By: Robert Huff
When speaking to Brush Coach Jeff Fink before tonight’s game against Chardon, he mentioned that the Arcs got humbled last week in their 24-13 loss to North High. Brush got back to fundamentals during a good week of practice. After which, Coach Fink feels that his team not so much took something from the loss, but how much more important tonight’s game in front of them is. And in the end, they played like it by pulling out a comeback victory over Chardon 21-20 in a nail-biter.
After a scoreless first quarter, the action picked up in the middle of the second quarter. With 7:33 remaining in the half, a first-down hand off by Chardon became a fumble recovered by Brush after a devastating hit by Junior Linebacker Kyle Bunnaman. On the ensuing play from scrimmage, Brush scored on a 34-yard long run by Junior running back Mitchell Kellogg III. The Hilltoppers would not answer back until the second half, where they took a 14-7 lead after two touchdown runs of eight and six yards by Chardon quarterback Andrew Kobuszewski.
The Arcs finally answered back with 6:31 remaining in the game with a second score on the night by Kellogg III, but failed on the two-point conversion. The score cut the lead to 14-13.
On Brush’s next drive with their backs against the wall on fourth and seven, the Arcs’ Quarterback Godwin Joe flung the ball towards the right hash mark to his wide receiver Donovan Johnson for the 45-yard touchdown to give Brush the seven-point lead after also completing the two point conversion on this drive. Now down 21-14 with 3:03 left in the contest, Chardon drove down to the Brush 4-yard line before Kobuszewski scampered in for the score on then keeper.
With the game on the line and possibly the conference title, Chardon decided to go for two and the win. Sticking to their bread and butter that was working all night, the Hilltoppers choose a QB keeper as the play once again, but this time Kobuszewski was snuffed out at the one-yard line by Brush Senior linebacker Bradford Eason on the conversion. After the onside kick attempt by Chardon went out of bounds, the Arcs knelt on the ball twice to preserve the 21-20 victory.
Brush held 427-343 advantage in yardage. Both quarterbacks led their teams statline, with Joe accumulating 360 total yards (323 passing, 37 rushing) and Kobuszewski accounting for 239 (153 rushing, 86 passing). But Kobuszewski and the Hilltoppers also a had four turnovers (2 Int’s, 2 fumbles) in this game that help to contribute to the loss.
With the win, Brush (6-2, 4-1 WRC) are tied with Chardon (6-2, 4-1) atop the league and took a big step toward a Division II playoff berth with two games left this season. Brush’s win tightens the WRC race. Not only are Brush and Chardon tied atop the league, but North and Kenston are a game back with the same 3-2 league records. Up next for both teams, Brush will be taking on Riverside, while Chardon will face Kenston. Both games will be at 7pm next Friday.
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