hall: 12-17 142 yards 2 TD
Luke Maddox: 4 catches 32 yards TD
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Wadsworth 6:48- Brysen Hall to Luke Maddox, 6 yards (kick good)
Wadsworth 3:47- Jack Dinwiddie 26-yard field goal
Wadsworth 2:03- Cooper Gray, 50-yard run (kick good)
2nd Quarter
Wadsworth 11:55- Cooper Gray, 22-yard run (kick good)
Wadsworth 5:58- Brysen Hall to Cooper Gray, 47 yards (kick good)
3rd Quarter
Wadsworth 9:03- Cooper Gray, 68-yard run (kick good)
4th Quarter
North Royalton 6:06- Joe Kinney to Nicholas Piazza, 41 yards (kick good)
|
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
FINAL |
|
| North Royalton |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
7 |
| Wadsworth |
17 |
14 |
7 |
0 |
38 |
