SOUTH RANGE DECOMMISSIONS GENERALS
CANFIELD, OH-In a highly-anticipated second-round matchup in the OHSAA Football Playoffs, the South Range Raiders clashed with the Ridgewood Generals at a packed Rominger stadium, and the Raiders left no room for doubt in a commanding 35-0 victory.
The scoring began with a bang as the Raiders’ Blake Ewert showcased his explosiveness, breaking through the Ridgewood defense with a remarkable 49-yard rushing touchdown. Just two minutes into the game, the South Range crowd erupted with excitement as they took an early 7-0 lead, courtesy of Logan Butcher’s extra point.
South Range continued to dominate in the second quarter. Ewert added to his impressive night with a 5-yard rushing touchdown, followed by another successful extra point from Logan Butcher. The score surged to 14-0 in favor of the Raiders. The relentless South Range offense struck again with Aidan Dominguez finding the end zone with a 3-yard rushing touchdown. Butcher was once again clutch with the extra point, extending the lead to 21-0.
The Raiders were not finished yet, with Junior QB, Tristan Toy connecting with Brady Crumbacher for a 13-yard touchdown reception, capping off a brilliant drive. Butcher’s extra point was money yet again, and the halftime score stood at an imposing 28-0 in favor of South Range.
Following an outstanding halftime show, the third quarter saw South Range maintain their offensive prowess. Tristan Toy demonstrated his quarterbacking skills with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Aidan Dominguez. Butcher continued to be a reliable force with the extra point, and the scoreboard read 35-0.
The fourth quarter went scoreless, as South Range’s defense continued to stifle Ridgewood, denying them any opportunity to mount a comeback, and ending the Generals’ season in Week 12.
The game’s outcome was a testament to South Range’s offensive prowess and defensive resilience. Blake Ewert’s explosive rushing night finished with 149 yards and two scores on 18 carries, combined with Logan Butcher’s accuracy on extra points 5/5, allowed the Raiders to take control early and maintain their momentum throughout. The passing game, led by Tristan Toy’s pinpoint accuracy going 6/7 for 79 yards through the air while rushing for 81 yards, was equally impressive, demonstrating a well-rounded offensive attack.
Defensively Brady Crumbacher was the leading play-stopper with 7 tackles. Kam Aquisto had four stops, and Gus Valentine, Heath Crouse, and Dylan Smesko clogged up things for a trio of solo tackles apiece.
With the victory, South Range will take on Clearview who upset Norwayne 19-16 on Friday night at a site to be determined by the OHSAA. Stay tuned to YSN for all the details of that matchup and many more.
