For the first time in program history, the CVCA Royals are Regional Champions. The Royals dominated Villa Angela-St. Joseph on their way to a 42-7 win and the Region 9 title. CVCA leaned on their strengths in this game and proved to be too much for the Vikings. The defense impressed again as they made things very difficult all night for VASJ. They even got in on the scoring with a scoop and score by senior Wesley Keeler. CVCA's offense continued to roll as they racked up 253 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground while finding a few key plays through the air. With the Regional Title in hand, the Royals advance to the Division III State Semifinal on Friday, November 28th. CVCA will face Central Catholic (Toledo) at a site TBD. The team is now 12-0 on the season as they extend the longest win streak in team history. The Royals have won 22 of their last 23 games. This season, they have put the running clock on 11 of 12 opponents including all three so far in the playoffs. 

After VASJ won the coin toss and deferred, the CVCA offense took the field looking to make a statement. They did just that as they marched the ball down the field for a touchdown. Senior Wesley Keeler opened the scoring with a 2 yard touchdown run. The defense forced VASJ into a 3 and out on their first possession and the CVCA offense went back to work. The Royals added another touchdown as senior Charley Levak scored from 9 yards out after a long run put CVCA in the redzone. At the end of the first quarter, CVCA led 14-0.

The Royals defense came up with a big 4th down stop in plus territory to maintain the two score lead. CVCA fumbled a few plays later and the defense was called back into action. The Royals stood tall again as they forced another turnover on downs. CVCA's offense got back up by penalties on their next drive including a hold that negated a 79 yard touchdown run by Charley Levak. Despite being behind the sticks, they were able to convert to grab control of the momentum. Senior Wesley Keeler capped of another scoring drive with his 2nd rushing touchdown of the night. VASJ was able to answer this time as a long pass put the Vikings near the goal line. The Vikings would score through the air a few plays to cut the score to 21-7. With very little time left in the 2nd quarter and VASJ set to receive the second half kickoff, it seemed like CVCA had lost a little control of the game. That feeling quickly went away when senior DonGino Bickley gathered a tipped ball to score as time expired in the first half. The Royals led 28-7 at the half.

The rain picked up at halftime and was going to make passing more of a challenge in the final two quarters. Feeling the pressure, VASJ decided to go for it on 4th down deep in their own territory. The snap was dropped and picked up by senior Joey Kopec. The ball was knocked away from Kopec right to Wesley Keeler who ran it in for a defensive touchdown. Wesley Keeler added another rushing touchdown to push the lead to 42-7 and get the clock running. It was another impressive victory for the Royals. Both the offense and defense played very well as the dream season continues for CVCA.

How CVCA's philosophy of 'barbells and the Bible' has Royals in first football state semifinal (Cleveland.com)
OHSAA playoffs, CVCA routs VASJ to win first football regional title (Beacon Journal)
CVCA rolls against VASJ, 42-7, to advance to Division III state semifinals (Cleveland.com)
CVCA wins first regional championship with 42-7 win over VASJ (Kee On Sports)


Rushing
Charley Levak 10 carries, 115 yards, TD
Joey Kopec 10 carries, 65 yards
Wesley Keeler 11 carries, 37 yards, 3 TDs
Nick Schober 4 carries, 19 yards

Passing
Charley Levak 4/7, 109 yards, TD

Receiving
Brayden Harris 1 catch, 52 yards
DonGino Bickley 1 catch 38 yards, TD
Zac Anderson 1 catch, 15 yards

Kicking
Luke McQuillen 6/6 PATs

Defense
Wesley Keeler FR, TD