CVCA advances to the regional championship game after shutout win over Akron East

CVCA takes a timeout during the first half of the game. (Photo: Gene Simmons/Ohsfbmedia.com)

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio - The East Dragons' offensive woes and strong defense by the Royals led to them staying undefeated and advancing to the Division III Region 9 championship game with a 30-0 win.

"Our seniors are leading us and accomplishing their goals," said Cook.

The first quarter belonged to the Royals, as they scored from multiple phases. First, they drove for a score with a 10-yard run by Joey Kopec to get the first points on the board. The East offense continued to struggle as they put themselves in their own territory and suffered a safety, making the score 9-0 heading into the second quarter.

CVCA defenders Zac Anderson and an unknown CVCA player make a tackle on Lavance Bratton during the game. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com)

The Royals maintained their scoring momentum, while the East offense faced ongoing offensive difficulties, unable to string together a consistent drive. CVCA failed to convert on a 4th and 9, resulting in the Dragons regaining possession. The Dragons then relinquished the ball again due to a fumble at 11:09. "We have great coaches that prepared us for this game. Me personally, I'm able to do what I need to do because I know I have all my boys behind me," stated Geiger, talking about his defensive play.

CVCA would convert the turnover into a touchdown from Wesley Keeler on a 21-yard rushing touchdown to go up 17-0 after converting a 2-point play.

East would put up some defensive stops against the Royals, and get possession using up the game clock, eventually, getting a big play from quarterback Marlin Engram to Emmanuel Jefferson to get into Royals territory with about 6:00 minutes left on the clock, to only turn it over on downs after running a failed draw play.

"With us stopping the run game, they have to pass the ball," said Kopec. Offensive struggles and penalties would hinder East after several offensive infractions, including an illegal shift at 3:07, which would lead to yet another turnover on downs, preventing the Dragons from reaching the end zone. 

Quarterback Charley Levak would cap off the scoring in the first half with a 2-yard run to put them up 24-0 heading into halftime. 

Charley Levak strolls the sideline after a comfortable lead heading into halftime. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com)

In the latter part of the game, CVCA would require only a touchdown to initiate a running clock. However, there was further concern for East's offense as starting quarterback Engrim attempted to recover a loose live ball but was unable to rise after the play. Although he managed to get back on his feet, he was unable to apply pressure to what appeared to be an injury to his lower left leg.

He would not re-enter the game as wide receiver Anthony Felding would resume the quarterbacking duties. 

Being unable to put points on the board, East would succumb to the running clock rule after Charley Lavek would score on a 1-yard touchdown with 1:20 left in the quarter, giving them the 30-point second-half lead.

It would signal the end for Akron East after completing a ten-win season, a first for the program. Their run would end in the regional semifinal.

"Back in February, we sat down as a group of seniors and we wrote down our goals, and our final goal was to win a regional semifinal, so it's awesome we get an opportunity to do that and we're gonna work really hard this week in practice," said Levak.

Also, another first for CVCA is this advancement to the regional championship is a first for the program, and to be undefeated makes it more special. 

They advance to play Cleveland Villa-Angela St. Joseph for the Region 9 crown at a site to be determined.