Games like Friday's are one of the many reasons that Northeast Ohio loves High School football. CVCA and Northwest met for the first time ever on Friday, September 22nd. The Royals were looking to bounce back after a tough road loss at Fairless. Both teams gave everything they had in a back and forth thriller. All night it felt like whoever had the ball last would win. In the end, the Royals scored with just 5 seconds left on the clock to earn a 33-28 win. CVCA picks up their first conference win and moves to 3-2 on the season. They will travel to Orrville on Friday, September 29th.

The 1st quarter was all CVCA with the Royals jumping out to a 14 point lead. Elijah Payne connect with Christian Decipeda for 53 yard touchdown to open the scoring. Tre Tucker added a 5 yard touchdown run and the Royals were in the driver's seat. 

Northwest answered with 2 scores of their own to open the 2nd quarter. A 66 yard run by their quarter back and a 30 yard run by their running back tied the game at 14-14. Just when the Indians were feeling some momentum, they kicked the ball to Tre Tucker. The junior took the ball 86 yards for a touchdown and regained the lead for the Royals. CVCA entered half-time leading 21-14.

The 3rd quarter started with Northwest receiving the kick. They capped a long scoring drive with a 17 yard touchdown pass on 3rd and 16 to pull even again. The score was now 21-21 and the 3rd quarter would come to a close without any more scoring.

The 4th quarter was primed for excitement and it didn't disappoint. CVCA jumped ahead when Elijah Payne and Tre Tucker connected for a 78 yard touchdown down the right sideline. Northwest broke through and blocked the extra point making the score 27-21. The Royals were going to need a stop or some late game offense. They would come through with the later. Northwest drove and scored with just over a minute left on the clock. Their extra point was good giving them a 1 point lead. After a short kick-off, Elijah Payne led the Royals down inside the 10 yard line. With just seconds remaining, CVCA turned to Tre Tucker who had scored 3 times already. Tucker took a direct snap and scored from 9 yards out with just 5 seconds left on the clock. Northwest's final pass hit the turf, and the Royals won by a score of 33-28.

Rushing
Tre Tucker 9 carries, 51 yards, 2 TDs
Jack Atwood 10 carries, 33 yards

Passing
Elijah Payne 15-24, 300 yards, 2 TDs

Receiving
Tre Tucker 6 catches, 167 yards, TD
Christian Decipeda 1 catch, 53 yards, TD
Isaac Strausser 3 catches, 41 yards

Kicking
Bryce Kightlinger 3/4 PATs

Special Teams
Tre Tucker 1 kickoff return, 86 yards, TD

Photo Credit: Dan DiBlasi