Northwest's run game proves too strong for Cleveland Central Catholic

Northwest running back Conner Stephenson looks to run past a Cleveland Central Catholic defender as teammate Sanad Abueteen looks on late in the game. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbemdia.com)

CANAL FULTON, Ohio — The Northwest Indians advance to the second round of the OHSAA playoffs after they defeat Cleveland Central Catholic 36-16.

They focused on a powerful ground attack with Conner Stephenson and Jakob Garber, consuming a lot of time early in the game to gain dominance.

Combined, they ran for over 300 yards.

"We've been that way all year," said Coach DeMarco, speaking on his team's strong running game. "And we wanted to ride 44 and 32, and we started with that in week one."

They were so effective at controlling the clock, spending more than eight minutes in the second quarter to take the lead, and in another possession they controlled it for over six minutes.

Cleveland Central Catholic could not get any offense going throughout the game, settling for punts and giveaways from a solid defense by the Indians that got two interceptions from Sanad Abueteen early and late in the game.

"It's probably the game plan going forward," said Stephenson as he talked about the success of the running game and disciplined offensive line.

The Ironmen would capitalize on the younger players getting in the game for Northwest and scoring two touchdowns and stopping the running clock.

Jakob Garber (42) is gang-tackled by a host of Cleveland Central Catholic defenders. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com)

Northwest quarterback Brayden Venables connected on some key completions to help keep their drives alive.

The win sets up a showdown for Northwest at Rocky River. "All I know is that Rocky River is up on the Lake," said DeMarco.

Game Breakdown
First quarter

Northwest wins the toss and defers to Cleveland Central Catholic. Central Catholic opens up the game with a pass and three straight rushes, with senior JaVonte Mason as they continue down the field. On a 4th-and-6, they go for it, and Ja’yon Payne overthrows Talley-Terell.

Braydon Venables gets the start at quarterback for the Indians, and running back Conner Stephenson leads the charge for the fast start. They end up with a 39-yard field goal by kicker Troy Lowden on 10 plays.

Northwest gets an interception by Jacob Garber with 2:40 on the clock, and Conner Stephenson rushes for four yards for the touchdown on the quick turnaround. NORTHWEST 10, CLEVELAND CENTRAL CATHOLIC 0

Second quarter

Central Catholic opens up the quarter on the ground, continuing to use the run but not having much success moving the ball; they settle for a punt with 10:30 remaining.

Northwest has a good one-two punch with Garber and Stephenson running the ball well. They rack up a couple of penalties on the drive for the Indians.

Conner Stephenson has a big 23-yard run with 6:26 remaining as they keep the drive alive. They have had the ball over eight minutes of the quarter and settle for a 29-yard field goal by Kicker Troy Lowden.

Central Catholic gets down the field as quarterback Ja’yon Payne connects with Joshua Mhoon for a 52-yard reception with just over a minute remaining in the half. Quarterback Ja’yon Payne throws an interception to Sanad Abueteen with just 10 seconds as they were going for it on 4th and 30. HALFTIME: NORTHWEST 13, CLEVELAND CENTRAL CATHOLIC 0.

Northwest captains Ty Lipkins (c), Brayden Venables (16) and Cole Stephenson (61) shake hands. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com)

Third quarter

Cleveland Central Catholic tries an onside kick that fails, and Northwest gets the ball at the CCC 49-yard line.

The Indians go the distance and score on 9 plays and 48 yards as Conner Stephenson rushes for a 5-yard touchdown to put the Indians ahead 20-0 after a successful point-after.

Cleveland Central Catholic has to punt again with 6:02 remaining. Northwest used over six minutes to kick another FG by Troy Lower to give the Indians a 23-0 lead with 56 seconds remaining in the quarter. NORTHWEST 23, CLEVELAND CENTRAL CATHOLIC 0.

Fourth quarter

Ja’yon Payne throws his third interception of the night and his second to Sanad Abueteen with 11:55 remaining in the game.

To put the icing on the cake, Jacob Garber scores on a 12-yard run to go up 30-0, and a running clock begins with 8:44 remaining in the game.

Northwest begins to make substitutions, getting the younger guys in the game.

Cleveland Central Catholic scores with 5:53 remaining on a 62-yard receiving touchdown from Payne to Mhoon, and would score again with about 1:23 remaining on a long run by running back JaVonte Mason.

Ty Lipkins would score the final touchdown for the Indians. FINAL: NORTHWEST 36, CLEVELAND CENTRAL CATHOLIC 16.

Brayden Venables runs out of bounds. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbemdia.com)

What's next?

Northwest (9-2) advances to play Rocky River (10-0), who sat idle with a first-round bye, next Friday on the road.

Cleveland Central Catholic (6-5) is done for the season but looks to capitalize on an above .500 season.