Perry dominates Chagrin Falls

There are fast starts, and then there is Perry’s effort against Chagrin Falls on Sept. 10 at C.S. Harris Stadium.

It took the Pirates three offensive plays over two series to take a 14-0 lead.

Sophomore quarterback Brayden Richards ran 88 yards on the first play untouched on a keeper. After a blocked punt, Perry’s Jadynn Anderson scored from three yards out. On the second offensive play of Chagrin’s next possession, the Pirates’ defense smothered a Tigers back in the end zone for a safety putting Chagrin Falls in a 16-0 hole before fans could settle in.

The Pirates went on to record a dominant 37-0 win.

While most Pirates fans would look at the score and be rightfully happy with the lopsided contest in favor of the Pirates, Coach Bob Gecewich said, “There are things (penalties) that we can control and clean up.

“What I am proud of is the effort level did not change with different players coming in the game.“

Due to injuries and illness, Chagrin Falls was playing with a depleted starting roster.

The Tigers’ best sequence of the night came in the second quarter. Down, 23-0, after a touchdown run by Perry senior running back Aidan Lefelhoc. the Tigers controlled the ball for over six minutes and marched down to the 1-yard line. However, a pass by senior quarterback Andrew Kirkpatrick, getting his first career start as the signal caller, fell incomplete on fourth down, giving the ball back to the Pirates.

Perry seized the opportunity and in quick fashion took four plays to move 99 yards for the score. Lefelhoc took a pass from Richards and went 11 yards into the end zone for his second score of the night.

With a running clock in the second half, Perry wanted to make sure it took advantage of its time, so much so the Pirates scored on the first offensive play. Senior wideout Ethan Crum caught a beautifully floated pass from freshman quarterback Walter Moses and outraced Tigers defenders the rest of the way on a play that covered 69 yards. The extra point pushed the score to 37-0.

Perry outgained Chagrin, 406-106.

Even with a full squad, Tigers coach John Scott knows Perry is a tough matchup.

“They are well-coached, have good athletes and do a lot of things well,” Scott said. “Tonight’s situation made it a Sisyphean battle.”

Next week, Chagrin (2-2) hosts its rival Orange, while Perry (3-1) hosts Lakeside.