GIRARD OH- One of the most historical rivalries since the 80s is underrated in the Battle of 422 between two Trumbull county neighbors in the Girard Indians and Niles McKinley Red Dragons. This season Girard finished their first nine games on the winning end with a 6-3 record, but the Dragons weren’t as fortunate as they came in with a two and seven record. However just like all rivalries, you’re either one a 0 or 0 and one at the end of the night. Niles had beat Girard the last three seasons, but this time the Indians were looking to end that streak. Big names have played in this game in the past like Mark Waid and Chris Parry, but only one can come out on top.

The first half was a high back and forth scoring spree. It started with Girard going to the bag of tricks as Bobby Alejars found Connor Strain in the end zone off a Philly Indians special making it 7 to 0. Niles would not go away however as Antuan Gardner, still wearing that cast in his right arm powered through from two years out making it tied at seven. Gardner continued his comeback tour as this time he took it 20-yards, evading a couple tackles making it 14-7. But the Indians would not go away as Dominick Tollone found Anthony Bengala showing off his Randy Moss hopps and taking it for a big touchdown tying it all at 14. Niles would end the first quarter with a score too when Anthony Budak found Nathan Coots on a hitch in which he invaded a couple tacklers and headed to pader making it 21-14.

Girard moved down the field to start their part of the second half, as Michael Palmer took it in from one-yard, tying it back up at 21 all. Gardner broke through again with his third touchdown of the night from four-yards out, but the extra point was no good by Keyshon Talley making it 27-21. That is when Palmer took it in for another touchdown and with the Zachary Morris extra point, it was now a one point 28-27 lead heading into the half. The second half did not see a scoring frenzy as the second half had. Alejars would score in the endzone for Girard with the PAT making it an eight point 35-27 lead. Niles came back with a touchdown of their own in the middle of the fourth, but the failed two point conversion off the trick play made it 35-33. Niles would not get the ball back as Girard wasted time and got the first down making the final 35-33 and winning back to back seasons against the Red Dragons for the first time since 2017-2018.

Stats:

Dom Tollone 260 yards passing 3 Touchdowns.

Michael Palmer: 209 rushing yards touchdown.

Anthony Budak: 137 passing yards and a touchdown.

Antuan Gardner: 178 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

Up next:

Niles finishes their season 2-8 and 0-7 in Northeast 8 and will get ready for off season lifting to prepare themselves for 2023. Girard finishes the regular season 7-3 and 4-3 in the NE8 and will await their team in the playoffs.

After the game, YSNs Ian O’Brien caught up with coach Pat Pearson about the big victory and their mindset looking forward to the playoffs. This will be coach Pearsona sixth playoff appearance since taking over as head coach in 2014.

*contributed by YSNs Ian O’Brien*