The Lutheran East Falcons knocked off Ashtabula St John's on Saturday afternoon by a score of 38-14. Playing at the beautiful Spire Institute in Geneva, the Falcons looked poised from the start to get the win. Sitting at 3-1, this marks the best start by a Lutheran East team since 2006.
In the first quarter of action, the Falcons picked up from where they left off last week with a combination of stellar defense and efficient offense. On the second drive, the Falcons marched 72 yards on well executed passes from Kaylin Heard to Julian Hicks and Rodney Paradise, and runs by senior Mark Churchill. The drive was completed with a Paradise touchdown reception from Heard. Running back Carlton Hoey Jr. played very well and also found the end zone in the first quarter.
The second quarter was full of action in all three phases of the game. The Falcon defense continued to frustrate the Herald offense with consistent pressure, gang tackling and solid coverage. This led to a safety by a swarm of tacklers to start things off. With the offense back on the field, the balanced attack kept moving forward. Heard was able to connect with Paradise for their second touchdown hook up and Churchill punched in the 2 point conversion.
After forcing yet another punt in the second quarter, it was time for Hicks to get his share of the highlight reel. Following multiple blockers and zig zagging through the Herald punt team, he took a punt return 63 yards for the score (Hoey with the conversion). The Falcons controlled the entire first half and the defense only slipped on a trick play by the Heralds for the first score given up in the last 9 quarters. On the ensuing kick off though, Lutheran East answered right back. With 80 yards of turf in front of him, junior wide receiver/free safety/kick returner Hicks took it the distance for a 38-7 lead at break.
The second half was a great opportunity to witness the future of Lutheran East's football program. All of the young players gained playing time and freshman running back Vashon Fussell carried the majority of the load. He finished the day with 7 carries for 36 yards behind the blocking of freshman fullback Jaysean Allison. Sincere Mills and Timel Haskin each gained time at quarterback. The young defense did extremely well and only surrendered a late 60 yard touchdown pass from St. John's.
Up next for the Falcons is a strange bye week with the cancellation from Open Door, but the JV unit will play at Hawken on Saturday, September 26. The varsity group returns to action against a tough Warrensville Heights team on Friday, October 2.
OFFENSIVE LEADERS:
Kaylin Heard- 5/7 passing for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns, 9 carries for 65 yards
Rodney Paradise- 2 receptions for 19 yards and 2 touchdowns, 1 punt return for 40 yards
Julian Hicks- 234 all purpose yards including a reception, 2 kick returns and a punt return for 2 touchdowns
DEFENSIVE LEADERS:
Mark McCary- 4.5 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
Mark Churchill- 4.5 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack
Devon Devezin- 3.5 tackles, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery, 2 batted balls