In the week five Cleveland Browns High School Game of the Week presented by Ohio Cat and in association with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) the McKinley Bulldogs defeated the Hoover (North Canton) Vikings by a final score of 50-31. The Vikings have not defeated the Bulldogs since 2014, and tonight would not be the night to change those fortunes.

Both McKinley and Hoover went into Friday night's showdown advertising high octane offenses and they brought it right from the outset. The Bulldogs offense struck first on the opening drive as senior running back Lameir Garrett would score from five yards out to take the 7-0 lead with 7:28 left in the first quarter. The Vikings responded with a 26-yard field goal by Yannis Volis.

In a game dictated by offense, field goals would prove to not be enough.

McKinley would score on every possession until under three minutes left in the third quarter when they were forced to punt for the first time of the night. The Bulldogs defense would force two turnovers on the night – both interceptions – at critical moments of the game. Hoover would later cut the lead to four, but a costly interception by the Vikings all but sealed the game. 

The Bulldogs, led by quarterback Elijah Wesley, finished the game 8-of-13 passing for 180 yards and nine rushes for 86 yards and two total touchdowns. Garrett finished his night with 236 yards on 31 carries with five touchdowns and was named Game of the Week MVP for his spectacular showcase.  

The Vikings (3-2) will host Perry (4-1) at North Canton Hoover Stadium next Friday night and Canton McKinley Bulldogs (4-1) will host a conference game against Lake (4-1) at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. 

Canton McKinley offensive leaders:

Passing: Elijah Wesley, 8-of-13 for 180 yards, TD

Rushing: Lameir Garrett, 31 rushing attempts, 236 yards, 5 TDs

Receiving: Jalen Ross, 4 receptions for 100 yards, TD  

Hoover offensive leaders:

Passing: Connor Ashby, 14-of-21 for 325 yards, 2 TDs

Rushing: Adam Griguolo, 13 rushing attempts, 62 yards, TD,

Ashby, 13 rushing attempts, 61 yards, TD

Receiving: Drew Johnson, 4 receptions for 96 yards, 2 TDs

A Special Thank You

We would also like to recognize a few outstanding volunteers from Hoover High School – Charlie Little, Ron Feltz, and Kent Weida. Each of these gentlemen volunteer their time each Friday cleaning the stadium at noon, making sure that the stadium is ready for game night, and they escort elderly and disabled patrons to and from their seats on golf carts during the game. None of these gentlemen children played football for Hoover, but they all agreed that it is a pleasure and privilege to serve Hoover High School. Combined, they have nearly 100 years of service to Hoover High School. Thank you gentlemen for your selfless act of serving your school and your community. #give10