The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Kenston coach gives thumbs up after opener
Kenston football coach Jeff Grubich found out what it was like to be flying blind in his team’s season-opener on Sept. 4.
Because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Bombers did not have a scrimmage in August or a Week 1 game, because Mayfield cancelled the game because of a few COVID-19 tests on their team came back positive.
So Grubich — along with the youngest, most inexperienced team he’s had in some time — had to go on the road to Madison to start its season on Sept. 4.
“I tell you what — I had huge concerns,” Grubich said. “I lost a lot of sleep all week. Not being able to be battle-tested and then being thrown into the fire — you never know how they’re going to respond.”
The Bombers responded well.
Despite falling behind early on a long touchdown pass from Michael O’Brien to Noah Tweedy, Kenston rallied for a 21-14 win.
“I’ve never been more proud of a group of guys,” Grubich said of his team. “No scrimmage, no Week 1 — nothing. And to battle for 48 minutes and come out with a win, I’m proud.”
Stanley Sell, who did a good job as a backup to three-time All-Ohio running back Jack Porter, carried 29 times for 189 yards and two touchdowns in his first start.
Sophomore quarterback Nikko Georgiou, backup to two-time All-Ohioan Jon Tomcufcik last year, was 9-for-15 for 107 yards and had 49 rushing yards.
Freshman DB Sean Patrick — a mere eighthgrader last year when Tyler Mintz was earning his All-Ohio accolades for Kenston before spring graduation — intercepted two passes (including one returned 99 yards for a touchdown).
“Sell was huge — huge,” Grubich said. “He’s come a long way. To have a game like that in his first career start was huge for us.”
Patrick’s pick-six might have been the gamechanger. Madison was going in for what would have made it a 14-7 Blue Streaks lead in the third quarter when he jumped an outroute, picked off the pass, picked up a few blocks and took it to the house.
“I didn’t know if he was going to have enough gas to get to the other end,” Grubich said with a laugh. “He’s gonna be pretty good. He’s pretty electric, and he’s only 14 years old. He’s going to be a dynamite player for us.”
Kenston’s road doesn’t get easier in Week 2. The Bombers host Chardon. The Hilltoppers are 2-0 and have outscored North and South by a combined score of 92-7.
Woolfolk in the win over Lutheran East. But the big night went to freshman Tanell Rose, who ran for 121 yards on 22 carries.
“The first week, he had 53 yards. Kind of got the a first-game jitters out of the way,” Hall said. “He was more comfortable in this one. He’s really good and he’s only going to get better.”
Hall said Brush’s offensive line, particularly sophomore guard Darian Farley and junior tackle Maliek Williams, dominated the game.
“We continue to get better,” Hall said. “This should be our third scrimmage right now. We have things to iron out, for sure, but I like where we’re at.”
Harvey awarded $2,500
The Harvey football program has been named the recipient of a $2,500 Sports Matter grant from Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The announcement was made by Nick Cipkus, community marketing director in Northeastern Ohio for Dick’s Sporting Good. Cipkus is a Lake Catholic graduate.
The Sports Matter mission statement is “To inspire and enable youth participation in sports.”
More specifically, the website says “A simple statement, but one that is often overlooked. Sports build character, increase confidence, motivate kids to stay in school and aim for higher education; teaching life lessons that extend well beyond the playing field. Through grants and other support we’ve helped 501c3 organizations, schools, and community teams across all 50 states provide opportunities for youth to play sports. But not everyone has the same access to play sports.”
Needless to say, the $2,500 grant was another shot of adrenaline into a Harvey program that’s on the upswing under firstyear coach Mick Mohner.
“It’s great,” Mohner said. “That money will go a long way toward stuff like storage, reconditioning pads — anything to ease the burden on the school district.”
Harvey is 0-2 this season. After a close loss to Chagrin Falls, 16-6, in Week 1, the Red Raiders were beaten by CVC Chagrin powerhouse Perry, 372, on Sept. 4.
A year ago, Harvey lost to Chagrin, 45-6, and Perry, 42-8.
“The guys are starting to believe,” Mohner said. “When you’ve had so many years where you’ve been told you’re not good enough or the scoreboard says you’re not good enough, the kids don’t believe. We’re improving. We’re knocking on the door. We’re going to start winning some of these games and shock some people.”