Normandy sophomore quarterback Elijah Gray threw for 126 yards, ran for 124 yards and scored 4 total touchdowns as the Invaders defeated the Fairview Park Warriors 42-7 on Thursday night at Byers Field.
The game was effectively over in the first half, with Normandy storming to a 35-0 first half lead, having outgained the Warriors 295-3.
The first quarter was dominated by Gray, who started the game with a 38-yard touchdown run on a 4th and 1 quarterback sneak. The Invader offensive line dominated on every play, routinely getting 3-4 yards off space for the Invader running backs to run wild.
Photo by Luigi Musto
And that they did, especially senior running back Curtis Starks, who had two first-half carries and two first-half touchdowns. Starks’ second touchdown could be the “PCSD Play of the Year”, as he evaded at least four Warriors defenders and ran the length and width of the field for a 96-yard rushing touchdown.
Photo by Luigi Musto
Gray also showed his merit as a passer, throwing for completing 8 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown. Gray displays a strong arm for a sophomore with obvious mobility and will be interesting prospect to follow in the coming years.
Fairview Park was led by sophomore quarterback Nate Glanc, who had 32 total yards and a 2-yard touchdown pass to junior running back Quinn Bruder in the 4th quarter.
On defense, senior defensive back Eric Thomas was the standout for Normandy, with two consecutive pass defenses on 3rd and 4th down while the game was still in reach.
Next week, Normandy (3-1) hosts Lakewood (2-1) while Fairview (1-3) travels to North Olmsted (1-2).
Notable Stats
Elijah Gray (Normandy): 8-14, 126 yards, 1 TD, 12 carries, 124 yards, 3 TD
Curtis Starks (Normandy): 2 rushes, 105 yards, 2 TD
Austin Konicki (Normandy): 3 catches, 66 yards, 1 TD
Nate Glanc (Fairview Park): 4-11, 22 yards, 1 TD, 10 rushes, 10 yards
Quinn Bruder (Fairview Park): 2 catches, 14 yards, 1 TD, 6 rushes, 28 yards
Scoring
1st Quarter
Normandy: Elijah Gray, 38 run (Neno Illic kick, 8:44)
Normandy: Elijah Gray, 3 run (Neno Illic kick, 0:43)
2nd Quarter
Normandy: Curtis Starks, 9 run (Neno Illic kick, 11:55)
Normandy: Curtis Starks, 96 run (Neno Illic kick, 7:54)
Normandy: Austin Konicki from Elijah Gray, 34 pass (Illic kick, 4:51)
3rd Quarter
Normandy: Elijah Gray, 49 run (Neno Illic kick, 6:15)
4th Quarter
Fairview Park: Quinn Bruder from Nate Glanc, 2 pass (Brady Weir kick good, 9:41)
Larry
September 9, 2022 at 8:05 am
Great job covering the fame
Larry
September 9, 2022 at 8:05 am
Way to go covering the game.