North Ridgeville, OH- Division II Region 6 finals features two teams that are very familiar with each other, in fact it features two teams that have already met once this season. The #3 seeded Olmsted Falls Bulldogs and the #1 seeded Avon Eagles, Southwestern Conference rivals face off for the chance to go to the Division II State Semifinal.
The Avon Eagles were able to force the Bulldogs to a three and out and a punt, thanks in large part to a sack deep in bulldog territory by Noah Radcliffe, Avon got the ball on their own 49 yd line. The Eagles first offensive drive featured a heavy dose of WR David Orlando both running and catching the ball from QB Ryan Maloy. The Eagles got on the board first thanks to a 8 yd TD run from Maloy, Avon took 7-0 lead wtih 7:52 left in the opening quarter. Olmsted Falls benefited from a penalty on the subsequent kickoff and started their next drive on the Avon 46 yd line. The Bulldogs would later score on a 13 yd pass and catch from QB Teddy Grendzynksi to WR Josh Jaeckin, with 5:12 left in the first quarter the score was tied 7-7. Avon would respond with an 85 yd scoring drive, featuring a 43 yd run by RB Nick Perusek, Maloy would score on an 17 yd run to put Avon up 14-7. Avon linebacker Alex Waters recovered a bad Bulldog pitch and fumble by Jaeckin, setting the Eagles up on the bulldog 27 yd line. Olmsted Falls’ defense would not allow the eagles to score, forcing a turnover on downs. On 4th and 8 deep in their own territory Olmsted falls elected to go for it, Avon’s deffens stood tall and forced a turnover on downs on the Olmsted Falls 15yd line. Perusek would score on a 10 yd TD, a blocked extra point made the score 20-7 as the 1st quarter came to an end.
Avon’s defense continued to dominate the Olmsted Falls offense, getting penetration into the backfield and disrupting the bulldog triple option attack. After yet another Bulldog three and out to open the 2nd quarter, Avon’s QB Maloy Connected with WR David Orlando for a 39 yd TD pass, Avon’s lead swelled to 27-7 with 7:39 remaining in the half. Avon would score again in the second quarter this time on a 14 yd TD run from Perusek, Avon took commanding 34-7 lead in to the half. Avon was set to receive the 2nd half kickoff.
Avon picked up right where it left off to open the second half, when on the second play of their opening drive Ryan Maloy ripped off an 80 Yd TD Run, Avon led 41-7 early in the 3rd. The Avon Defense continued to dominate the Bulldogs offense, not allowing Olmsted falls any opportunity to move the ball. A running clock brought the third quarter to a quick end with Avon leading 41-7.
Despite the large deficit and the running clock the Bulldogs were not lying down as they were able to score to open the 4th quarter, thanks to a 18 yd TD run from RB Jack Spellacy, Avon led 41-14 with 9:24 left. Avon would answer immediately with a 79 yd TD run from RB Mark Steinmentz. Avon’s Tyler Hunter would add another TD to give the Eagles an insurmountable 55-14 victory.
The Olmsted Falls Bulldogs finish the year 11-2 overall, they are the Division II Region 6 Regional Runner up . The bulldogs were led offensively by Josh Jaeckin and Jack Spellacy each scoring a Rushing TD.
The Avon Eagles are the 2017 Division II Region 6 Champions with a perfect 13-0 over all record. They were led by By QB Ryan Maloy who had 125 yds rushing, 4Tds, to go along with 145 yds passing and 1 TD. Avon moves on to the Division II State semifinals where they will meet Archbishop Hoban.
The Division II Region 6 Finals features two teams that are very familiar with each other, in fact one could say that these two teams know more about each other than any other Regional final matchup in northeast Ohio. The #1 seeded Avon Eagles (12-0) face Southwestern Conference rival #3 seeded Olmsted Falls Bulldogs (11-1) for a berth in the state semifinals in Division II. Both teams know what is at stake, both teams have the talent, and both teams know that it will take a near perfect effort to secure there spot in the state final four in Division II. Below are the keys to watch for in this regional final matchup.
Avon needs to establish early momentum– Avon’s Offense led by QB Ryan Maloy has been impressive, seemingly scoring at will throughout most of the regular season. However in the first two games of the playoffs we have seen the eagles struggle in the first half against quality defenses such asToledo St. Johns and Highland, only to pull away in the second half. Look for Avon to take shots vertically down the field against the bulldogs secondary in order to open up the run game that will hopefully return RB Tony Eberhardt , who was out against Highland with mononucleosis. If Eberhardt cannot return , RB Nick Perusek , who filled in admirably against Highland, will be the primary focus of the run game.
If it isn’t broke don’t fix it- Olmsted Falls turned in an almost perfect performance last week against a really good Wadsworth team, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The Bulldogs defense was able to successfully slow down a high powered Wadsworth offense, who was averaging roughly 40 points a game. the obvious key to look for here is whether or not the bulldogs can duplicate the same defense in both effort and execution. If the Bulldogs can limit the scoring opportunities for Avon’s offense, utilize a strong running game anchored by RB Luke Lombardo and RB Jack Spellacy to control the pace of the game, Olmsted Falls will be in position to win a close game.
Beware/embrace the cliché- It is well known saying in the world of sports, it is difficult to beat a twice in one year. These two teams met in week 2 of the regular season, which is basically a lifetime ago in football years. Avon was able to win that game 31-7. Look for Avon to use the mantra of we beat them once we can do it again. Simple, yet effective for the psyche of a team that has not tasted defeat all season. However, the bulldogs were on the losing end of that matchup and that loss is their only blemish on an otherwise perfect season. Olmsted Falls and Avon have the benefit preparing for a team that they know all to well. Olmsted Falls will look to correct the mistakes that were made in week 2 of the regular season, while Avon will look to have a repeat performance.
At this point of the playoffs the cream has risen to the top, and there is not much difference in the teams that are playing for a regional championship. This matchup is particularly intriguing in that these are the top two teams from the Southwestern Conference. While it is great bragging rights for the conference to have two teams from the same conference competing for a regional title, neither team is satisfied with just making it this far. It is sure to be a great regional final between these two teams on Friday night in North Ridgeville. The Sports on Tap crew will be in full force Rob on the camera, Josh on social media, and me providing a recap of the game for your reading pleasure. Be sure to follow us on twitter @sotpodcast for live updates from the game, use #sothsf to join in on the conversation.
SOT continues their Ohio High School Sports coverage! Listen as SOT talks to Olmsted Falls Defensive Coordinator Rob Pace. They talk about their last game versus #2 Wadsworth, their rematch versus Avon, the players who have made it a special year, and much more! Click the link below to listen!
We broadcast live from Zs cream and bean in Hinckley, the first Monday of every month! 2706 Boston Road, Hinckley Ohio 44233. Contact us for details. See you there!
SOT continues their Ohio High School Sports coverage! Listen as SOT breaks down the high school football playoff recaps for Division I, II, and III. They cover different regions that include teams in the GCC, SWC, Suburban League, and more. They breakdown the games and get you prepared for Friday! Click the link below to listen!
We broadcast live from Zs cream and bean in Hinckley, the first Monday of every month! 2706 Boston Road, Hinckley Ohio 44233. Contact us for details. See you there!
Brunswick, Ohio – The frigid air took twelve weeks to introduce itself to the high school football season in Northeast Ohio. Visible breaths emanating through helmets, parents bundled up in the stands, and plenty of hot chocolate going around for this Division 2 Region 6 semifinal contest between the #3 Olmsted Falls Bulldogs and the #2 Wadsworth Grizzlies. Wadsworth was attempting to set a school record for victories in a season, while Olmsted Falls wanted a potential rematch to avenge their only loss against #1 Avon.
Wadsworth’s offense hummed all season long behind the arm and legs of QB Joey Baughman. Three plays into the game, Olmsted Falls DB Tyler Broski tipped a Baughman pass into the waiting arms of LB Brian Eiseman. Eiseman returned the interception to the Wadsworth 27 yard line just 39 seconds into the game. The Bulldogs, utilizing their patented triple-option offense, drove to the Grizzlies 8 yard line. On fourth and two, head coach Tom Deluca eschewed a 25 yard field goal attempt and was promptly turned away by the Wadsworth defense. Baughman got the Grizzlies out of trouble with a 30 yard run, but the Bulldogs were able to force a punt and got the ball back at their own 23. Olmsted Falls took all of five plays covering 77 yards to take a 7-0 lead, capped off by runs of 38 and 11 yards by RB Jack Spellacy with 3:39 left in the first quarter. Undeterred, Wadsworth countered with a three play, 58 yard drive ending in a 5 yard Baughman TD run to tie the game up at 7-7 less than a minute later.
The Bulldogs embarked on an eight play drive ending in a Luke Lombardo fumble at the Grizzly 3 yard-line, recovered by Wadsworth’s Clay Wagner. Both defenses stonewalled each other’s potent offenses. Wadsworth drove 66 yards to the Bulldogs 10 yard line with just three seconds left in the first half. Ryan Larj came on to attempt a 27 yard field goal. As the ball was snapped, the play was whistled dead as Wadsworth had a false start. Larj had successfully split the uprights on the attempt, but faced a 32 yard attempt after the penalty was walked off. Larj’s second attempt fell just short and the Bulldogs went into halftime tied 7-7 with the undefeated champions of the Suburban League National Division.
Wadsworth forced a three and out to start the second half. Three plays later, Baughman found WR Jack Simmons at the Bulldog 3 yard line. As Simmons was fighting for the end zone, DB Michael Howard forced a fumble recovered by DB Richie Nock, thwarting the drive. Olmsted Falls continued to run the ball, getting out of Wadsworth territory before they were forced to punt. The Grizzlies took over on their own 8 yard line. Brock Snowball put the ball on the ground, and Brett Eiseman recorded his second turnover of the game, recovering the fumble. Wadsworth’s defense was up to the task, as FS Brett Randolph fended off two end zone passes from QB Teddy Grendzynski to WR Braden Galaska on third and fourth downs to stop the Bulldogs with just over four minutes left in the third quarter. From the press box, Galaska appeared to have successfully completed his catch in the end zone, but was ruled out of bounds by the officials. Wadsworth drove 92 yards in 9 plays, aided by a 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty, and ended in a familiar combination of Baughman to WR Mitchell Blackburn for a 22 yard TD. Ryan Larj’s extra point was good and the Grizzlies held a 14-7 lead.
On their next drive, the Bulldogs completed two timely passes, converting both a 3rd and 7 via a 25 yard pass from Grenzynski to WR Josh Jaeckin and a 4th and 4 on Grendzynski’s 26 yard pass to Nock, taking the Bulldogs to the one yard line. Grendzynski called his own number from one yard out for the touchdown and after Jake Politowski’s extra point, this game was tied at 14 with 9:47 left in the game. After taking possesion at their own 30 yard line, two plays later, Baughman deftly navigated through would-be tacklers and found the end zone for a 70 yard TD run. On the extra point attempt, the long snap bounced to Baughman and Larj’s extra point attempt was blocked. Wadsworth led 20-14 with just over 9 minutes left.
Wadsworth’s defense bent but did not break over the course of the first three quarters, even with the loss of NT Cole Lamp. However, the Bulldogs were able to slowly wear down the Grizzlies up front. The Bulldogs completed just one pass on the ensuing drive, getting to the Wadsworth 16 yard line. Facing a 4th and 3, Grenzynski tossed a jump ball up to Nock in the end zone. The ball fell incomplete, but Blackburn was called for pass interference. With new life, Luke Lombardo bullied his way into the end zone to tie the game at 20 with 3:28 left in the game. Politowski’s extra point sailed through the uprights and the Bulldogs held a 21-20 lead over the undefeated Grizzlies.
With their backs against the wall for the first time all season, Wadsworth took over on their own 35 yard line. Baughman called his own number on three straight runs, gaining 7 yards and setting up the play of the season. On 4th and 3, Baughman found a familiar face in Blackburn with enough for the first down. Unfortunately, Blackburn could not get his feet in bounds as he was pushed to the sidelines and the Grizzlies turned the ball over with just under 2 minutes left in the game. The Bulldogs forced Wadsworth to expend their timeouts and ground out a first down. Olmsted Falls was able to go into victory formation, pulling off the 21-20 upset of the Wadsworth Grizzlies, and advancing to the Division 2 Region 6 finals.
The Bulldogs successfully executed their game plan of keeping the potent Wadsworth off of the field, rushing 61 times over the course of the game. Wadsworth ran just 6 offensive plays in the fourth quarter. This was compounded with Wadsworth’s mistakes, including dropped passes, untimely penalties, and the missed extra point. QB Joey Baughman ends his illustrious career completing 16 of 29 passes for 243 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception. He was the game’s leading rusher with 19 carries for 172 yards and 2 TDs. WR Mitchell Blackburn did his best to make up for missing WR Christian Szalay, catching 9 passes for 159 yards and a TD. Wadsworth’s season ends with an 11-1 record, tying the single season records for wins.
Olmsted Falls two headed monster of RBs Jack Spellacy and Luke Lombardo, coupled with excellent decision making by QB Teddy Grendzynski, each produced a TD. Spellacy rushed 17 times for 102 yards and a TD while Lombardo rushed 27 times for 91 yards and a TD, his 21st of the season. Credit the Bulldogs defense for containing Baughman and forcing three turnovers, mostly by keeping their linebackers in overage and spying Baughman to limit the frequency of big plays. With the win, Olmsted Falls improves to 11-1 overall and will face off against #1 Avon in a rematch of their Week 2 battle, a 31-7 victory by Avon.
Division 2 Region 6 Semifinals
1
2
3
4
Final
#3 Olmsted Falls
7
0
0
14
21
#2 Wadsworth
7
0
7
6
20
First Quarter
OF – Jack Spellacy 11 run (Jake Politowski kick)
W- Joey Baughman 5 run (Ryan Larj kick)
Third Quarter
W- Baughman 22 pass to Mitchell Blackburn (Ryan Larj kick)
The Division 2 Region 6 Semifinals will pit the Southwestern Conference runner-up and #3 seed Olmsted Falls Bulldogs (10-1, 8-1) against the undefeated champions of the Suburban League National Division and #2 Wadsworth Grizzlies (11-0, 7-0). All playoff games will now be played at neutral sites, and this contest will be played at Judy Kirsch Field at Brunswick Auto Mart Stadium in Brunswick tomorrow night at 7:30pm. Here are three questions for this matchup:
#1 Olmsted Falls runs a ball control offense. Will the Bulldogs be able to win the battle up front for all four quarters and keep Wadsworth’s offense off the field?
#2 QB Joey Baughman and his myriad of weapons put 61 up on their first-round opponent, Sylvania Northview. Can they maintain the momentum against an underrated Olmsted Falls defense?
#3 Both teams were able to outlast their opponents last week to get to this game. Who will be able to make plays in the fourth quarter to keep their season going?
Rob Trautman, Josh Jeffi, and I will be covering the game live via social media using #SOTHSF on Twitter. Check out video and the recap on this website after the game. We will also provide updates for the Greater Cleveland Conference, Southwestern Conference, and Suburban League throughout the night!
SOT continues their Ohio High School Sports coverage! Listen as SOT recaps Week 8 Game of the Week between the Olmsted Falls Bulldogs versus the Midview Middies in a Southwestern Conference Showdown! We go over the big plays, stats, player performances, scores, and much more! Click the links below to listen!
