Chardon High School hosted Perry High School in a remarkable nonconference matchup. Chardon High School Hilltoppers was motivated after coming off a crushing 20-19 defeat last week against West Guega. The Hilltoppers began last week's game on a 19-0 run. Tonight's game would have a similar start as Chardon High School would take an early 7-0 lead against the Perry Pirates on a 36 yd run by Sr. QB and #HSGOTW MVP Andrew Kobuszewski (Koby). On the very next play of the game, #26 D.J. Bowman, Jr. LB, would pick off a pass for the Hilltoppers and return it for a TD. With 6:51 left in the first quarter, the score was 13-0 Hilltoppers.
The Perry Pirates fought back and continued to fight throughout the night. This nonconference game was a heavyweight bout between two great teams. QB Drew Schiano would lead the Pirates back in to contention with a few passes to wide-open receivers down the field. Schiano completed a 65-yd pass to #16 Jacob Allen on the drive; Schiano finished the drive with a 13-yd TD pass to TE #80 Matt Cool.
The scoring would go back and forth, as the Hilltoppers would answer with a 72 yd TD run by RB Wade Novak. Next up, Pirates would score on an 11 yd carry by RB Jacob Allen. And back and forth we went throughout the first half. At the half, the score was Perry Pirates 28 and the Chardon Hilltoppers 26.
The second half would not disappoint either. After a quick three & out by the Hilltoppers, Perry would extend their lead on their first possession with a TD reception by #2 Jake Reid. RB Wade Novak would not allow the Pirates to extend the lead as he rushed for a 44 yd TD on the next possession. TD, FG, TD, etc. the scoring would continue.
Under two minutes left in the 4th quarter, the score was tied 43-43. The Perry Pirates would drive into the Hilltoppers territory, but the Hilltoppers defense stiffened to force overtime.
This overtime game was the first overtime game in Chardon High School stadium's 70-year history. On the first play of OT, DB #21 Max Liechty picked off a pass in the end zone to give his offense the ball. In Ohio High School football, each team is given the ball on the 20-yd line and then given four downs to get a first down, touchdown or FG. If the team gets a first down, the team will then have four downs in order to score a touchdown or FG. If a team does not get a touchdown, field goal, or turns the ball over, the opponent will have the ball at the 20-yd line.
The Hilltoppers would take over at their 20-yd line and would not relinquish the ball. DJ Bowman would punch it in from the 4-yd line for the game winning TD. Great game by the Pirates and Hilltoppers.
Additional Notes:
Tonight's theme was Youth Football Night at Chardon Stadium. Approximately 250 youth football players and cheerleaders joined the Hilltoppers on field for pregame activities include player/team entrances.
Four Perry High School football players worked double duty tonight as they took part in the halftime performance by the Perry High School marching band.
MVP Andrew Koby: 20 car. 123 yds, 1 TD; 3 of 6 passing, 84 yds., 1 TD
Next week Chardon (1-1) travels to Canfield (2-0) and Perry (1-1) will go on the road to face Madison (2-0).
