By Sean Duffy

North Ridgeville, OH– Hard to believe, but it is Week 1 of the 2023 Northeast Ohio High School Football season. Sports on Tap’s unrivaled coverage of high school football begins with a great match up between former Southwestern Conference foes, the North Olmsted Eagles travel to face the North Ridgeville Rangers. Last years contest featured a dramatic second half comeback by North Ridgeville, North Olmsted will have revenge on their mind as they go on the road to North Ridgeville.

North Olmsted was first to get on the board thanks to a blocked punt that that was returned for a touchdown. Eagles jumped out to a 7-0 lead that would hold through the end of the opening quarter of play.

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The Rangers would get on the board early in the second quarter thanks to a long drive that was capped off by a 7 yd TD run by Sophomore RB Zach Barnhart. The Rangers tied the score 7-7 as the first half came to an end.

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North Ridgeville came out firing in the second half putting up 34 unanswered points beginning with a 5 yd TD run by QB Cole Miller.

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The Rangers would close the third quarter with an electrifying 39 Yd TD Run by RB Charlie Steinmetz. North Ridgeville led 21-7 after three quarters of play.

Steinmetz would score twice more in the fourth quarter the first on a 16 yd TD run

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Cole Miller would find Steinmetz for his third TD of the night, a 20 yd pass and catch to put the Rangers up 34-7 late in the game.

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The Ranger defense would also find the end zone in the fourth quarter thanks to a 64 yd Pick six by DB Xavier Compton. That score triggered a running clock and the game ended with North Ridgeville getting the 41-7 Victory.

North Olmsted could not get anything going offensively having multiple three and outs, sacks and tackles for loss , and 3 interceptions from QB Tommy Horsfall. The Eagles fall to 0-1 on the season and will need to fix their offensive woes as they host the Midview Middies in Week 2.

North Ridgeville is 1-0 overall and were led offensively by RB Charlie Steinmetz who scored 3 TDs on the night (2 rushing, 1 passing). QB Cole Miller also had a passing TD and a rush TD in the contest. The Rangers will look to keep rolling in Week 2 as they host Valley Forge.

So long from North Ridgeville!!!