Tag Archive for: Antuan Gardner

GARDNER GOES OFF; NILES TOASTS TIGERS

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NILES, OH- In a riveting matchup between the Howland Tigers and the Niles Red Dragons, football fans were treated to a roller-coaster of action, with both teams leaving it all on the field. The first quarter remained scoreless as the two teams jockeyed for control. However, the second quarter brought a flurry of excitement. Howland’s quarterback, John Perry, showcased his skills with a precision 20-yard touchdown pass to TJ Douglas, putting the Tigers on the board at 6-0 with just 4 minutes and 10 seconds left on the clock. The successful PAT by Jack Litton extended their lead to 7-0.

Not to be outdone, the Niles Red Dragons roared back just before halftime. With a mere 6 seconds left, Antuan Gardner sprinted his way into the end zone with a 9-yard touchdown run, bringing the score to a close 7-6 in favor of Howland as the teams headed into the locker rooms.

As the third quarter unfolded, Niles continued to surge. Gardner once again demonstrated why he’s considered one of the area’s best with a 9-yard touchdown run at the 8:38 mark. Anthony Georgalas’s successful extra point kick boosted Niles’ lead to 14-7. The fourth quarter proved to be a pivotal turning point, with both teams fiercely battling for supremacy. Niles’ Anthony Budak unleashed an electrifying 85-yard touchdown run, extending Niles’ advantage. Howland responded with a stunning 62-yard touchdown pass from Perry to Josh Jarvis, reigniting their hopes and narrowing the gap to a one-score game.

However, Niles’ Gardner refused to be contained. With a relentless drive, he powered his way into the end zone from 4 yards out, expanding Niles’ lead to 28-14. Gardner continued his stellar performance, notching another touchdown with a 15-yard run, securing Niles’ commanding 35-14 lead with just 3 minutes and 47 seconds left on the game clock. Mother Nature had other plans, though, as inclement weather abruptly brought the game to an early close.

When all was said and done, Niles emerged victorious with a well-fought 35-14 lead, starting their season off on a high note with a 1-0 record. On the other side, Howland faced an unfortunate defeat, commencing their season at 0-1.

DRAGONS SECURE FIRST HOME PLAYOFF WIN

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NILES OH- It’s a long history of Niles football full of tons of talented players. However, Niles came in to Friday night still seeking their first win at home in the playoffs in the program’s history. Their opponent Ravenna put up a fight, but it was too much Dragons as they coasted to a 35-21 win.

Zack Leonard impresses as always with 17 carries for 214 yards and 2 touchdowns. Freshman Antuan Gardner also chipped in with 17 carries for 136 yards with a pair of house calls. Leonard also found the promise land through the air on a pass to Alleni Fryer. Leonard also contributed on defense collecting a key interception in the first quarter, and another one later in the game. He accounted for two of the three turnovers forced by the Dragons defense.

Niles first home playoff game also caps off an undefeated road schedule. The Dragons went 4-0 in the friendly confines of Bo Rein Stadium. The Dragons advance and will travel to Streetsboro in round 2 of the playoffs next Friday.