LAKERS FALL IN MOGADORE
Photo Credit: Kelly York Summers Photography
Mogadore, OH- In a hard-fought battle against a very seasoned opponent, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers faced off against the Mogadore Wildcats in the second round of the OHSAA playoffs. The game was filled with thrilling moments and remarkable plays that kept fans cheering from both sides.
The first quarter started with Mogadore’s Cole Reese breaking through the Lakers’ defense, making an impressive 18-yard touchdown run. The extra point was good, putting the Wildcats ahead 7-0. However, the Lakers quickly responded with a 1-yard touchdown run by Ryan Croston and a successful 2-point conversion run by Croston himself, taking the lead at 8-7.
The second quarter saw both teams battling for the lead. Mogadore’s Austin Constantine managed a 2-yard touchdown run, and the 2-point conversion was good, putting the Wildcats ahead 15-8. Mogadore extended their lead with a remarkable 89-yard pass from Kason Jaber to Devin Graham, although the Lakers managed to block the extra point. The score at halftime stood at 21-8 in favor of Mogadore.
The third quarter had its share of challenges for the Lakers, with a fumble that was recovered by Mogadore. Cole Reese of Mogadore added to the Wildcats’ lead with a 36-yard touchdown run and another successful 2-point conversion, making the score 29-8.
The final score reflected the fierce competition, with the Mogadore Wildcats claiming a 29-8 victory over the Pymatuning Valley Lakers. While the Lakers (8-4) may have ended their season with this loss, they can take pride in an impressive season, going undefeated in conference play and outscoring their last six opponents by a significant margin. Juniors Ryan Croston and Ty Vickery, both 1,200-yard rushers, were instrumental in their success. With only one senior on the roster, the Lakers are poised to be a formidable opponent once again in the 2024 season.
The Mogadore Wildcats (10-2) will move on to the Regional Semi-Finals in week 13, where they will face the Mineral Ridge Rams (8-4). While the Lakers’ season may have ended, their future looks promising, and their fans can look forward to more exciting football in the years to come.
