SECOND HALF SURGE PROPELS RANGE TO REMATCH

BARBERTON, OH- What started out as a nail-biter for South Range fans turned out to be old hat for the burgundy and gold.  In a high-scoring showdown, the South Range Raiders showcased their offensive prowess, securing a commanding 48-21 victory over Clearview. The game, filled with explosive plays and impressive drives, unfolded in favor of South Range, leaving Clearview struggling to keep up.

Clearview set the tone in the first quarter, with quarterback Ty Christensen connecting with wide receiver Malcolm Lane for a 17-yard touchdown reception at 3:53. The extra point attempt was unsuccessful, but Clearview took an early 6-0 lead.

The second quarter witnessed a surge from South Range as running back Aidan Dominguez rushed for a 9-yard touchdown at 5:08. Logan Butcher’s successful extra point put South Range on the scoreboard. Clearview, however, swiftly answered with Christensen finding Ethan Lorenzana for a 38-yard touchdown reception at 3:08. The extra point by Ty Pinto extended Clearview’s lead to 13-7.

Determined to take control, South Range’s Dominguez scored his second rushing touchdown of the night, a 4-yard run, tying the game at 14-14. The first half concluded with the teams deadlocked, setting the stage for an intense second half.

South Range unleashed a barrage of touchdowns in the third quarter. Blake Ewert powered through for a 1-yard rushing touchdown at 9:56, followed by Dominguez’s 1-yard run at 6:07. Quarterback Tristan Toy connected with Brady Crumbacher for a 14-yard touchdown reception at 0:26. The relentless Logan Butcher added the extra points, propelling South Range to a commanding 35-14 lead by the end of the third quarter.

The final quarter saw South Range extending their lead even further. Tristan Toy sprinted for an impressive 62-yard rushing touchdown at 10:51. Shortly after, Dylan Smesko added another touchdown with a 28-yard rushing run at 7:48. Butcher’s consistent accuracy on extra points continued.

Clearview fought back with a 6-yard rushing touchdown by Ethan Lorenzana at 2:12, and Ayden Cruz successfully converted a 3-yard 2-point reception at 1:56. However, South Range’s substantial lead proved insurmountable.

The game concluded with South Range emerging victorious at 48-21. The Raiders’ dynamic offense, led by impressive performances from Aidan Dominguez, Blake Ewert, and Tristan Toy, proved too much for Clearview to handle, especially in the second half.

The Raiders racked up 454 yards of offense including six rushing touchdowns and a score through the air.  Tristan Toy went 7/13 for 138 yards with a TD and two picks, and ran for 109 yards and a score as well.  Blake Ewert ran the ball 18 times for 91 yards and a touchdown.  Aidan Dominguez carried the rock 8 times for 46 yards and three scores, and had a pick on defense.  Dyland Smesko had seven carries and 78 yards and an incredible touchdown that showcased the heart of the junior running back.  Brady Crumbacher continued his unbelievable senior campaign with jaw-dropping returns on special teams, and took the lid off the Clipper defense through the air with a pair of catches for 35 yards and a TD.  Gaven Nagy had a highlight reel catch as well setting up the Raiders in scoring position, and finished the game with 4 catches and 70 yards.

Defensively, Aidan Dominguez had the Clippers on lockdown with seven tackles, and a pick.  Nagy and Toy had five tackles apiece, and Toy added an interception to his ledger.  Luke Starkey had an interception as well, and contributed a pair of tackles.  Jimmy Powell also put his mark on the game with a quartet of stops for the Raiders.

The Raiders now head to the Regional Finals again to set up a rematch with the Perry Pirates who met in the 2022 Regional Finals where South Range won 48-21.