MAPLE HEIGHTS, Ohio – It wasn’t how they drew it up, but the Lorain Titans are the Lake Erie League champions.
The Titans (9-1 overall, 5-0 LEL) opened a 21-point first-half lead and held off a furious rally to defeat host Maple Heights, 34-32, to capture the conference title outright. The Titans, who came into the game ranked seventh in the OHSAA’s Division I, Region 1, secured a home playoff game with the win. With the loss, the Mustangs will be on the road in Division III, Region 9.
“Tonight meant everything for the kids because at the beginning of the year back in February we laid out three goals,” said Lorain coach James Boyeas. “Beat Elyria, win the LEL, and host a playoff game. These kids busted their tails for 10 weeks and I couldn’t be more proud.”
Senior Ocir Kimble led the way for the Titans, showcasing his dual-threat ability by turning 15 touches into 204 yards and three touchdowns.
“Tonight was Ocir’s night. We have playmakers all over the field, but how about those five O-linemen up front,” said Boyeas. “Those guys played hard and won the battle up front and that opened things up for Ocir.”
The night didn’t come without its fair share of drama. With 35 seconds to go, the Mustangs blocked a punt and returned it for a go-ahead TD. However, a penalty brought it back to the Lorain 49-yard line.
The Mustangs (7-3, 4-1) marched to the 36, but an interception by Joseph Gaines secured the win for the Titans.
“The momentum swings were out of control today, but it shows the resiliency in our kids,” said Boyeas. “We had some adversity to overcome. Even though we never gave up the lead, we gave up some momentum. But our kids were able to put their foot in the ground and make a big play when we needed it.”
The Titans jumped out to a 27-6 lead midway through the second quarter with Kimble leading the way. He scored on runs of 29 and 5 yards.
“Our coach makes sure everyone’s mind is right and focused on consistency,” said Kimble, who finished with a game-high 110 yards on 13 carries and two catches for 94. “Just staying the course and pushing through adversity.”
Jairo Williams added a 2-yard run and quarterback Chase Davis connected with Gaines from 16 yards out to open things up. The latter was set up by an 80-yard reception by Kimble, which came following a goal-to-go stand by the defense.
In a game marred by a combined 35 penalties, the Mustangs clawed back into it with special teams and the passing game. Mike Banks returned a punt 30 yards and Enrique Robertson returned a kick 64 yards to set up short fields for the hosts.
Anzlovar took advantage. He guided a six-play, 98-yard drive midway through the second quarter to pull the Mustangs within two possessions, 27-12. The 6-foot-1 junior hit receiver Kindall Brown in stride for a 49-yard TD.
On the night, he completed 23 of 56 passes for a game-high 294 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. He connected with nine different receivers, with Brown hauling in five receptions for a game-high 108 yards and two scores.
It was Brown’s 15-yard score with nine minutes left that brought the Mustangs within two.
But the Titans, who forced four turnovers on downs and two interceptions on the night, closed it out on defense.
“We had to share it last year and this year we came back for more,” added Kimble. “That was our main goal. There isn’t any more sharing. It was either win or go home and we got it done.”
Austin Opfer is a freelancer from Cleveland.