|
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.
TOUCHDOWN!! Aaron Wahler scores for Cleveland Hill following a long, impressive drive. There’s 6:52 left 1Q, Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen trails 8-0 after a successful two-point pass #Football pic.twitter.com/F4TJCxTBtQ
— Batavia’s Best HS () November 11, 2017
Despite the early rush from the Eagles, however, the Red Raiders would respond quickly with a strike of their own.
TOUCHDOWN!! AJ Maye goes 56-yards untouched off the read option. Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen responds quickly. It’s now 8-6 Cleveland Hill following unsuccessful PAT #Football pic.twitter.com/0zikGGXApb
— Batavia’s Best HS () November 11, 2017
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.
On the ensuing punt, CMBB gets a break as Cleveland Hill is hit with a roughing the kicker penalty. First down for the Raiders and they maintain possession #Football pic.twitter.com/t3936nplD1
— Batavia’s Best HS () November 11, 2017
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.
FUMBLE!!! Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen coughs it up. Ball goes back to Cleveland Hill in good field position of the Eagles #Football pic.twitter.com/urImSCUuJx
— Batavia’s Best HS () November 11, 2017
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.
TURNOVER ON DOWNS!! Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen defense playing great vs Cleveland Hill offense during their past few possessions #Football pic.twitter.com/4de64koeHA
— Batavia’s Best HS () November 11, 2017
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.
TOUCHDOWN!! Cleveland Hill carries it 60-yards for the score. Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen now trails 16-6 after another Eagles’ two-point play. Late first half #Football pic.twitter.com/LnaP9td3fu
— Batavia’s Best HS () November 11, 2017
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.
TOUCHDOWN!! Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen again responds quickly. Long pass and catch from Maye to Lucas Stuccio for the Raiders score. Cleveland Hill lead cut to 16-13 with 3:05 remaining first half #Football pic.twitter.com/rahvYNomuj
— Batavia’s Best HS () November 11, 2017
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.
HALFTIME: Cleveland Hill 16 Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen 13 … Red Raiders with a strong first half, but trail the Eagles at the break #Football pic.twitter.com/wkn5rNxQxU
— Batavia’s Best HS () November 11, 2017
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.
TOUCHDOWN!!! Bryce Yockel carries it in for Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen, who has just taken their first lead of day 20-16 over Clev Hill #Football pic.twitter.com/Yhv7VSsTfj
— Batavia’s Best HS () November 11, 2017
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.
Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen forced to punt to begin the fourth quarter. Cleveland Hill takes over deep inside own territory down 20-16 #Football pic.twitter.com/v2nLGGMWlC
— Batavia’s Best HS () November 11, 2017
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.
TOUCHDOWN!! Another long touchdown for Cleveland Hill, and they regain the lead 22-20 over Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen. 8:56 remains in the fourth #Football pic.twitter.com/McWB5CcgVB
— Batavia’s Best HS () November 11, 2017
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.
TOUCHDOWN!! Cleveland Hill pads their lead, as it’s now 28-20 after a long run for a score. We await a big two point try. Cal-Mum-Byron-Bergen needs to keep the Eagles out to keep their deficit at one possession late in the fourth #Football pic.twitter.com/ZwArj6eAII
— Batavia’s Best HS () November 11, 2017
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.
TWO-PT TRY IS GOOD!! Cleveland Hill goes ahead by two possessions over Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen. 30-20 Eagles lead the Raiders 4:00 left in the game #Football pic.twitter.com/na3XHgFaov
— Batavia’s Best HS () November 11, 2017
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.
TOUCHDOWN!! Aaron Wahler takes it 91-yards for game-clinching score. Cleveland Hill is gonna win over Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen #Football pic.twitter.com/PqdfhxljVw
— Batavia’s Best HS () November 11, 2017
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: