by For Rocky River Parents, this would be a wonderful way for you to come out and say thank you for 8 years of 100% free coverage. I’d love to meet each and every single one of you and hear your wonderful memories. Come get a book signed and enjoy the afternoon.
- Rocky River, Ohio
FINAL SCORE: The West Branch Warriors defeat the Rocky River Pirates 21-12 to move on to the Regional Finals
West Branch received the opening kickoff and struggled to find momentum early. They committed three false start penalties on their first drive. Facing a 4th-and-1, the Warriors attempted to pick up the first down on the ground but were stopped short, resulting in a turnover on downs. Rocky River capitalized on the opportunity on their first possession of the game. Several strong runs by RB Rocco Baon moved the Pirates into West Branch territory before QB Carter Atwater connected with WR Brendan Konet for a 29-yard gain that set Rocky River up inside the 10-yard line. Atwater then finished the drive himself with a 6-yard touchdown run. The PAT attempt was no good, but the Pirates still took an early 6-0 lead.
West Branch answered on their next possession. Facing a 3rd-and-4, QB Grady Hirst connected with WR Gavin Marshall for a first-down completion that moved the Warriors into Rocky River territory. A few plays later, Hirst capped off the drive with a 39-yard touchdown run, and the extra point gave West Branch a 7-6 lead. Rocky River quickly responded on their next drive. Facing a 3rd-and-8, Atwater found wide receiver Rowan Kennedy for an 11-yard gain for a first down. On the very next play, Atwater connected with wide receiver Tristin Hughes for a 36-yard touchdown pass. The Pirates attempted a two-point conversion, but the pass fell incomplete. Despite the failed two-point attempt, Rocky River regained the lead at 12-7 going into the second quarter.
West Branch’s next drive showed promise after Hirst picked up a first down to move the Warriors into Rocky River territory. Later, facing a 4th-and-11, Hirst connected with Marshall on a pass beyond the sticks, but Marshall was brought down one yard short of the line to gain. The stop resulted in a turnover on downs and gave the ball back to the Pirates. Rocky River was unable to take advantage of the opportunity and was forced to punt after a short possession. West Branch then put together an almost impressive drive. A series of first-down runs and receptions from Hirst, RB JJ Marra, and Marshall marched the Warriors deep into Pirates territory and all the way to the 5-yard line. However, the drive came to a sudden end when West Branch fumbled while attempting to punch the ball into the end zone. Rocky River recovered the loose ball to hold their 12-7 lead. The Pirates were once again unable to generate much offense on their next possession and punted the ball back to the Warriors with 2:43 remaining before halftime.
Looking to take the lead before halftime, West Branch was unable to build momentum on their next possession. A holding penalty and a sack stalled the drive, leaving the Warriors facing a 4th-and-16. West Branch was forced to punt, giving the ball back to Rocky River with 1:19 remaining in the first half. The Pirates were unable to capitalize on the opportunity, however, and quickly punted the ball back to the Warriors with 48 seconds left before halftime. West Branch also failed to generate any offense on their final possession of the half, and the clock expired shortly thereafter. At halftime, Rocky River held a 12-7 lead over West Branch.
Rocky River received the first possession coming out of halftime but was unable to generate much offense and quickly punted the ball back to West Branch. The Warriors were pinned deep in their own territory, starting their drive at the 2-yard line. Unable to move the chains, West Branch was forced to punt, giving Rocky River excellent field position at the Warriors’ 23-yard line. The Pirates appeared poised to extend their lead, marching inside the red zone. However, West Branch’s defense came up with a crucial stop. Facing a 4th-and-2 from the 15-yard line, Baon attempted to pick up the first down on the ground but was stopped just inches short, resulting in a turnover on downs. The Warriors looked to capitalize on the defensive stand and put together a promising drive into Rocky River territory. But on a 4th-and-10, Hirst attempted to scramble for the first down but stumbled before reaching the line to gain. The turnover on downs gave the ball back to the Pirates. Rocky River once again was unable to take advantage of the favorable field position, however, and was forced to punt after another stalled possession.
West Branch’s next possession stalled after an incomplete pass on third-and-5, forcing the Warriors to punt as the game moved into the fourth quarter. Rocky River looked to build on its slim lead, but the Warriors’ defense delivered another critical stop. Facing a fourth-and-1 from their own 39-yard line, quarterback Carter Atwater attempted to keep the drive alive on a quarterback run but was stopped just inches short of the line to gain. The turnover on downs gave West Branch excellent field position. The Warriors took advantage of the opportunity. After a first-down run by quarterback Grady Hirst, a holding penalty pushed West Branch back 10 yards and threatened to derail the drive. However, facing a fourth-and-1 from the 16-yard line, Hirst picked up a crucial first down with a 3-yard run.
A few plays later, Hirst powered his way into the end zone on a 2-yard touchdown run, putting West Branch back in front. The Warriors’ two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but they regained the lead, 13-12. Rocky River’s ensuing drive ended in disaster. Facing a third-and-10, Atwater’s pass was intercepted by defensive back Jeremy Ramsey, giving West Branch possession at the Pirates’ 26-yard line. The Warriors wasted little time capitalizing on the turnover. Back-to-back first-down runs from Hirst moved West Branch deep into Rocky River territory and down to the 2-yard line. Hirst once again took matters into his own hands, rushing for his third touchdown of the game on a 2-yard run. West Branch successfully converted the two-point attempt when Hirst connected with tight end Landon Coffee, extending the Warriors’ lead to 21-12 with 3:27 remaining in regulation.
Rocky River desperately needed a quick score, but their comeback hopes were dashed almost immediately. On the first play of the drive, Atwater was intercepted for the second consecutive possession. This time, LB Gavin Marshall stepped in front of the pass and came away with the turnover, giving the Warriors the ball back once again. With possession and a two-score lead, West Branch focused on running out the clock. A series of first-down runs by Hirst allowed the Warriors to keep the chains moving and prevent Rocky River from getting the ball back. When the final seconds ticked away, West Branch had completed a dramatic second-half comeback. Trailing 12-7 at halftime, the Warriors shut out the Pirates over the final two quarters and scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to earn a 21-12 victory. The win sends West Branch to the Regional Finals, while Rocky River’s postseason run comes to an end.
Rocky River was led by QB Carter Atwater who went 7/21 for 59 yards with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. RB Rocco Baon had 18 carries for 55 yards. Wr’s Brendan Konet had 2 receptions for 34 yards and Tristin Hughes had 5 receptions for 46 yards and 1 touchdown and 4 carries for 20 yards
West Branch was led by QB Grady Hirst who went 11/18 for 86 yards and a 2-point conversion and had 33 rushes for 206 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. RB JJ Marra had 10 carries for 54 yards. WR’s Drake Stryffeler had 4 receptions for 29 yards; Gavin Marshall had 4 receptions for 45 yards and 3 carries for 22 yards. TE Landon Coffee had 2 catches for 5 yards and a two-point conversion
Player of the Game: West Branch QB Grady Hirst, 11/18 passing for 86 yards and a 2-point conversion and 33 rushes for 206 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns
