by Chester Twp., Ohio – Thanks to a strong first-half performance, the West Geauga Wolverines defeated the visiting Orange Lions, 35-14.
The Wolverines got things going on the first drive of the game. They utilized their ground game early and often, even converting a fourth-and-short in their own territory, keeping their drive alive. A few plays later, junior Anthony Dzurilla finished things off with a one-yard touchdown run.
After forcing an Orange punt, junior Mickey Keenan rolled to his left, finding Vincent Vecchio wide open for a 38-yard touchdown. The Wolverine lead would stand at 14-0.
Orange moved down the field, helped by a pair of penalties by the West Geauga defense. But the Wolverine defense came up with an interception by Matteo DeNigris.
Early in the second quarter, Mickey Keenan called his own number, rushing for a 13 yard touchdown to increase the lead to 21-0.
The Wolverine defense thwarted another Orange offensive drive, taking over at their own 41. Keenan took to the air once again, finding Vincent Vecchio for a 59 yard touchdown. West Geauga would lead 28-0 with 5:11 left in the second quarter.
The Lions would respond when senior quarterback Itai Tannenbaum found senior receiver Alex Winston for a 79-yard touchdown pass.
The Wolverines would add one more touchdown, as Anthony Dzurilla rushed for his second score of the game from a yard out. This would increase the lead to 35-7 with 1:22 left in the first half.
After another stop, the Wolverines got into field goal range, but the 24-yard attempt was wide left, keeping the score at 35-7 at the half.
West Geauga was driving, looking to increase their lead and trigger the running clock in the third quarter. But Alex Winston forced a fumble that was recovered by Jordan Eason.
After the two teams traded stops going into the fourth quarter, the Lions scored the lone points of the second half.
Orange senior EJ Dowdell rushed for a one-yard touchdown with 3:24 left, and freshman kicker Emme Morrissey added the extra point for the final margin.
West Geauga improves to 4-1 and 1-1 in the CVC Chagrin Division. They travel to Edgewood next Friday, September 25th to continue conference play.
Orange drops to 3-2 and 1-1 in the CVC Chagrin Division. They host Hawken next Friday, September 25th to continue conference play.
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