Despite Strong First Half, Rangers Fall to Demons

The game was both "Youth Night" and the annual "Pink Out" to promote cancer awareness. These young cheerleaders are dressed the part!

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Through the first six games of the season, Lakewood’s football team never had the lead at any point. In the first half of Friday’s home game with Westlake, the Rangers never trailed. However, Lakewood couldn’t sustain its success in the second half, eventually falling to the Demons 50-22. Despite competition from an Indians playoff game, a large crowd attended the game. This was the annual “Pink Out Night”  to raise cancer awareness. The LHS Student Council raised $1,000 to benefit the American Cancer Society. It was also “youth night”, as hundreds of elementary and middle school students were recognized for their participation in football, cheerleading, and marching band.    

The game started beautifully for the Rangers, as they forced a “three and out” on Westlake’s first possession. On their own first possession, Lakewood quarterback Austin Mahar tossed a 42 yard touchdown pass to  Dayvon Hanible. Attila Nagy’s extra point made the score 7-0 with 10:37 left in the first quarter. This was the first Ranger lead of any game all season….and the enthusiastic home crowd exploded with excitement. Westlake answered on its next possession, driving 87 yards on nine plays to score the tying touchdown with 5:03 left in the first quarter.   

On the ensuing kickoff, Ranger senior Sean Wiggins ran the ball 87 yards to the endzone, scoring an apparent touchdown. However, a penalty call wiped out the score, leaving Lakewood with the ball at Westlake’s 38 yard line. A 4th down 31 yard swing pass from Mahar to senior Quentin Palmer moved the ball to the Demons five yard line. Palmer eventually scored on a two yard touchdown run, putting Lakewood back up 14-7 late in the first quarter.

Lakewood held that lead into the second quarter, and was moving the ball on another drive. They marched from their own 10 yard line to the Demons’ 30, where they had a first-and-ten. A deep Mahar pass was intercepted at the one yard line, stopping the drive. On the second play of Westlake’s possession, quarterback Trey Bialowas threw a short pass to wide receiver Terrence Rose. Rose broke a tackle, then streaked down the sideline. He was too fast for the Rangers to catch, scoring a 97 yard touchdown. The extra point tied the game at 14 with 4:31 left in the second quarter.

The Rangers scored on their next possession, going 65 yards on six plays to take a 21-14 lead with 2:09 left in the half. The key play was a 50 yard run by Mahar that took the ball deep into Demon territory. Westlake again answered, tying the game with only 1:14 remaining. They tried to extend the lead after a Ranger turnover, but Lakewood linebacker James Morrissey picked off a Demon pass to preserve the tie. Lakewood attempted a long 43-yard field goal as the half expired, but Nagy’s kick came up short.

Like in some previous games this season, the Rangers lost steam in the second half. Westlake scored on back-to-back possessions to take a 35-21 lead into the fourth quarter. Ranger Kevin Musai intercepted a Westlake pass early the fourth quarter, giving Lakewood the ball on the Demon 44 yard line. The offense was unable to score, and Westlake went on to extend their lead. Zach Moore caught a 30 yard touchdown pass late in the game for the Rangers, but it was too little too late. Westlake won 50-28, keeping their playoff hopes very much alive.

Lakewood fell to 0-7 with the loss, and travels to Midview next week to take on a tough Middies team. They return to First Federal Stadium on October 21 against North Ridgeville. The evening will be “Senior Night” to honor senior cheerleaders, marching band members, and athletes.