Strongsville, Ohio - The first round of the OHSAA playoffs saw a GCC matchup featuring the Strongsville Mustangs and the Cleveland Heights Tigers. The Mustangs were riding high on momentum after beating Brunswick for the first time since 2018. The Tigers came into the game hot, in the midst of a four game winning streak. Kentucky Commit Marquise Davis came into the contest rushing for 13 touchdowns in Heights’ last two regular season games.
Strongsville set the tone on the first drive forcing a three and out. James Swasey got a huge tackle on Marquise Davis to force a punt. Strongsville struggled to get going through the air while their first four pass attempts were incomplete. Sam Dimacchia stepped up with 60 rushing yards in the quarter. The quarter ended with both teams tied at zero.
Dimacchia’s momentum carried into the second quarter. The first play of the quarter he scored an eight yard touchdown.
Heights didn’t shy away, they responded with urgency as Mercellus Harris broke free for a 65 yard touchdown run. Brunswick got another huge play from Dimacchia, who broke free for a 46 yard gain. The next play he ran a 15 yard touchdown, Strongsville led 14-8 with 11 minutes to go.
Strongsville was able to get another big touchdown run for 50 yards from Nolan Beard around the five minute mark. Vincent Roncone also punched in a field goal from 32 yards out with about a minute to go. The Mustang defense held strong for the rest of the quarter after giving up the big run. George Majernik closed the half with an interception. The Mustangs went into the half leading 24-8.
The Tigers controlled most of the third, getting John Morris going on the ground. He had over five carries in the period and got them in the red zone after a fourth and one conversion. The drive ended with no points for the Tigers. Storm Miller came flying off of the edge just as Asher Wilson threw the ball, forcing a turnover on downs. Strongsville got the ball with about 1:44 left but wasn’t able to score. The quarter ended with the Mustangs leading 24-8.
Cleveland Heights came into the fourth ready to fight, they forced and recovered a fumble. Morris eventually capitalized for the Tigers as he ran in a four yard touchdown. After a failed two point conversion, they trailed 24-14 with about seven minutes to go.
A few possessions later, JJ Pleasant snagged an interception to seal the game. He returned the interception for a 28 yard pick six. The Mustangs ended victorious, winning 31-14.
Cleveland Heights suffered a big blow in the first quarter after Marquise Davis left with an injury and did not return.
Pleasant spoke about the interception after the game.
“I read the play, the ball came to me and I knew it was time to make a play. So obviously I made the pick but then I made a couple of guys miss. You know just doing what I know how to do best, which is getting the ball into the endzone,” said Pleasant.
Strongsville will be back in action versus Mentor on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. The game will be at Mentor High School.
Stat leaders:
Strongsville:
Dimacchia: 20 carries 168 yards, 2 TDs
Beard: 6 carries , 81 yards, TD
Majernik: 5 Tackles, 1 Int
Harris : 9 carries 75 yards, TD
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