By Sean Duffy

Wadsworth, OH– It is playoff time in Northeast Ohio! It is win and move on, lose and the season is over. Our game of the week is a first round match-up in Division II Region 7. The #3 ranked Wadsworth Grizzlies (10-0) host the #6 Wooster Generals (8-2). This contest is a rematch of a week 2 showdown between these two teams.  A lot is on the line for both of these teams as we

The first quarter started with Wooster going three and out. Wadsworth was driving deep in Generals territory when QB Trey Shaffer was intercepted by DB Kristian Scalf. Wooster then drove 89 yd for a score,  thanks to a 30 yd TD pass from QB Dylan Dagley to WR Zach Marinello, Wooster held a 7-0 lead. Wooster’s defense held Grizzlies on a 4th down attempt and took over on their own 15 yd line as the first quarter came to end with Wooster holding a 7-0 lead and driving into Grizzlies’ territory.

Wooster would add to their lead with a 25 yd field goal from kicker Joe Stoll, Wooster led 10-7 with 11:15 remaining in the half. Wadsworth would finally get on the scoreboard with an 80 yd scoring drive, RB Brock Snowball with a 15 yd run, the score was now 10-7 in favor Wooster with 7:34 left in the half. Wooster would respond with  a 13 yd TD run by RB Trevar Meese  on their next offensive, Wooster lead 17-7 with 4:50 left in the half. On Wadsworth’s next possession Generals DB Jett Morgan picked off Shaffer and took it 35 yds for a TD, Wooster now led 24-7 with 4:37 left in the half. Wadsworth responded with 2 Touchdowns before half, a 16 yd run by RB Barret Labus and a 3 yd TD run by RB Dom Loparo made made the score 24-21 in favor of Wooster at half.

The Grizzlies kept their momentum to start the third quarter, a  65 yd Td drive, capped by a 8 yd TD Run by Loparo. Wadsworth took a 28-24 lead with 8:28 remaining in the third. General’s QB Dylan Dagley would score from 8 yds out on Wooster’s next offensive possession.

Wooster retook the lead 31-28 with 5:57 left in the third. Grizzlies RB Dom Loparo would score his third TD of the night from 3 yds out to put the Grizzlies back on top 35-31 with 3:33 left in the third quarter. Wooster’s Dylan Dagley would connect with WR Zach Marinello for the second time for a 4yd TD. As the third quarter ended Wooster led 38-35.

Wadsworth opened the fourth quarter with a 6 yd TD run from RB Mason McMillen and Wadsworth now led 42-38 with 11:02 remaining. After trading 3 and outs Wooster had an opportunity to win the game as it drove from its own 18 yd line down to the Grizzlies 6yd line with under a minute to go. However the Grizzlies defense answered the bell breaking up 3 sure TD receptions in the end zone and sacking Dagley on 4th and goal, securing the 42-38 victory.

Wooster falls to 8-3 on the year and are eliminated from Division II playoffs. They were led by QB Dylan Dagley who had two passing TDS and a rushing TD on the night.

Wadsworth improves to 11-0 and were led by player of the game RB Dom Loparo with 3 TDs. The Grizzlies will play in the Division II region 7 Semifinals next week against Tri Valley who defeated Barberton on Friday.

What a fantastic game in Wadsworth!