Brush tops South in overtime thriller

Brush receiver Kris Cecil dropped a pass in the fourth quarter that could’ve ended the game, but all he though about was wanting a second chance.

When the opportunity arose again, Cecil’s hands were solid.

Cecil caught the game-winning touchdown from four yards out to help the Arcs win win, 36-33, Sept. 28 in overtime against host Willoughby South in a Western Reserve Conference thriller.

“I got a second chance,” Cecil said. “I didn’t catch the pass early on so I had the confidence to go get it because I missed my opportunity early on.”

Cecil dropped a pass on third and goal with 25 seconds to go in fourth quarter. The Arcs tied the game at 30 with a 20-yard field-goal attempt. South started the overtime period with the football. After going three-and-out, the Rebels took a 33-30 lead on a 22-yard field goal.

What stood out for Brush was its defense at the end.

“We fought back.” Coach Eddie Hall said.

The fight began in the third quarter. Brush was down, 1413, early in the third quarter, but Ruel Greenwood intercepted Justin Grosel’s pass to start its first drive in the second half.

That drive ended with a six-yard touchdown catch by Keyshawn Johnson to make it a 20-14 game with 5:59 to go in the third quarter.

South immediately answered on Danny Gallagher’s 20-yard touchdown catch to tie the game at 20. Gallagher also intercepted Shorts’ pass to return it for a touchdown and put South back up, 27-20.

The Arcs had one more run in them. This time, running back Andree Franks broke through a couple of tacklers and found the end zone to tie the game at 27.

“I’ve been telling these kids to fight back and find the adversity,” Hall said. “Go face it head on. This was a team win. I think I literally have 11 star players on offense and 11 star players on defense and they all played tonight. This is about the players and I’m so proud of them.”

Brush was led by running back Mitchell Kellogg, who ran for 152 yard on 26 carries. Shorts threw for 180 yards and Cecil had 80 yards receiving.

South will host Chardon Oct. 5. Brush will play North at home.

PATRICK HOPKINS - FOR THE NEWS-HERALD Brush’s Mitchell Kellogg breaks through the line vs. South on Sept. 28 during the Arcs’ 36-33 OT win.

PATRICK HOPKINS - FOR THE NEWS-HERALD Brush celebrates its win over South on Sept. 28.