PARMA, Ohio- The Padua Franciscan Bruins came into Week Five with not only an undefeated record of 4-0, but also a top ranking in the OHSAA State Polls. The Bruins came in at number four in Division III, Region 10 rankings heading into this week but would not let that ranking put them in a lull. Instead, the Bruins came out in full force and showed why they are a top team in Division III football and a main player come November.
It all started the way it should for Padua, as Senior Quarterback Kevin Peterson marched Padua down the field with an impressive drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to Jordan Walker. It was the most fluent drive the Bruins would have but also one of the only drives that started inside their own thirty-yard line.
The Bruins would continue to find success when Matthew Kazimour picked off Camp’s pass on the ensuing drive and ran it back for a touchdown.
Later on in the first half, Camp would fumble the ball in the end zone and John Harris would scoop the ball up for another quick six points for Padua.
Peterson would get another chance to shine offensively and exposed the Garfield Heights’ defensive scheme of placing ten men in the box by finding tight end Cameron Drum on a slant route that saw Drum sprint sixty-nine yards for the score.
Just like that, it was 28-0 Bruins.
Head Coach Mike Polevacik talked about why it took longer for Padua to take advantage of the blitz-heavy defensive front of Garfield Heights:
“We are going to try to run the football and we’re gonna be patient and see if we can do that. If we can’t, then we won’t keep butting our head against the wall. We saw that they weren’t gonna back off on what they were doing, so we just adjusted to then stretching the field.”
Ty’Riek Smith would help the Bulldogs get on the board for an attempt at a comeback, but the Bruins were just not going to be denied. With an offense that showed its true flashes of greatness along with a defense that caused five takeaways, it was an impressive showing by the Padua Bruins. They took this one by a final score of 40-20.
Quarterback Kevin Peterson was very aware of the fact that explosive running back Trent Cramer was a big part of the Garfield Heights’ defensive scheme and that he would have to pass the ball a little bit more. When talking about the day he had offensively, Peterson credited his success to familiarity.
“I feel very comfortable. It’s my second year in the offense so I’m a lot more comfortable than I was last year.”
For Jordan Walker, he finished with 12 catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Walker would later say tonight was his best game he’s ever had.
“So far. More to come.”
This is the first time since 1993 that Padua is 5-0 in football.
Head Coach Mike Polevacik talked about the historic night in Parma:
“I always tell them that football’s not an instant gratification sport. You have to constantly show up and constantly go to work and work for results. And we just talk about that. That football’s hard, life’s hard but if you put your head down and go to work, hopefully you make your own breaks. And it’s paying off right now.”
When asked about the back half of the team’s schedule, Polevacik brought up the heart of the North Coast League and talked about the strength of the conference the Bruins reside in.
“We’re gonna have to continue to get better to beat those kind of programs.”
For Padua, it continues at home against Walsh Jesuit next week. Meanwhile, Garfield Heights tries to stop a four-game losing streak when they return home against Valley Forge.
Player of the Game: Padua Wide Receiver Jordan Walker
Walker electrified the crowd with twelve receptions for 100 yards, finding the end zone twice.
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