Hudson, OH- The Undefeated, 7-0 Hudson Explorers took on the 4-3 North Royalton Bears on a cold, damp night ant Hudson Memorial Stadium. The Explorers were looking to stay undefeated heading into the home stretch of the regular season, while North Royalton is looking for a statement win that can give them a big push toward the end of the year.
The Explorers will lean heavily on their junior RB/SS Ian Ludewig who has rushed for 1,027 yards this season thus far, for an average of 147 yards per game. He also has 14 touchdowns on the year. The Bears will follow suit with junior RB Cody Miller who through only six game this year has racked up 946 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, for an average of 158 yards per game. This had all the makings of a game that will be won in the trenches.
Hudson received the kickoff and took it down the field on a nice combination of passing and running. QB Jagger Pallay had a 30 yard scramble on a 3rd and long to keep the drive going. WR Gio DePompei caught 3 passes including a 21 yard catch to bring Hudson into the red zone. RB Ian Ludewig pounded it down to the 4 yard line, then Jagger Pallay found star athlete and Explorer WR Jack Jenkins wide open in the end zone for a touchdown and an early 7-0 lead.
A defensive stop and perfect punt by North Royalton put Hudson down at the 1 yard line. QB Jagger Pallay first play was a QB sneak to give the Explorers some breathing room. The very next play RB Ian Ludewig took it 96 yards to the house for a Hudson touchdown, pushing the lead to 14-0
The Bears finally got some offense going on their second drive as QB Joe Kinney found success throwing, completing passes of 13, 23, and finally a 33 yard touchdown pass to WR Chase Dormody for a North Royalton touchdown. 14-7 Hudson, still in the first quarter.
Hudson drove down the field again with Palley having a big 33 yard throw and catch on 3rd and long again. He then connected with WR Gio DePompei for 14 yards. After a few running plays of Ludewig grinding the ball down, Hudson had a trick up their sleeve as the ball was handed off to RB Ian Ludewig and he threw it to WR Gio DePompei for a 12 yard TD catch. Hudson extending their lead to 21-7.
After a three and out by the Bears, the Explorers were back at it on offense. QB Jagger Palley's first play of the drive was a 31 yard scramble. RB Ian Ludewig then finished off the drive with a run of 15 yards and then capped it off a 10 yard bulldozing run into the end zone for another quick Explorer touchdown. Hudson started really pulling away 28-7.
Another three and out by North Royalton really had the Explorers in the drivers seat. Hudson would again capitalize as QB Jagger Pallay found WR Jack Jenkins for a 35 yard catch down seam to the 9 yard line. Pallay would run the ball down to the 1 yard line. RB Ian Ludewig then pounded the ball in the end zone for a 1 yard touchdown, his 3rd of the half.
The Bears started fighting back at the end of the first half. QB Joe Kinney just like their first touchdown drive was finding success in throwing the ball. Kinney capped off a long drive with a 18 yard touchdown throw to sophomore WR Mannix Wasco.
Hudson didn't let up. with 1:30 left in the half they drove down the field and QB Jagger Pallay connected with WR Gio DePompei for a 44 yard touchdown pass. Hudson winning 42-14 going into halftime.
The second half started off just as poorly for North Royalton as it had ended. The Bears went three and out to start the second half and their punt was blocked, setting up Hudson with great field position. The Explorers couldn't do anything on the drive and was forced to punt for the first time in the game.
The third quarter was a blur as the explorers ran the ball and were able to keep the Bears off the field. The start of the 4th quarter saw the same as the start of the 3rd. Hudson winning 42-14.
North Royalton still kept fighting late in the game as RB Cody Miller ran for a 72 yard touchdown with 8:30 minutes left. The Bears failed to convert the two point conversion. 42-20 Hudson in firm command of the game going down the stretch.
North Royalton added a touchdown with less than a minute left in the game and both teams reserve players in. The extra point was no good and the final score was 42-26 Hudson.
Hudson had the game in hand from the very start and was able to soundly win improving to 8-0 and staying undefeated on the season. North Royalton fought with valor, but just could not keep up with the Explorers. Hudson takes on the 2-5 Brunswick Blue Devils next week, while North Royalton will take on the 5-2 Wadsworth Grizzlies.
Players of the Game
Hudson-
QB Jagger Pallay- 9/12 214 yards passing 2 TDs, 12 carries 115 yards
RB Ian Ludewig- 27 carries 236 yards 3 TDs, 1/1 12 yards passing 1 TD
WR Gio Depompei- 7 receptions 156 yards 2 TDs
North Royalton
QB Joseph Kinney- 15/30 196 passing yards 2 TDs
RB Cody Miller- 17 carries 129 yards 1 TD
Hudson coach Jeff Gough spoke about the win after the game.
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