×

Stiff test ahead for South Range

GREENFORD–After taking care of Bellaire to kick-off the postseason on Saturday, the South Range football team will now get a chance to see how it stacks up with one of the best teams in the state.

The fifth-seeded Raiders (8-3) will square off against top-seeded Kirtland (11-0) in a Div. V second round matchup at 7 p.m. Saturday at Bo Rein Stadium in Niles.

The Hornets are the defending Div. VI state champions and finished the season ranked first in the Div. V poll. They have won four state championships since 2011.

“They’re obviously very good, coach (Tiger) LaVerde has them on such a roll these last several years,” South Range coach Dan Yeagley said. “They are one of the top programs for a reason. You know they are always going to be a well-prepared team.”

South Range rolled past Bellaire in the second half on the way to a 30-7 win on Saturday, while Kirtland had to withstand a stubborn effort by eighth-seeded Sandy Valley before emerging with a 38-24 victory.

The 24 points were easily the most given up all year by the top-ranked Hornets, who allowed just 34 points in the regular season and racked up seven shutouts.

The Raiders, who have spent the season playing mostly bigger schools, challenged themselves with a move to the Northeast 8 Athletic Conference so they could be ready for games exactly like this.

“I feel that playing schools like Poland, Niles, Struthers and Hubbard has prepared us very well, we’re as ready as we’ve ever been.” Yeagley said. “They (Kirtland) remind me of a combination of a few of those teams. They have a very physical, strong running gam like Poland, they have some speed like Struthers and size up front like Hubbard.”

The Hornets outgained Sandy Valley 507-305 on Saturday, but turned the ball over three times and comitted 10 penalties for 80 yards.

Kirtland led just 18-14 at halftime and 25-24 after the third quarter before pulling away with two fourth quarter touchdowns. Running backs Mason Sullivan and Luke Gardner led the Hornets with 167 and 129 yards respectively. They each scored two touchdowns. The Kirtland defense gave up 282 passing yards and 23 rushing yards.

The Raiders will again be counting on backup quarterback Michael Patrone, who lifted his team with a very impressive second half in his first varsity start Saturday.

“Their ground game is definitely the first thing that jumps out at you,” Yeagley said. “They are very physical and execute their game-plan very well. Stopping the run is going to be the biggest key for us on defense. Offensively we have to make sure we stay balanced to keep them back on their heels.”

South Range should at least be very familier with Bo Rein Stadium. The Raiders traveled to Niles for a Northeast 8 Athletic League clash on October 4 and fell 35-34 in overtime.

“It’s a great venue, we’re happy to be going back,” Yeagley said. “It’s a nice short drive for our fans, so hopefully we get a good turnout.”

The winner between Kirtland and South Range will advance to take on either Akron Manchester or Sugarcreek Garaway in a regional final next Saturday.

In other local action, top-seeded Springfield (11-0) will take on fourth-seeded Glouster Trimble (11-0) in a Div. VI second round matchup at 7 p.m. Friday at St. Clairsville’s Red Devil Stadium.

Springfield toppled Western Reserve 34-7 in first-round action last week, while Trimble ended Southern Local’s season with a 26-14 victory.

Salem’s Sebo Stadium will play host to second-seeded Poland (9-2) and third-seeded Indian Creek (10-1) in a Div. IV second-round game at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Poland took care of Struthers 31-0 last Saturday in a rematch from week 10. Indian Creek reached the second-round by beating 35-29.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today