CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio — Maple Heights’ defense had that bend-but-don’t-break attitude as it beat host Kenston, 16-7, in the first round of the Division III, Region 9 OHSAA playoffs on Friday.
The 10th-seeded Mustangs (8-3) will take on No. 2 Gilmour Academy (10-1) in the second round next Friday.
The No. 7 Bombers (7-4) scored on the opening drive, then the Mustangs’ defense took over. The defense was awesome in the red zone, forcing the Bombers into numerous field goal attempts. The Bombers, who lost starting quarterback Lucas Kaltenbach on the first drive in the third quarter, missed three of those field goal attempts. They had two other drives that ended with bad snaps. They also had four opportunities inside the 10-yard line and not score.
“We battled. We battled,” said Mustangs head coach Shaq Washington, who was member of the Mustangs’ 2010 Division II state champion team.
“We made some big key plays out there. Our defense had that don’t break mentality.”
The Bombers’ defense was stingy too. They held a powerful Mustangs offense to only 16 points.
“When we were watching the film and seeing that they have a lot of skill guys and we held them to 16 points. I am proud of our defense,” said Bombers head coach Jeff Grubich.
Cohen Clark scored on a 1-yard touchdown run that put the Bombers up 7-0. Clark finished with a game-high 129 yards on 19 carries.
That score held up unto the last minute of the second quarter. The Mustangs’ Taylen Cannon caught a 15-yard touchdown pass and they converted the two-point conversion — Narcari Gay from Luke Anzlovar — for an 8-7 at the half.
With 3:35 left in the third quarter, Curtis Marks had a 20-yard touchdown catch and Anziovar caught the two-point conversion for a 16-7 lead.
With sophomore Adam Barr at quarterback, the Bombers still had chances but the Mustangs’ defense held up.
“Lucas has not missed a snap this year. For this young buck come in. I’m like, Yeah, and we really didn’t miss a beat. I mean, we moved the ball,” Grubich said.