STRONGSVILLE, Ohio — Until Friday night, Strongsville neither won nor hosted a playoff game since 2008.
The Mustangs’ 31-14 win against Cleveland Heights changed that.
Senior running back Sam Dimacchia rushed for 177 yards and Strongsville’s first two touchdowns on 21 carries. He helped the Mustangs (7-4), who advance to face Mentor in next week’s second round, gain 278 yards with 247 yards on the ground.
Teammate and senior quarterback Nolan Beard added 82 yards on seven carries and threw for 31 yards on 3-of-19 passing. His 50-yard TD run in the second quarter pushed Strongsville’s lead to 21-8, as the Mustangs answered a 65-yard run by Cleveland Heights senior Mercellus Harris.
The Tigers (6-5) gained 151 yards on the ground, led by Harris with 84 yards on 11 carries. Freshman John Morris rushed 17 times for 61 yards and a fourth-quarter score, which led to J.J. Pleasant’s interception for a touchdown to ice the game.
Watch the highlights above and hear from Dimacchia, junior linebacker Storm Miller, lineman Austin Adkins, end Braelin Dally and Strongsville coach Jason Trusnik.
Contact sports reporter Matt Goul on X (@mgoul), Threads (@mgoul) or email ([email protected]).