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| Garfield Heights running back Elijah Harris runs for yardage early while being trailed by JT Gregory (6) and Nathan Sikora (16) in the first quarter. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
Nolan Bonner's second half play ignites Hoover in close loss
North Canton, Ohio - The undefeated North Canton Vikings host the undefeated Garfield Heights Bulldogs as they enter week three of high school football action.
Garfield Heights edged North Canton 22-15 in a game of two halves, as Garfield Heights did not score in the second half and the Vikings found they could pound the ball with quarterback-turned-running back Nolan Bonner.
He scored two touchdowns in the second half to rally the Vikings.
“He’s a load,” said Stephens. “They filmed showed when he comes in the game, he’s gonna run.”
The Garfield Heights Bulldogs defer the coin toss and come out throwing the ball early; Garfield running back Elijah Harris runs for 25 yards with 10:35 for the first big gain of the game.
Heights goes for it on 4th and 10 and converts; that led to a Jariah Morgan 8-yard rushing touchdown to go up 8-0 after a successful 2-point conversion with 7:59 remaining.
Hoover’s Nolan Bonner starts at running back, as senior Ryan Kavanagh starts at QB for the Vikings, and they come up short on first possession, resulting in a punt.
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| Garfield Heights' Kameren Dejarnette lays a big hit on Hoover quarterback Ryan Kavanagh. (Photo: Chuck Crdes/Ohsfbmedia. com) |
Garfield Heights gets pinned deep in their own territory and struggles to convert with just 10 seconds and lets the clock run out for the quarter, leading 8-0.
The Bulldogs pushed down the field to open their possession, but the drive stalled out on 4th and 8. King Young found himself alone on the sideline, but the pass slipped through his fingers, resulting in a turnover on downs.
Hoover struggled moving the ball and keeping possession, again punting the ball away.
Hoover’s blown coverage led to a 75-yard touchdown reception from Jariah Morgan to King Young, and Heights' second successful 2-point conversion took the lead by two possessions and put them up 16-0.
“I know one thing and one thing only: when you catch the ball, get to the end zone,” said Young.
Garfield Heights' running game is starting to wear the North Canton defense down with 3:05 remaining in the second period.
Jariah Morgan scores on a 2-yard quarterback keeper and scores to take the lead 22-0 after a failed 2-point conversion with 17 seconds left in the half.
Garfield Heights leads 22-0 as they enter halftime and attempt 2-point conversions after every score.
Hoover has the first possession of the half as they run Nolan Bonner, but the Garfield Heights defense snuffs it out.
They find senior Chris Carter over the middle as they have completed two consecutive first downs. They continue to use Nolan Bonner down the field, and it pays off as he runs up the middle for an 18-yard touchdown to put the first points on the board for Hoover.
They trail 7-22 with 7:12 remaining.
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| Nolan Bonner outruns Garfield Heights defenders in route to an 18-yard touchdown in the second half. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
With momentum swinging their way, they get a big defensive stop as Garfield couldn't convert on a 3rd and 3.
It has been the Nolan Bonner show in the second half, finding some success running him up the middle and off tackle.
Nolan Bonner in the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the second half, a 12-yard rush with 11:55 remaining, still trailing 22-15. "I give that man a lot of credit; he's a heck of a football player," said Stephens.
Time would run out for the Vikings.
Garfield Heights will move to week four to host McDowell (PA). "I only watched the first half of their game; again, it's another tough game," Stephens elaborated about playing McDowell. And Hoover will open up Federal League play against Green.
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