Cleveland Hill runs away from Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen in NYSPHSAA Class C Far West Regional

Posted By on Nov 11, 2017 | 0 comments


Aaron Wahler’s 91-yard touchdown for Cleveland Hill – which clinched the game for the Golden Eagles. (screen grab on Twitter)

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Saturday, November 11, 2017 | BataviasBest.org

 

BROCKPORT – What was a seesaw affair at SUNY Brockport this afternoon turned out in favor of the visiting team, as Section VI Class C Champion Cleveland Hill defeated host Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen (Section V Class C Champion) by a final score of 38-20. The final tally doesn’t necessarily indicate the game which took place on Bob Boozer Field.

 

 

Yesterday’s contest began with Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen winning the coin toss, and deferring to the second half, which allowed Cleveland Hill to take possession at the outset. A squib kick from CMBB, and a short return from CH gave the Eagles first and ten near midfield.

On their first drive, Cleveland Hill drove down the field methodically and scored the game’s first touchdown, as a short run from Aaron Wahler gave the Eagles an early 6-0 lead over Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen. After a successful two-point conversion, it was 8-0 Cleveland Hill midway through the first quarter.

Despite the early rush from the Eagles, however, the Red Raiders would respond quickly with a strike of their own.

The big volley from Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen not only cut into the Cleveland Hill lead, but it also depleted the early momentum gained by the Eagles. On their next possession, CH would be forced to punt, but CMBB failed to do anything with their own drive and lined up to punt it right back. However, a roughing the kicker penalty on the Eagles allowed the Raiders to maintain possession of the football.

Despite the big opportunity, though, Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen failed to seize control of the game, and fumbled it back to the Eagles shortly after the penalty.

The turnover came on a bad exchange between the Raiders quarterback and running back (difficult to see on video), but in any event, it was Cleveland Hill ball to begin the second quarter.

As they did on their first drive of the game, the Eagles would forge a long drive which ran all the way inside the CMBB red zone. However, this time around, the Red Raiders were able to hold firm, and stopped their opponent from scoring.

Again, though, on the ensuing drive the Red Raider offense continued to sputter – and Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen gave it back to Cleveland Hill after a turnover on downs of their own. This time, the Raider defense couldn’t erase a poor drive from their offense.

Now behind by two scores, and time ticking away in the first half, it was time for the CMBB offense to regain their footing, and mount another response to an Eagles score. Once again, it was a big play which put points on the board for the Red Raiders, and cut into the Cleveland Hill lead.

For a second time, it was Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen quarterback AJ Maye doing the damage, as he hit Lucas Stucchio – both of which were heroes in the Raiders Championship win last week.

With the Raiders now within 3, time ticked away in the first half and we reached the halftime break.

To begin the second half, the Raiders began with the ball and a chance to take the lead for the first time in the game –

And they were able to do just that.

Now with the advantage, it was time for the CMBB defense to put the clamps on, and give the ball back to their offense in order to provide themselves with a bit of insurance heading into the later portion of the game.

On the ensuing drive, Cleveland Hill again ran into a brick wall, and Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen turned it back over to their offense with the opportunity to inch closer toward a victory.

However, as it did midway through the first half, the Red Raider offense began to stall.

Now with the ball back, and less than a TD behind CMBB, Cleveland Hill appeared to have another great opportunity to grab the momentum back. And boy, did they take advantage.

The quick strike from the Eagles put them back in front with just minutes to go. Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen was going to have to get the offense going again – and fast – if they hoped to stay in the game vs a Cleveland Hill offense which was showing signs of an explosion.

In spite of their best effort, though, CMBB again failed to put together the drive they needed and turned it over on downs near midfield. Shortly after, again, the Eagles hit a big play for another score.

The ensuing conversion attempt from Cleveland Hill was a big one, as a successful two-point play would put the Raiders behind by two possessions.

That was about it for CMBB, who after a nice drive immediately following the Eagles score, eventually turned the ball over on downs which allowed CH a chance to seal the deal – which they did.

In the end, the final turned out to be 38-20 in favor of the Section VI Champ Eagles, who with the win, are now on to the NYSPHSAA Semifinals next week – where they will face Skaneateles of Section III.

With the loss, the Red Raiders now look forward to a long offseason after a successful Section V run which finished with them winning a Sectional Championship of their own.

Finishing as the game’s MVP was Cleveland Hill’s Aaron Wahler who totaled 16 carries, amassed 212 rushing yards, and scored 3 rushing touchdowns. AJ Maye was the top offensive performer for Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen this afternoon, recording the 56-yard rushing touchdown, as well as the long touchdown pass.

It was a disappointing end to a long, successful run for CMBB.

Until next year, Raiders fans.

 

 

Other articles you may like:

NYSPHSAA Football Class C Far West Regional – Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen (V) vs Cleveland Hill (VI) – HS Football Scouting Report and Prediction (11/11/2017)

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