The Grizzlies roared out to a 23-0 lead and never looked back in their 44-13 thumping of the Pioneers. Though star RB Lance Glover topped 100 yards rushing, the Wadsworth defense held him in check early as the offense rushed out to an early lead. The running clock was in effect from the late third quarter on as Wadsworth advanced to the second round of the playoffs.
First Half
The Grizzlies defense came out hot and forced a quick three and out on Elyria’s opening possession. Aided by back to back offsides penalties on fourth down, Luke Fischer would find Will Stack for a 52-yard touchdown strike. The defense would force another punt on the next possession, but the snap was fumbled and the Pioneers recovered it in their own end zone, making it 9-0 Wadsworth midway through the first.
Setting up shop on the Elyria 28 after a late hit penalty, the Grizzlies would strike again. Kyle Figuray took the ball 13 yards up the middle and an extra point made it 16-0 Wadsworth. For the third straight possession, the Grizzlies would force a three and out, limiting Lance Glover to just seven yards.
Photo by Devin Lowe
Wadsworth put together a 10 play, 92 yard drive capped off by Figuray’s second touchdown run of the day to make it 23-0. With their backs against the wall, Elyria marched down the field and Tim Rader knocked in a 26-yard field goal to bring it to 23-3.
The Pioneers defense came through with a three and out of their own and drove deep into Grizzlies territory. Rader came through again and hit one from 31 yards out to narrow the gap to 23-6. With under a minute left in the half, Kyle Figuray scored his third touchdown of the game, this time for 3 yards to make it 30-6 Wadsworth at the break.
Second Half
Elyria would strike first in the second half after forcing a Grizzlies three and out. Lance Glover got rolling and carried the ball four times for 27 yards, finishing things off with an 18-yard touchdown run. The Grizzlies would respond right away on their next drive when Fischer found Aaron Keating down the sideline for a 50-yard score, making it 37-13 Wadsworth with five minutes to go in the third.
The Grizzlies would get on the board one more time in the third, Fischer and Keating connecting again for a 25-yard touchdown. With the score at 44-13 Wadsworth, the running clock would be in effect the rest of the way. Neither team would gain another first down and time ran out on the Pioneers. The Grizzlies advanced to the second round of the playoffs with a 44-13 victory.
Photo by Devin Lowe
Keys to the Game
While the offense put up 42 points, the key to victory for the Grizzlies was their defense. At 6’0 225 lbs, RB Lance Glover is a tough guy to bring down. The Wadsworth defense was able to force three and outs on their first three possessions and came away with a safety. The front seven was able to provide consistent pressure that kept the Pioneers off balance all night.
Kyle Figuray carried the load offensively for the Grizzlies and scored three times. QB Luke Fischer threw for three scores of his own, including two big ones to WR Aaron Keating. This formula will be important going forward as the Grizzlies continue their postseason march.
Next Week
Wadsworth improves to 7-4 with the win and has a chance at revenge next week when they head to Medina to take on the Bees (10-1) next Friday night. The two teams met up in Week 3 and the Bees came away with a 45-35 victory. QB Luke Fischer missed the game with injury but looks to be in prime form heading into next week’s matchup.
Top Performers
Elyria
Lance Glover: 22 carries 115 yards 1 TD
Wadsworth
Luke Fischer: 12-17 258 yards 3 TD
Kyle Figuray: 24 carries 95 yards 2 TD
Aaron Keating: 4 catches 125 yards 2 TD
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Wadsworth 7:37- Luke Fischer to Will Stack, 52 yards (Jack Dinwiddie kick good)
Wadsworth 6:01- Elyria fumbled punt, Safety
Wadsworth 4:45- Kyle Figuray, 13-yard run (Dinwiddie kick good)
2nd Quarter
Wadsworth 11:48- Kyle Figuray, 4-yard run (Dinwiddie kick good)
Elyria 8:37- Tim Rader, 26-yard field goal
Elyria 3:51- Tim Rader, 31-yard field goal
Wadsworth 0:46- Kyle Figuray, 3-yard run (Dinwiddie kick good)
3rd Quarter
Elyria 8:00-Lance Glover, 18-yard run (Rader kick good)
Wadsworth 5:18- Luke Fischer to Aaron Keating, 50 yards (Dinwiddie kick good)
Wadsworth 0:52- Luke Fischer to Aaron Keating, 25 yards (Dinwiddie kick good)
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | FINAL | |
| Elyria | 0 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 13 |
| Wadsworth | 16 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 44 |
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