The CVCA football team hit the road on Friday for their first ever North Coast Conference contest. The Royals traveled to Mentor where they faced off against the Lake Catholic Cougars. A lot is expected from CVCA and Lake Catholic this season so this game was sure to be a battle. It was a hard fought game between two very good teams. The Royals were able to break the 14-14 tie and grab a two score lead with a touchdown before half and another in the third quarter. CVCA held on and ran out the clock on their final possession for a 28-21 victory. With the win, the Royals move to 5-0 for the first time since 2008. They also put themselves in the driver's seat for the conference title. This week, CVCA will travel to Holy Name. That game will be on Saturday night at Brooklyn High School.

The Royals received the ball to start the game and marched right down the final. They capped a 7 play, 77 yard drive with a 6 yard touchdown pass from Charley Levak to Brayden Harris. Lake Catholic answered with a touchdown drive of their own and led 7-6. CVCA moved back in front just two play later. Charley Levak and Brayden Harris connected again through the year but this time for a 59 yard touchdown. The first quarter came to a close with the Royals in front 14-7.

Lake Catholic took advantage of a short field after a CVCA turnover and tied the score at 14-14 in the 2nd quarter. CVCA responded with another quick drive to move back in front. Joey Kopec raced to the end zone from 41 yards out and the Royals led once again. They took their 21-14 lead into halftime after a big 4th down stop on defense to stop the Cougars. 

The CVCA defense stood tall again to start the 2nd half of play. The Royals forced another turnover on downs and set up the offense with a short field. On the ensuing drive, Joey Kopec scored his 2nd rushing touchdown and CVCA grabbed control of the game at 28-14. That score remained until just over five minutes left in the 4th quarter. Lake Catholic scored on a 4th and goal from the 12 yard line to keep their hopes alive. The Cougars kicked it deep to the Royals hoping to get a defensive stop. The CVCA offense had other ideas. The Royals bled the clock out with an 11 play play drive. They were able to finish the game in victory formation and they secured the 28-21 victory.



Rushing
Joey Kopec 16 carries, 105 yards, 2 TDs
Wesley Keeler 9 carries, 89 yards
Charley Levak 4 carries, 48 yards
Tommy Kopec 7 carries, 34 yards
Zac Anderson 3 carries, 21 yards

Passing
Charley Levak 2/3, 65 yards, 2 TDs

Receiving
Brayden Harris 2 catches, 65 yards, 2 TDs

Kicking
Luke McQuillen 2/2 PATs