DRAGONS FALL IN HIGH SCORING BATTLE
Photo Credit: CM Photography
Gates Mills, OH- In a high-scoring affair, the Lakeside Dragons fell to the Hawken Hawks 60-38 in a game filled with explosive plays on both sides. Lakeside received the opening kickoff, but an early interception by Hawken’s Ryan Whiting changed the momentum. Whiting’s 40-yard pick-six gave the Hawks a quick 6-0 lead, although the two-point conversion attempt failed.
Lakeside answered back quickly, as quarterback Omar Ambriz connected with Matt Wagner for a 41-yard touchdown strike, leveling the score at 6-6 with 7:44 left in the first quarter. However, Hawken regained the lead with Jordan Johnson’s 1-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point conversion, making it 14-6 in favor of the Hawks.
The second quarter was packed with scoring. Hawken’s Charlie Mallet connected with Ryan Whiting on a double reverse pass for a 31-yard touchdown, pushing the Hawks ahead 20-6. Lakeside’s Nate Bartone powered through for a 1-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to 20-14, but Hawken’s ground game proved unstoppable. Johnson added two more rushing touchdowns before the half, and a late 21-yard touchdown pass from Donovan Moorhead to Keni Obi extended the Hawks’ lead to 40-18 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Lakeside showed resilience as Ambriz hit Devan Miller for a 61-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 46-25. Despite Lakeside’s efforts, Hawken’s Jordan Johnson and Donovan Moorhead kept the Hawks comfortably ahead, with Johnson scoring his fourth touchdown of the night and Moorhead finding Whiting for another touchdown pass.
Lakeside’s Miller continued to shine, adding a 64-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter, and Ambriz capped off his impressive night with a 60-yard touchdown pass to Miller, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Hawken’s high-powered offense. Moorhead’s final touchdown pass to Obi sealed the deal for Hawken, who cruised to a 60-38 victory.
Lakeside (1-4) will look to bounce back in Week 6 when they host the Madison Blue Streaks (3-2) to kick off CVC Lake Division play. Meanwhile, Hawken (4-1) will hit the road to face the West Geauga Wolverines (2-3) in their CVC Valley Division opener.
Lakeside Dragons Player Highlights:
- Omar Ambriz (Quarterback): Ambriz had an impressive night, throwing for four touchdowns and totaling over 200 yards through the air. His key connections included a 41-yard touchdown to Matt Wagner, a 26-yard strike to Jay Anthony Williams, and two long touchdown passes to Devan Miller (61 and 60 yards).
- Devan Miller (Wide Receiver/Running Back): Miller was a standout performer, racking up two long touchdown receptions of 61 and 60 yards. He also showcased his speed with a 64-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, finishing the game with three total touchdowns.
- Matt Wagner (Wide Receiver): Wagner hauled in a 41-yard touchdown pass early in the game, helping Lakeside tie the score at 6-6.
- Nate Bartone (Running Back): Bartone added to Lakeside’s offense with a 1-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter, keeping the Dragons within striking distance at the time.
Hawken Hawks Player Highlights:
- Jordan Johnson (Running Back): Johnson was the workhorse for Hawken, scoring four rushing touchdowns (1, 7, 11, and 4 yards), consistently powering through the Lakeside defense.
- Ryan Whiting (Defensive Back/Wide Receiver): Whiting was a game-changer on both sides of the ball, returning an interception 40 yards for a touchdown and catching two touchdown passes, including a 31-yard reverse pass and a 21-yard strike from Moorhead.
- Donovan Moorhead (Quarterback): Moorhead had a strong outing, throwing three touchdown passes (21 and 33 yards to Keni Obi, and 21 yards to Ryan Whiting), while leading Hawken’s offense to a 60-point performance.
- Keni Obi (Wide Receiver): Obi was a key target for Moorhead, catching two touchdown passes (21 and 33 yards) and helping seal the victory for the Hawks.