Aurora runs past Roosevelt 42-14 to keep playoff hopes alive
AURORA, OH- Friday night took us to Aurora Veterans Stadium for a big Suburban League and Portage County matchup as the Greenmen hosted the Kent Roosevelt Rough Riders. It was a game with playoff implications as both teams were still alive desperately needing a week 9 win. The Greenmen would roll behind a balanced offensive attack 42-14.
Aurora did not take long to kick the offense into gear. After a failed onside kick attempt on the opening kickoff by Roosevelt gave the ball to the Greenmen at the Rough Riders 48-yard line, senior running back Xavier Board busted through the line taking it to the house for a touchdown. The Eric Waid PAT was good putting Aurora up 7-0 only 18 seconds into this one.
Roosevelt would come up empty on their first possession after three straight incomplete passes by Gavin Peeps forced a punt. The Greemen would then go on a 12 play, 72 yard drive spanning almost seven minutes capped off by another Board touchdown run, this one from 10 yards out. The Waid PAT made it 14-0 with 4:48 left in the 1st quarter.
Xavier Board with his 2nd touchdown of the 1st quarter for Aurora
Roosevelt would move the ball on their next drive highlighted by a 20 yard run from Peeps. It would stall after a holding penalty put them in a 3rd and 17 situation. They would once again have to punt.
On the second play of the following Aurora possession, Luke McGovern went 76 yards changing field directions multiple times for one of the best touchdown runs you will see at any level. Another Waird PAT made it a 21-0 Greenmen lead with 10:00 to play in the half.
Roosevelt would again move the ball on their next possession moving into Greenmen territory after five complete passes by Peeps. A holding penalty followed by a fumble ended this drive and turned it back over to Aurora.
They would capitalize in three plays as Ryan Ziegler found McGovern down the sidelines after escaping pressure for a 35-yard touchdown connection. The PAT put Aurora up 28-0.
Luke McGovern with his 2nd touchdown of the 1st half
Roosevelt would finally get on the board when Jaiden Portis took the following kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown. Sam Snellenberger hit the PAT to make it a 28-7 game.
Aurora would strike right back in two plays after Ziegler hit Quincy John for a 58-yard touchdown strike. Waird’s fifth PAT put Aurora up 35-0.
Ryan Ziegler finds Quincy John for a 58-yard touchdown strike
That would be the score at the break with Aurora leading 35-7.
Landscaping- mowing, trimming, flower beds, gravel, mulch, leaf blowing, removal of old landscaping and planting of new landscaping, Hardscaping. Excavating- trenching, downspouts, all around excavating.
The Rough Riders would have a rough start to the 2nd half. Facing a 3rd and 6, Peeps dropped back to pass and was sacked by Aurora senior Luke Bonnette for an 11-yard loss forcing a punt. A high snap went over Peeps head. He was able to recover it and after running around for a few seconds was only able to get off a 9-yard punt.
The Greenmen would out their final stamp on this one taking advantage of a short field after the special teams mishap by Roosevelt. The six minute drive ended with a Ryan Slisz 5-yard touchdown run. Eric Waid converted another PAT going 6/6 on the night and Aurora led 42-7. The 30+ point advantage began a running clock.
Ryan Slisz scores the final touchdown for the Greenmen in the 3rd
The 4th quarter was uneventful for Aurora as they emptied their bench giving the younger rostered players some valuable field time.
Roosevelt would get a late 72-yard touchdown pass from Peeps to Portis to round out the scoring. Aurora took this one 42-14.
Luke McGovern had 160 total yards (92 rushing, 68 receiving) and a pair of touchdowns earning the Week 9 R&S Landscaping & Excavating Player of the Game Award. Xavier Board rushed for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns. Ryan Ziegler went 5/6 for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns. Luke Bonnette has 2 sacks to lead the defense.
Aurora will wrap up the regular season next week at Barberton while Roosevelt travels to Tallmadge.
