After being down 21-0 at the half, West Geauga came storming back to tie the game late before falling to Bay 27-21 in overtime. Instead of packing it in, the Wolverines shut out the Rockets in the second half, scoring with 40 seconds left to tie it up.
Photo by Luigi Musto
Bay got things going in the first quarter when quarterback Tony Buttari found receiver Jace Knapp for a 59-yard score, making it 7-0 early. Running back Brendan Spellman busted off a 30-yard run and found the end zone, putting the Rockets up 14-0. Bay would find the end zone in the last minute of the half, when Buttari found tight end Jack McAlea to make it 21-0 Rockets at the half.
Second Half
West Geauga would finally break through on the scoreboard late in the 3rd courtesy of a Nicko Kless 4-yard plunge. Less than two minutes into the fourth quarter, running back Ethan Bartlett scampered 44-yards to narrow the gap to 21-14. With the game on the line, the Wolverines drove deep into Rockets territory. With only 43 seconds on the clock, quarterback Travis Veleba went around the left side into the end zone, sending the game to overtime.
Overtime
The Wolverines would get the ball first in the extra period but were unable to score after being stopped on fourth down. The Rockets took advantage of their opportunity and Spellman punched one in from four yards out to win the game 27-21. The touchdown was the junior’s second and ended West Geauga’s 21-0 run.
Photo by Luigi Musto
The win gives Bay their second straight season opening victory over the Wolverines and starts the season out on a good note. After going up 21-0 and then giving up 21 straight points, the Rockets showed the resilience they will need going forward this season.
Even in a loss, West Geauga showed grit in battling back after such a disappointing first half. The final drive in the fourth quarter highlights toughness and the Wolverines showed a potent rushing attack.
Looking ahead
Up next for Bay (1-0) is a trip to Lakewood to take on the Rangers, who take on John Marshall Saturday afternoon. The Wolverines (0-1) will host Streetsboro (0-1) next Friday night who fell to Girard 42-24.
Photo by Luigi Musto
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Bay 5:19- Tony Buttari to Jace Knapp, 59 yards (Million Evans kick good)
2nd Quarter
Bay 9:13- Brendan Spellman, 30-yard run (Million Evans kick good)
Bay 0:29- Tony Buttari to Jack McAlea, 15 yards (Million Evans kick good)
3rd Quarter
West Geauga 4:48- Niko Kless, 4-yard run (XP good)
4th Quarter
West Geauga 10:48- Ethan Bartlett, 44-yard run (XP good)
West Geauga 0:43- Travis Veleba, 10-yard run (XP good)
Overtime
Bay- Brendan Spellman, 4-yard run
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | OT | FINAL | |
| West Geauga | 0 | 0 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 21 |
| Bay | 7 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 27 |
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