FALCONS GET SWEET REVENGE ON RAIDERS
By Ty Bartell
AUSTINTOWN, OH — Austintown Fitch’s dynamic rushing attack led the Falcons to a decisive 42-21 victory over the Warren Harding Raiders at Falcon Stadium. Avenging their Week 10 loss at home just a few weeks ago.
Fitch quickly established control, scoring twice in the first quarter with Deon’Dray Richard powering his way to touchdowns from three and sixteen yards. Warren Harding responded in the second quarter with a 22-yard touchdown pass from James Jones to Tyler Smith, but Fitch answered as Junie Higgs broke free for a 48-yard rushing touchdown, extending the Falcons’ lead.
Though Harding closed the gap to 21-14 in the second quarter with a 50-yard strike from Chaz Coleman to Stephen Sims, Fitch pulled away in the second half. Higgs added another short touchdown run in the third, and Richard added a fourth-quarter score to seal the game.
The Falcons relied heavily on their ground game, racking up 371 rushing yards on 40 carries. Richard led with 221 yards and three touchdowns, while Higgs added 122 yards and three touchdowns. Harding struggled to match that pace, despite 165 rushing yards and 161 passing yards.
The Falcons’ defense was crucial, limiting Harding’s offense to 50 total plays, forcing punts, and containing The Raiders key player Chaz Coleman. Falcons are now 20-18 all-time in 38 meetings with Warren G. Harding, with Fitch also carrying the 2-1 edge in playoff games since the 2020 playoff expansion.
#4 Fitch (9-3) will now battle #1 Walsh Jesuit (12-0) on Friday, November 15th with a 7 p.m. kickoff. The game will be played at a neutral site which will be announced later in the week.
