High School Football – Week 1 thoughts

Brookside defeated Firelands 21-7. You can hear the replay online.
The Cardinals won because:

• Brookside dominated both sides of the line of scrimmage. Gio Taw had a terrific game with two sacks and a fumble recovery.
• Brookside QB Josh Bender had a great game with two touchdowns, one rushing, and one passing on a 49-yard toss to Luke Ackerman on the game’s opening drive.

Firelands QB Kyle Smith had a rough night - was hit hard on several occasions. He did have a terrific TD pass to Nick Deichler on 4th and goal in the 1st quarter.

Thoughts and prayers go to Firelands RB Joey Kudela who was taken off the field on a stretcher. Let’s hope he’s OK.

Other thoughts:
Congratulations to Coach Todd Auvil and the rest of the Lorain High Titans. Last night was their first win in school history. If there is anyone who lives and dies with Lorain football, it’s Auvil. The 13-6 win over Midview is probably the biggest win in Auvil’s coaching career.

Amherst looked very strong in defeating Elyria 27-20. Quarterback Brennan Hosier was 20-35 for 342 yards and 3 TDs.

Elyria Catholic over Clearview 45-6 as Panthers QB Danny Reaser showed why he is the best QB in the county. For Clippers coach Mike Collier, life after Anthony Hitchens could be rough.

Shocker #1: Avon spoiled the debut of Avon Lake’s newly renovated stadium with a 21-3. If it wasn’t for an Avon fumble deep in their territory, the Shoremen would have been shut out. I saw Avon Lake in week 1 last year and Maple Heights took it to them. The Mustangs were really good in 2009 and Avon Lake bounced back. We’ll see if Avon is really this good and if Avon Lake can bounce back in 2010. The Shoremen have lost 3 straight home openers.

Shocker #2: Westlake defeated North Ridgeville 6-0. Where did this one come from? The Rangers receive and early wake-up call. They’re expected to contend for the West Shore Conference title. Looks like it’s back to the drawing board.