Lake County Sentinel
Rangers down Rebels in Civil War 10-3
BY JOEY SCHNEIDER
STAFF
(WILLOUGHBY, OH) - The 64th meeting between the Willoughby South Rebels and Eastlake North Rangers took place on Friday night at Harry E. Winters Stadium. The game was nothing short of trench warfare between these two rival schools, but when the dust settled the Rangers had won the day 10-3.
For the first nearly 40 years of the rivalry known as the "Civil War" or "Battle of the Borders", Eastlake North had a lopsided record in the series. However, since the 2001-2002 season, North had only managed to beat South twice leading up to the Friday match-up, with their last victory in 2018 and the all-time record in Willoughby South's favor 35-27-2. In this rivalry game, one of Lake County's best, it's never been about who has won more, it's always about who has won last, and The Rangers will have bragging rights for the next year until they meet again next season.
North won the toss and deferred to the second half. It was a wise move as on the second play of the game South fumbled the ball and North recovered on the 22-yard line, just eight seconds into the game. The Rebel's defense was tough as nails all night and ended up forcing North to kick a field goal. Eastlake's outstand-ing kicker, senior Daniel Tadic split the uprights from 22 yards out to give North an early lead 3-0.
North's defense was even tougher, as South just could not get traction on of-fense. The Rangers regained possession and looked as if they might be headed towards the end zone before a myriad of penalties pushed them back forcing a long 48-yard field goal attempt once again by Daniel Tadic, who made a 50-yard field goal earlier in the year, a North record, against Madison. This time, however, he barely missed it wide left.
North would not be denied a touchdown in the first quarter as senior quarterback Zach Rummel connected on a perfect pass that dropped right into the hands of senior wide receiver Steven Cammack for 47-yards down to the one-yard line with under a minute left. Rummel would run it in on the next play, and after the extra point North was leading 10-0.
Willoughby South had a solid drive going in the second quarter, but just like North in the first quarter, penalties would derail their momentum.
North was again looking to score, but on a deep pass looking to score South's junior defensive back Mason Matriano intercepted the ball at the six yard line with 5:03 left in the half, keeping the Rebels alive and not letting the game get out of reach, but both programs' defenses would not let the other score and going in-to halftime the Rangers held onto a 10-0 lead.
These two defenses were flying to the ball all game long. North's defense was being led by junior defensive back Na'Shon Ivey, junior linebacker Sawyer Pias-ecki, and senior defensive end Navahn Woods, who was terrorizing the Rebels all night. South's defense was anchored by Mason Matriano, senior OL/DL Luka Soric, and senior defensive end Quintin Wilson, who himself seemed like he was in the backfield for most of the game as well.
The stalemate lasted through the third quarter with punt after punt by both teams and Mason Martirano getting his second interception of the game, but not leading to any points.
South finally broke through on a big play with sophomore quarterback Liam Coyne hitting senior wide receiver Niko Frizell on a 29-yard pass, down to the 20-yard line. North was penalized on the play with a targeting penalty on Coyne and the ball was placed at the 10. The Rangers defense would bend but not break and forced South's senior Tommy Vokic to kick a 21-yard field goal, putting the Rebels on the board 10-3, with 8:54 left in the game.
The Rangers would then lean on senior running back Reon'tae Lowrey to take time off the clock. Lowrey had over 20 carries in the second half alone and fin-ished the game with 32 carries for 107 yards.
South would get one final chance with just under three minutes left in the game, but their hopes of a long game winning drive were foiled when North linebacker Sawyer Piasecki would intercept the ball with two minutes left, and North would run down the clock in victory formation, taking the win.
Eastlake Head Coach Shawn Dodd spoke after the game about the victory. "We haven't had much luck against these guys over the years, so we'll take it here at their place and enjoy the win."
"Defense played lights out, congrats to our defensive staff, they had a heck of a game plan. They put in some wrinkles we haven't used all year waiting for this game and the kids executed at a high level".
Eastlake moves to 3-5 on the year and their next test is away in Chardon as they take on the 5-3 Hilltoppers. South, who is now 1-7, will also be on the road taking on the 7-1 Kenston Bombers.
POSTED 10/07/2023 00:59
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Photo by Joey Schneider