Pirates rout Fairview to win opener

The Rocky River Pirates started out the 2016 season with a convincing win over their neighboring rivals, the Fairview Warriors, thanks to an outstanding game from junior running back Dameon Crawford, who scored four touchdowns, in the 53-13 blowout on Aug. 26.

Crawford ran for 244 yards on 20 carries, aided by junior Matthew Popovich, who rushed for 155 yards on 10 carries.

Both teams got off to a sloppy start in the first quarter, committing one penalty after another, but the Pirates jumped on the board with 11 seconds left in the first quarter, thanks to a 16-yard run from Crawford.

After Crawford’s second rushing touchdown of the game, Fairview answered back with a 29-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Josh Fillkill to senior wide receiver Ryan Provenza to make it 15-7.

Rocky River junior quarterback Cameron Blue found Jack Rodgers for a 10-yard touchdown before halftime to give the Pirates a 23-7 lead heading into halftime.

The Pirates opened up the second half with a dominant rushing attack, led by Crawford, who scored his third touchdown of the night, rushing 18 yards to the end zone to put the game out of reach.

Junior Pirates kicker Michael Konrad made a 22yard field goal to stretch the lead to 26 midway through the third quarter.

Sophomore Jack Provenza gave the Warriors some much-needed points with a five-yard touchdown run, set up by a 54-yard pass from Fillkill to senior wide receiver Jason Sassano, which made it a 33-13 game after the failed twopoint conversion attempt.

The younger Provenza finished with 56 rushing yards on five carries and came away with an interception on defense.

The Pirates refused to let up, as Crawford and Popovich continued to dominate, setting up a fourth touchdown for the Pirates’ star running back.

Rocky River’s onslaught continued early in the fourth quarter, as Blue found senior wide receiver Josh Sekic for a 43-yard touchdown.