by Akron, Ohio – Thanks to a Ryan Powell go-ahead touchdown run, the Warren Harding Raiders defeated host Buchtel, 20-16, on a steamy Saturday afternoon.
The Raiders got things started on their first possession, capping off their drive with a touchdown run from Ryan Powell. The successful point-after made the score 7-0.
Warren Harding would increase their lead to 14-0, thanks to a two-yard TD run from Drew McGowan.
Buchtel got on the board when Stevie Diamond found Artrell Wallace for a 26-yard touchdown reception. The Raider lead stood at 14-6 after a blocked PAT.
Zyaire Lewis would pick off a Drew McGowan pass to give the Griffs the ball back two plays later. However, Nawjeet Jones came up with an interception of his own to give the Raiders back possession.
The Raiders moved down the field, looking to increase their lead before the half, but Buchtel turned them away, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Durean Johnson.
Harding would hold serve, and remain ahead, 14-6, at the halftime break.
Akron Buchtel cut into their lead some more thanks to a three-yard touchdown run from Justin Hill. After the successful PAT, the Harding lead stood at 14-13 with 8:45 left in the third quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff, Durean Johnson recovered a fumble to give the Griffs excellent field position. Warren Harding came up with a goal-line stand and held them to a field goal off the leg of Demetrion Duvall.
His 20-yarder sailed through the uprights and gave Buchtel the lead for the first time, 16-14, with 6:08 left in the third.
From there, the defenses took over.
Buchtel linebacker Demetrice Coates forced a fumble, recovered by teammate Antuan Hunt.
Raylin Adams recovered a fumble for the Raiders. Dame Johnson then followed up with an interception for Buchtel late in the third quarter. It did not take long for the Griffs to retake possession, as Dustin Durden came up with the sack, and Denane Pollard with the recovery.
Raylin Adams picked off a pass and returned it to the end zone. The Raiders would have taken the lead if not for an illegal block in the back during the return. Nonetheless, Warren Harding set up shop with 5:21 left.
They would move down the field, thanks to a few key runs from Ryan Powell. Powell would cap the drive with a two-yard touchdown run to give Warren Harding the lead, 20-16, with 1:21 to play.
Buchtel took over with one final shot to win the ball game. But Warren Harding senior Khamari Adams came up with the game-sealing interception with 52 seconds left to ice the game.
Warren Harding, now 1-1, hosts Farrell (PA) next Friday, September 1st.
Akron Buchtel, now 0-2, hosts Lake Catholic next Saturday, September 2nd.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Ryan Powell (Warren Harding) ran for a pair of scores, including the game winner with 1:13 remaining.
Buchtel defense: The Griffs forced six turnovers (four coming in the second half alone)! Two interceptions to go with four fumble recoveries.
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