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| Treajanique Lepore attempts to evade Hoban defenders on the opening night of girls' flag football at Ellet CLC High School. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
AKRON, Ohio - Girls' flag football was showcased in full force on the opening night of the game across the state.
Canton McKinley triumphed over Akron Archbishop Hoban in an exciting game that went into multiple overtimes.
"The idea was to come out, hit them fast, get a couple of scores in," said Albright.
After Hoban's initial possession ended without any points due to McKinley's defense forcing a turnover on downs, the McKinley offense sprang into action as Senior quarterback Kana Beltz led the charge, moving the team downfield and connecting with NyRain Young for the game's first touchdown. "I have a very high-powered offense," Albright elaborated.
They took an 8-0 lead after successfully converting the extra points.
"The first half, we started out really good," said Gisentaner. McKinley did not stop there, as they would add more first-half points on the scoreboard as standout Treajanique Lepore would pick off Hoban's quarterback and return it for a score that would put the Pups up 14-6 after a failed conversion.
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| NyRain Young runs up the sideline. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
Hoban would answer as they drove down and scored on a pass from quarterback Kandence Golden that would tie the game up 14-14.
The second half turned into a defensive battle, with both teams making important stops when it mattered. "It was a little chippy on both sides. There was some pushing and some pulling, almost some tackling, and we got hit with some adversity, and we overcame," said Albright.
With one minute left in regulation, as the game got more chippy, they both would commit double penalties as Hoban committed defensive pass interference, and McKinley, with unsportmanlike conduct, pushed the Bulldogs back.
On the final play in regulation, Hoban would pick off Kana Beltz to take the game into overtime.
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| Hoban player attempts to stretch out to gain extra yardage. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
Overtime
High school flag football is "possession-based."
McKinley took control during overtime when Ka'Myah Gisentaner defended a crucial 4th down play by Hoban, and later, she scored the touchdown catch that secured the win. "Coach said we got another play, got a stop, the girl came to guard me, I just went to the other side, and I got the game," Gisentaner replied.
McKinley will play Tallmadge next on March 22 at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon.
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