Medina, Ohio - Canton McKinley came out on top in a tight win over Massillon Jackson while Mentor was riding high off of a blowout 33-0 win over Strongsville. McKinley was averaging 42 points per game during their first two playoff games. Mentor’s defense held strong and ultimately led them to victory.
McKinley came out and got Nino Hill some touches. It started out well, but Mentor buckled down and forced them to end the drive with nothing.
Mentor opened the game struggling until Justen Hodge caught a reception for a big gain. Jackson Farley got going as well, gaining yards on the ground and through the air. Their drive ended with a successful field goal. They led 3-0 with around four minutes to go in the 1st.
The Bulldogs ended the quarter with multiple gains from receivers Keith Quincy and Darius Hill. They went into the second down 3-0.
The Bulldogs just couldn’t capitalize on their momentum they gained at the end of the first. The bulldogs struggled to sustain rhythm, they had several bobbled snaps in the backfield. Almost halfway through the quarter they fumbled. Linebacker Caiden Clair recovered it for Mentor.
“It was an outside blitz and I was coming up and then I saw the running back fumble, I just jumped at it, got down quick and got our offense a chance to score,” said Clair.
Mentor wasn’t able to capitalize on the turnover. They were able to get the ball back later in the quarter and moved the ball deep into enemy territory. They ended the half leading 3-0 after a missed field goal attempt.
Mentor came out and turned the tide completely, they scored 28 points in the second half. Farley continued to make plays, a big catch from Grant Cerny set Mentor up to score. Farley evaded multiple defenders before scoring a 20 yard touchdown. They led 10-0 with six minutes to go.
Mentor’s defense continued to hold strong while forcing empty possessions. Mentor got the ball back and continued to build momentum. A 54 yard catch for Marcus Sierputowski set up a three yard touchdown run for Scotty Fox. Mentor went into the fourth up 17-0.
All of that momentum carried into the fourth for Mentor, they forced and recovered multiple fumbles. Scotty Fox opened the quarter up with another goal line touchdown run.
Austin Van Huss caught a touchdown in the red zone with about six minutes to go. Mentor came out victorious winning 31-0.
Mentor will be back in action versus St. Edward High School at 7 p.m in the Division I Regional Championship.
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