Gavin Floyd, in his first big league appearance in over a year, pitched a scoreless seventh inning for the Indians in Wednesday's 5-1 loss to Toronto. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - When Gavin Floyd reached the mound in the seventh inning Wednesday night at Rogers Centre, catcher Yan Gomes paid him a visit.

No, Gomes wasn't introducing himself to Floyd, who was making his Indians debut and pitching in his first big league game in over a year. But it was something along those lines.

"I think he's caught one of my bullpens in spring training," said Floyd. "We had to refresh on what pitches I throw."

Then Floyd set about retiring the Blue Jays in order in the Tribe's 5-1 loss. MVP candidate Josh Donaldson grounded out to shortstop, Jose Bautista lined out to left and AL Player of the Month for August, Edwin Encarnacion, grounded out to third. Floyd threw 15 pitches, 11 for strikes, with a fastball topping out at 95.2 mph, a slider at 92.4 and a curveball at 83.1.

Somewhere during that inning, Floyd realized something.

"It's funny. You feel separated from the game in a sense (when you're injured)," he said. "Then you get out there and say, 'Man, this is fun. This is awesome.' It was fun to get out there. My heart was definitely racing."

Early in spring training Floyd re-fractured the olecranon bone in his right elbow. It was the same injury he suffered on June 19, 2014 in a start for Atlanta against Washington. Six days later he underwent surgery with Dr. David Altchek re-attaching the bone with screws.

In December, the Indians took a gamble and signed Floyd to a one-year, $4 million deal. GM Chris Antonetti said he'd be in the rotation if he stayed healthy. Floyd, 72-72 in the big leagues, didn't even make it to the Cactus League opener before re-injuring the elbow.

When that happened it looked like the end of Floyd's 2015 season, if not his career. Floyd, 32, had Tommy John surgery on his elbow in 2013 followed by the elbow fractures in 2014 and 2015.

The olecranon bone is the prominent bone in the elbow joint. When Floyd began his rehab early this season, his elbow felt different compared to what he went through last year with the Braves.

"In this procedure I had more screws and a plate put in," said Floyd. "It was a more secure compression. It was the best opportunity to come back."

Dr. Thomas Graham and Dr. Mark Schickendantz performed the surgery in March.

"When I started throwing, I realized that this was a little bit different," he said. "There was a lot of steps and checkpoints and crossroads that I had to continue to work for and hope for the best.

"I felt like it was going in a different direction than last time. It felt a little different."

Asked if he knew he'd make it back, Floyd said, "It's not for me to determine that. I don't know. All you can do is control how hard you work and do things right and hope for the best. If not, then your time is up.

"I was up in the air. I wasn't sure, but I sure as heck was going to try my hardest to get back."

Floyd will once again be a free agent after this season. But he's not looking that far ahead.

"I'm not there yet," he said. "I'm going to enjoy playing while God has given me the ability to play. I just want to continue to go out there and put up zeroes, execute pitches and let things play out. That stuff is way out of my control."

Finally: Carlos Carrasco (right shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday in Detroit. After that he could be activated and start next week when the Indians play the White Sox in a three-game series starting Monday night at U.S. Cellular Field.

Here are the high school football statewide football scores throughout Ohio for Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Here are the high school football statewide football scores throughout Ohio for Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015.

Can. Glenoak 37, Massillon Washington 21

Day. Belmont 24, Day. Meadowdale 20

Josh Lenz and Ibraheim Campbell have productive nights in the preseason finale. Watch video

CHICAGO - The Browns rested a majority of their regulars in a 24-0 loss to the Bears in Thursday's preseason finale at Soldier Field.

Still, the game had plenty of importance for bubble players fighting for roster spots. Here's a look at how four fared with a bonus player at the bottom.

Terrelle Pryor: The Browns have said countless times this summer the Ohio State product was in camp as a wide receiver, not a quarterback. So where did he get his first two preseason touches? Quarterback, of course. Pryor ran two read options for gains of five and four yards.

He played roughly 15 snaps and wasn't targeted once as a receiver. It's hard to judge that performance, but it's not a surprise -- despite what the Browns said -- that they tried him at quarterback. 

Josh Lenz: In a last-ditch bid to make the team, the receiver caught four passes for 49 yards. He had a leaping 19-yard grab to extend a first-quarter series. The Browns even used him as a defensive back for a few snaps in the second half.

The Iowa State product made lots of plays in training camp, but were they enough to earn a spot on the roster? The guess here is Lenz and Darius Jennings are serious practice squad candidates.

Vince Mayle: The final preseason game was "big" for the fourth-round pick in the words of coach Mike Pettine. Mayle did little to improve his chances despite plenty of reps. He caught just two passes for 17 yards while being targeted three times.

Mayle also was tagged with an illegal block nullifying a 54-yard Jennings return. He contributed a pair of special teams tackles.

The Washington State product has not guaranteed himself a roster spot.

Ibraheim Campbell: The fourth-round pick completed a solid preseason with a team-high seven tackles. Is there room for safeties Campbell and Jordan Poyer on the roster? Probably. But it would be a surprise if the rookie didn't earn a spot. 

Dwayne Bowe: Browns preseason television analyst Solomon Wilcots stirred the pot a bit Thursday by suggesting Bowe's status on the team was not secure necessarily secure heading into the final preseason game and the veteran receiver needed to deliver against the Bears. Given the $9 million guaranteed in his two-year contract, it seems hard to believe the 30-year-old would get released.

Pettine said after the game Bowe's status with the team is not in jeopardy.

After missing much of camp with a hamstring injury he's done little in two games, but at least got plenty of snaps against the Bears. He caught one pass for eight yards, being targeted twice.  

The Browns ended their preseason Thursday night with a 24-0 loss in Chicago. Terrelle Pryor saw his first action in a preseason game at receiver, and also took some snaps at quarterback. Watch video

CHICAGO, Ill. - Terrelle Pryor wasn't kidding when he said he wanted to earn a roster spot with the Browns and not have anything handed to him.

In the second half of Thursday night's 24-0 loss to the Bears, Pryor made his preseason debut and maximized his 15 or so snaps despite still struggling with a strained hamstring.

Pryor played wide receiver, quarterback and even protector on the punt team. He didn't have a ball thrown his way, but proved his worth in other ways.

He lined up mostly wide right and proved a willing blocker on each of his reps. Several times, Pryor sprinted downfield and didn't appear to be in pain. After his first drive, a three-and out, he helped block for punter Andy Lee and showed he's not afraid to mix it up. He lined up illegally on his opening series, covering up the tight end, but the penalty was declined.

On his third drive, Pryor ran an in-route on the first play, and then lined up in the shotgun, took the direct snap and ran the the ball 5 yards to the right. The drive ended on the next play when quarterback Thad Lewis threw a pick-six. 

In between series, Pryor stretched the hamstring on the sidelines. He came back on the next drive and  lined up at quarterback again, this time dashing 4 yards to the left. Pryor also blocked cornerback Jacoby Glenn on a 1-yard run by Timothy Flanders.

The willingness to use Pryor at quarterback is a good sign for his chances of making the team. Final cuts from 75 to 53 are due Saturday by 4 p.m., and the Browns wanted to see Pryor in game action before making a decision.

Coach Mike Pettine declined to say if he's leaning toward a roster spot for Pryor, but feels he knows what Pryor can do.

They'll have to base their decision largely on Pryor's potential, but he wants to earn it on merit.

"I don't want to feel blessed,'' he said Tuesday. "Everything I've ever done for my life, sheesh, my mother, growing up I've been by myself, moving in and out of different places by myself since I was 12 years old. I really didn't have like a figure, people to show me the way. I've pretty much grown and anything I have I've worked for it by myself.

"I don't like being given anything. I do want to help the Browns. If that's the opportunity I have, cool, but that (being given a spot) doesn't excite me. That doesn't say I've worked for it. When I get on the field I'd say I'm a great teammate. I spend a long time in the facility, I always ask questions, I try to be the best teammate, player I can be. But that doesn't excite me because I want to earn everything I have or get.''

He won't have long to wait for his answer. 

Dwayne Bowe starts

The Browns' ninth-year receiver, who's missed most of the preseason with a strained hamstring, started the game alongside most of the backups. But since he has missed almost every snap of the preseason, it's hard to argue that he needed the work.

Bowe played through the third quarter, but had only two passes thrown his way by Lewis and caught one, an 8-yarder with about 3 minutes left in the first half. It marked Bowe's first catch of the preseason.

He started last week's game in Tampa, but failed to catch any of the three passes thrown his way. He dropped the first one and had a miscommunication with Josh McCown on another.

On the Browns' pregame radio show, WEWS analyst Solomon Wilcots said coaches told him that Bowe needed to deliver against the Bears to prove he deserves a spot on the 53-man roster.

But Bowe signed a two-year $12.5 million contract in the offseason -- including $9 million guaranteed, making it highly unlikely the Browns will cut him. Later, Browns sideline reporter Nathan Zegura later said there's no way that would happen.

Asked if Bowe was in any jeopardy of being cut, Pettine said "no, he just needed to play. There's no substitute for live reps.''

The Browns have already cut one player this week with a big guaranteed salary. They reached an injury settlement with defensive tackle Phil Taylor, who will make his full $5.477 million guaranteed contract this year.

As the Crow flies

Running back Isaiah Crowell got the night off, which means he may have staked his claim to the starting job Sept. 13 against the Jets.

Pettine said after the game that Crowell does have the edge.

Terrance West, on the other hand, started against the Bears and played the entire first half. He gained 35 yards on 9 carries, including a long gain of 15, for a 3.9-yard average. He also caught one pass for 16 yards and blasted through an arm tackle. West also missed a few blitz pickups and handled several others.

Crowell, however, he'll have to run with more explosion come Sept. 13. He averaged only 2.8 yards on his 17 preseason rushes with a long gain of 13. 

Thad Lewis

Lewis started the game and completed 12 of 13 attempts for 97 yards in the first half for a 97.8 rating. But Lewis was sacked seven times, stripped on one of them and threw a pick-six in the third quarter when receiver Vince Mayle slowed down on his route over the middle.

Safety Sherrod Martin returned the pick 25 yards for the TD to make it 21-0. Lewis was almost picked off again, but the ball was dropped.

In the first half, Lewis spread the ball around to eight different receivers, completing passes of 19 yards to Josh Lenz and tight end Rob Housler, and the 16-yarder to West.

Pettine said he'd like to keep three or four running backs on campus, which means Lewis has a decent chance of making the final roster, especially with quarterback Johnny Manziel nursing his sore elbow.

Shaun Draughn debuts

Running back Draughn made his debut on offense after playing only on special teams last week in Tampa with a cast on his left hand to protect his thumb injury.

But Draughn struggled with the cast on against the Bears, running once for a loss of 2 yards in the first half and losing 6 yards on a catch in the backfield.   

Darius Jennings' fumble

The young receiver, who's on the bubble heading into final cuts, caught a short pass and had it knocked out of his hands by linebacker Lamarr Houston. The Bears recovered and converted the miscue into a 19-yard touchdown pass from David Fales to receiver Marc Mariani.

Jennings is fighting for one of the final spots at receiver, and the fumble didn't help. Jennings also slipped on a third-quarter kickoff return, and committed a face-mask penalty on the return that was declined.

Lenz, on the other hand, continues to impress the staff. He caught the 19-yarder in the first quarter and a 14-yarder in the second quarter. Both catches converted third downs. In the third quarter, Lenz showed his versatility by playing safety. It won't be easy for the Browns to scratch Lenz off the list come Saturday.

Most of the starters rest

About 31 of the 75 Browns on the roster did not play in Chicago, including most of the starters.

The following Browns did not play due to injury:  Johnny Manziel (elbow), Marlon Moore (ribs),  Justin Gilbert (hip flexor), Pierre Desir (concussion), Robert Nelson Jr. (hamstring), Duke Johnson Jr. (concussion), K'Waun Williams (abdominal), Charles Gaines (hamstring), Nate Orchard (back), and Barkevious Mingo (knee).

The following starters and key players were among those who sat out the game just to rest: Travis Benjamin, Josh McCown,  Andrew Hawkin, Taylor Gabriel, Tramon Williams, Joe Haden, Donte Whitner, Isaiah Crowell, Tashaun Gipson,  Alex Mack, Danny Shelton, Mitchell Schwartz, Joe Thomas, Joel Bitonio, John Greco, Jim Dray, Gary Barnidge, Brian Hartline, Desmond Bryant, Randy Starks, Paul Kruger, and Cam Erving.  

Ray Farmer about to check out

Browns general manager Ray Farmer's four-game suspension - his penalty for an in-game texting violation last season - will go into effect Monday morning just after midnight. Farmer will not be available to the media before he begins the ban. He will be around to participate in the final cuts on Saturday.

What's next

The season opener Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. against the Jets.

See the best Tweets during the Browns-Bears preseason game Thursday night.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The preseason is over. On to the regular season (after some cuts, of course). The Bears beat the Browns, 24-0, but that doesn't really matter. Here are some of the highlights on Twitter while the game was happening.

It's all about bubble guys. Josh Lenz gets off to a strong start (before he gets called for a hold).

Said it all training camp, but Josh Lenz needs to make this football team.

-- Scott (@ScottyB330) September 4, 2015

Seriously, since 1999.

Still can't run a screen pass. We're allergic to it.

-- Mark Skog (@MarkSkog) September 4, 2015

It's never too early as Andy Lee pins the Bears inside the 20.

Andy Lee for MVP.

-- McNeil (@Reflog_18) September 4, 2015

The broadcast is awesome again.

"Formerly known as? ..." "The Sears Tower? ..." "I believe so." Actual exchange between Mike Patrick and Solomon Wilcots.

-- Dan Labbe (@dan_labbe) September 4, 2015

And they weren't even talking about the right tower.

For those scoring at home, the Hancock building and the Sears Tower are two separate buildings...

-- Aaron Goldhammer (@HammerNation19) September 4, 2015

Um somebody correct mike Patrick and Solomon wilcots on their Chicago skyscrapers #CLEvsCHI

-- joey morona (@joeyjoe) September 4, 2015

What's the point of having a microphone if you're not going to use it?

Ed Hochuli's three-minute holding explanations are in midseason form.

-- Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) September 4, 2015

Ladies and gentlemen, preseason game No. 4.

Alrighty then #Browns #CLEvsCHI pic.twitter.com/cwCIFycoSX

-- Trask (@traskbryant) September 4, 2015

Something like this...

Vince Mayle has been a smashing success

-- Sean Draft Scout (@TheKardiacKid) September 4, 2015

Preseason game No. 4...

How do you like the sound of "Devlin to Pryor for 6" #Browns

-- JD (@ItsJD_CLE) September 4, 2015

It's come to this.

Pryor is probably the 2nd best QB on the Roster

-- Sean Draft Scout (@TheKardiacKid) September 4, 2015

Terrelle Pryor lining up at...

Browns spent all preseason saying Pryor isn't a QB and now just using him in Wildcat?

-- Nom (@SportsNom) September 4, 2015

Maybe.

@Reflog_18 Terrelle Pryor at his locker later... pic.twitter.com/nczhAwHrrH

-- Anthony DiPiero (@AnthonyDiPiero7) September 4, 2015

Meanwhile...

318lb. Angelo Blackson makes a Willie Mays TD catch. Off a pass thrown by a kicker. Didn't count. Still amazing. http://t.co/KLTX2k3oxs

-- NFL (@NFL) September 4, 2015

Final score: Bears 24, Browns 0.

Colts chief operating officer Pete Ward confirmed that at least one person was hurt in the incident. He said she walked to a nearby first-aid station.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Three people were injured Thursday night by falling debris during the Indianapolis Colts preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Stadium officials issued a statement after the game saying medics deemed all injuries to be "non-life threatening."

The incident occurred just before half when a bolt was sheared off as the stadium's retractable roof was being opened, The Indianapolis Star reported, quoting the executive director of the Indiana Convention Center's Capital Improvement Board of Managers.

The bolt struck two men and a woman in Section 248, Barney Levengood said.

Colts chief operating officer Pete Ward confirmed earlier that at least one person was hurt in the incident. He said she walked to a nearby first-aid station. Ward said he did not have any additional details, including the identity of the woman.

Once the falling debris was reported, opening of the roof was halted during the preseason finale between Indianapolis and Cincinnati, which the Bengals won, 9-6.

The Star reported that the woman was taken out of the stadium in a wheelchair with a cloth over her head. She and one man were taken to a hospital, while the third victim was treated and released at the scene.

Robert Fickle, 44, from Cincinnati, told the newspaper he heard a "large pop" before an object fell from overhead, hit the wall next to him, then struck the woman in a section below.

He said it appeared that a large bolt or a similar object about the size of a half-roll of quarters fell on the woman.

@MichaelAdams317 @indystar yep. Right by us. pic.twitter.com/daDIU1otNP

-- Amber Meranda (@amberwvzz) September 4, 2015

Lucas Oil Stadium, the Colts' home field, hosted the Super Bowl in February 2012.

The accident is the second at the stadium in two years involving fans.

In September 2013, during a regular-season game against Oakland, a railing collapsed in the lower bowl of the stadium when several fans were leaning over it. Two men fell into a tunnel near the field, but neither was seriously hurt. Witnesses said they were leaning over the railing and trying to grab the gloves worn by Raiders defensive back Charles Woodson.

ESPN said Thursday that Schilling won't be on telecasts for the rest of the regular season or the American League wild-card game on Oct. 6.

BRISTOL, Conn. -- ESPN says commentator Curt Schilling won't appear on the air for the next month in the wake of his anti-Muslim tweet.

ESPN said Thursday that Schilling won't be on telecasts for the rest of the regular season or the American League wild-card game on Oct. 6.

The former Boston Red Sox star pitcher and "Sunday Night Baseball" analyst was pulled by ESPN from a major league game and the network's coverage of the Little League World Series last month after he retweeted a post that compared Muslims and Nazi-era Germans.

Afterward, Schilling said he'd made a "bad decision."

Schilling later sent an email to a sports media site about his Twitter post, causing a further uproar.

While Schilling Initially was suspended for one week over the tweet, he was expected to return for Sunday's broadcast of Sunday Night Basebal.

ESPN said in a statement, "Curt's actions have not been consistent with his contractual obligations nor have they been professionally handled; they have obviously not reflected well on the company."

Browns receiver Terrelle Pryor didn't catch a pass in the 24-0 loss to the Bears, but he ran the ball twice as a quarterback and blocked for punter Andy Lee. Watch video

CHICAGO, Ill. --- Browns coach Mike Pettine wouldn't say whether or not Terrelle Pryor will make the 53-man roster, but he provided a clue that he might be leaning that way.

"Anytime you can have a guy that can run, that can throw it, that can protect, I just think it changes the mindset defensively a little bit,'' said Pettine, a former defensive coordinator.

Pryor -- who's missed most of camp with a strained hamstring -- did all of that in his preseason debut in the second half of Thursday night's 24-0 loss to the Bears, playing receiver, quarterback and personal protector on the punt team.

He didn't have a pass thrown his way, but he ran his routes with authority, he proved a tenacious  blocker and ran the read-option twice, keeping the ball both times for runs of 5 and 4 yards. When his 15-18 snaps were up, his 4.5-yard rushing average was tops on the team, better than Terrance West's 3.9-yard average on his nine carries.

"To be out there competing against different guys and getting my chance to put my hands on different guys -- guys who aren't our teammates -- I had a good time,'' said Pryor.

Question is, do the Browns have enough data to give Pryor a spot on the team after he missed the first three preseason games and the Orange and Brown scrimmage at Ohio State with the hamstring?

"I don't know if it's ever enough, especially when he missed that much time, but we'll see,'' said Petitne. "I think we have a pretty good sense of who he is and where he is right now in his transformation for lack of a better word. It'll obviously be an item on the docket to be discussed."

Pettine was dismayed, of course, that he didn't get a chance to see Pryor go up for the ball and absorb a hit. Quarterback Thad Lewis tried, but couldn't thread the needle to the former quarterback.

"Yeah and it wasn't for lack of effort,'' he said. "We tried. There were a couple of times where the protection broke down or they were in a coverage to take it away or there may have been a few where the quarterback might've come off it too quick.

"It was disappointing...But that was just on the list of things we wanted to get done."

Pettine wouldn't acknowledge that Pryor running the read option was a good sign for his chances on Saturday. But it's certainly something that the Jets would have to spend time extra time preparing for in the opener.

"I wouldn't read too much into it,'' said Pettine. "It was on the list of things we wanted to get done with him in the game. We're going to get together over the next couple days and hash through it."

The fact the Browns used him to protect punter Andy Lee was also a good sign.

"Just the versatility that he is a willing blocker and he's smart, understands it, and it just gives Tabs (Chris Tabor) some more options. I was in New York when we had (Tim) Tebow as a personal protector.''

Pryor blocked relentlessly on a few punts and once on a 1-yard run by Timothy Flanders, when he hand-fought with cornerback Jacoby Glenn.

"He hit me somewhere I didn't like so I was like 'If you want to get physical, I'm going to get physical with you,'' said Pryor. "It is what it is.''

The willingness to sacrifice his big 6-4, 223 frame to spring a back or receiver wasn't lost on Pettine. Pryor showed that he won't back down.

"Yeah, all of our wideouts have to block,'' said Pettine. "That's part of the job description. If we want to be who we want to be in the run game, we're going to have to block on the outside."

Pryor, who's been frustrated by the hamstring and all it's taken from him this camp, was grateful for the chance to take the direct snaps.

"Just trying to move the ball a little bit,'' he said. "Just doing what the coaches want. I'm trying to perform it and do it exactly how they want. I got a good run. It's been awhile since I have been running a lot. That's probably the most plays I've ran. So my leg is getting better.''

Pryor, who mostly lined up wide right, ran a few go routes, but not with his top end 4.4 speed.

"Yeah. I felt decent. I still couldn't open up,'' he said. "There's something on me that's keeping me out of the last couple gears. I can't take off like I want to. It was good to be out there. That's probably the longest I have practiced in awhile and it was good.''

Still, he doesn't know if he's done enough to make the 53.

"I don't know how they count that,'' he said. "I didn't catch a ball. I was just out there blocking and doing different things. Like I said before it's not my job, it's the guys who get paid a lot of money to make decisions, hard decisions. It is what it is. I look forward to being on the team. I really love the city, I know I can help but it's not my decision.''

Lewis lamented the fact he couldn't feed Pryor.

"We wanted to get the ball in his hands, because he can catch it and go the distance,'' said Lewis. "You have to take what the defense gives you. There's no sense in forcing anything, so he understands that because he played quarterback.''

Pryor ran an in-route once, but was blanketed and Lewis didn't want to take the chance.
 
"I came off the fake and I saw him but I couldn't see him clearly so I didn't want to try to force the ball over the middle to him,'' said Lewis. "So I came down to the fullback Malcolm Johnson and then I think the guy knocked the ball away from him. I wish we could've just thrown a hitch here to him or something like that to see the ball in his hands, but the guy has a knack for football. He's physically gifted, so he has the opportunity to be great. He just has to keep working at it.''

As for Pryor siphoning a few of his quarterback reps, Lewis was all for it.

"That was awesome, him doing the zone read thing like that, I think back in Oakland he took one for (93) yards,'' said Lewis. "He was hoping he could've gotten one of those today.''

Like Pettine, Lewis knows what that can do to the opponent's game prep. In 2013, Pryor set the Raiders record for most rushing yards by a quarterback with 576 -- with Browns offensive coordinator John DeFilippo as his quarterbacks coach.

"It makes it hard for the defensive coordinator of the opposing team,'' said Lewis. "You have to get ready for that as well, as well as your tendencies and what  you do in the running game and the passing game, so it's just an added dimension to your offense.''

If Lewis were GM, would he put him on the team?

"I can't go that far,'' he said. "That's out of my league. But hopefully the decision-makers, whatever decision they make, it'll be best for the team.''

Browns coach Mike Pettine rested Isaiah Crowell and said he's ahead of Terrance West right now for the starting running back job.

CHICAGO, Ill. -- The Crow didn't have to fly Thursday night in Chicago, but he'll be called upon to do so Sept. 13 against the New York Jets.

Browns coach Mike Pettine acknowledged that he gave running back Isaiah Crowell the night off because he's virtually locked up the starting job on opening day.

"Yeah, I would say Crow has an edge,'' said Pettine. "That's fair to say. I was glad late in the game, to me it was very tough on (West's) part to have to go through it, but we wanted to get (Shaun) Draughn some work even with the cast. So that wasn't ideal but I thought he gutted through it and made some plays.''

West, carrying the ball only in the first half, rushed nine times for 35 yards for a 3.9-yard average and a long burst of 15. He also caught one pass for 16 yards, plowing  through an arm tackle for more yards.

He had mixed results on blitz pickup, missing a few and foiling others.

All told, West finished the preseason with 31 carries for 113 yards for a 3.6-yard average and a long gain of 17. Crowell finished with 17 carries for 47 yards for a 2.8-yard average and will need to kick it up a notch for the opener. His longest run of the preseason was 13 yards.

The Browns started Duke Johnson in the dress rehearsal game and expected him to claim the starting job, but he suffered a concussion and it's unknown when he'll be back.

Draughn struggled with the cast on during his offensive debut, carrying eight times for 11 yards and a 1.4 average. His longest run was eight. He also caught one pass for 8 yards.

The Browns will likely decide this week whether or not they need to add another back.

Bowe caught one pass for 8 yards in a 24-0 loss. Watch video

CHICAGO - Dwayne Bowe's preseason has been so underwhelming his coach was asked Thursday for a response regarding speculation from a Browns' television analyst about the receiver's future with the club.

Coach Mike Pettine said the veteran wasn't in danger of being released following a 24-0 preseason loss to the Bears in which Bowe played extensively.

"Dwayne? No," Pettine said. "He just needed to work, so that's why he was out there."

The fact questions needed to be raised about Bowe's status with an organization that awarded him a two-year, $12.5 million deal ($9 million guaranteed) speaks to his dozy start with the Browns. 

The 30-year old missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury and caught only one pass for eight yards in two preseason games. His lone reception came against the Bears after being targeted three times versus the Buccaneers on Saturday.

A year ago, the Browns cut veteran Nate Burleson, who had signed a one-year contract with them in the spring for $1 million ($350,000 guaranteed). Given the money invested in Bowe, a former Pro Bowler, his place on the roster seemed safe. But Browns television analyst Solomon Wilcots apparently raised doubts during Thursday's telecast and in a pre-game interview with the club's radio network.

Well ... @SolomonsWisdom_ just said on the air: "Is Dwayne Bowe on the bubble? Absolutely." Adds Bowe knows he has to earn roster spot.

-- PatMcManamon (@PatMcManamon) September 3, 2015

Solomon Wilcots just said on Browns radio network that after talking to coaches, Dwayne Bowe needs to deliver tonight to make roster

-- Anthony Lima (@SportsBoyTony) September 3, 2015

Reached by NEOMG for clarification, Wilcots said he never mentioned Bowe was in jeopardy of being cut and that only coaches would have such knowledge. The analyst added the veteran needed to impress coaches with his ability and show he could contribute.

The receiver was targeted just two times by Thad Lewis against the Bears despite playing into the third quarter. The easy-going Bowe took no offense to the speculation.

"Everybody at my position has to deliver," he said. "Going out there and showing it is the only way you can do it. I went out there and did my job, and that was it . . . It's about what you have shown me lately, and that's what this business is about."

Bowe said he wasn't surprised he played so much when many of the Browns' regulars were giving the night off.

"I expected it," he said. "With only having one game under my belt, I feel like I needed to get some work done. The coach granted me that wish and I went out there and did my job . . . The only way you can shake (off the rust) is going out there and catching live bullets. I felt like I needed them."

Yeap https://t.co/EbmszhojIM

-- Solomon Wilcots (@SolomonsWisdom_) September 4, 2015

The Indians plan to purchase the contracts of southpaw pitcher Giovanni Soto and infielder Michael Martinez prior to Friday's series opener against the Tigers.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians plan to purchase the contracts of southpaw pitcher Giovanni Soto and infielder Michael Martinez prior to Friday's series opener against the Tigers.

To do so, they'll have to clear a pair of spots on the 40-man roster.

Soto logged a 2.68 ERA in 46 appearances with Triple-A Columbus. The 24-year-old, acquired from Detroit five years ago in exchange for Jhonny Peralta, limited opponents to a .187 batting average and one home run over 53 2/3 innings. Soto has rattled off nine consecutive scoreless outings. He owns a 3.10 ERA across seven minor-league seasons.

Martinez hit .289 with 24 doubles, 11 stolen bases and five home runs in 102 games for the Clippers. The 32-year-old appeared in games at second base, shortstop, third base, center field and right field.

Martinez owns a .181 average and .482 OPS in 188 career big-league games with the Phillies and Pirates.

The unheralded receiver led the Browns in preseason receiving yards, but he faces a tough task in earning a spot on the 53-man roster Watch video

CHICAGO - Standing inside the visitors' locker room at Soldier Field, Josh Lenz was unaware he had been cut Thursday night.

The Browns receiver gathered his belongings from a joint stall that had a temporary nameplate over it -- Josh Lenz 17/Darius Jennings 10 -- a sobering reminder of his tenuous position on the club.

Lenz had showered and dressed before running his index finger alongside his nose to discover the blood.

"I don't know when that happened," he said of the scrape near his left eye. "I haven't looked in the mirror yet."  

The native of Dubuque, Iowa, who looks like he could be the kid brother of Peyton and Eli Manning, is one of about a dozen players fighting for a spot on the Browns' 53-man roster that will be named Saturday.

His third NFL training camp concluded Thursday night with a four-catch, 49-yard effort in a 24-0 loss to the Bears. Lenz played receiver, special teams and even earned six snaps as a safety for the first time since high school as the Browns rested some of their veteran defensive backs in the final preseason game.

"We think a lot of Josh," coach Mike Pettine said. "All he's done is come in and done everything we've asked of him. He gets open. He catches the football. He's very productive. He's made the most of his opportunity.

"That was the challenge of those guys going out on the field . . . From an individual standpoint make the (coaches') decision difficult and he's certainly done that and he's definitely one of the names being discussed."

The 24-year-old has earned respect of coaches and teammates alike with his good hands and crisp route running. With versatile Terrelle Pryor likely to win the seventh receiver spot, however, it's tough to imagine the Browns carrying an eighth wideout. They probably would love to stash Lenz on the practice squad if they could squeeze him through waivers this weekend.

Developing an almost instant chemistry with backup Johnny Manziel, the 6-foot, 195 pounder paced the Browns with 108 yards receiving in preseason. He also shared the team lead with seven receptions.

But the club teems with undersized possession receivers including Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel. The offensively-starved Browns need more than pass catchers. They need playmakers.

It's a reason why the 6-foot-4, 223-pound Pryor is on the cusp of making the team despite missing much of camp with a hamstring injury and not catching a ball in his only preseason appearance against the Bears. The converted quarterback took two snaps at his old position and also lined up as personal protector for punter Andy Lee.

Pryor's potential probably trumps Lenz's production. The youngster knows how pro football's numbers game works having spent time in the Bears, Seahawks and Colts organizations without ever playing in a regular-season game.

He got married in July before coming to training camp focused on contributing offensively and in special teams.

"You want to put things on film -- not just for here, but for every team around the league," Lenz said. "You don't know what's going to happen so you put some things on film and I feel like I did a good job of that."

Donte Whitner doesn't get a say in picking the Browns' roster, but the veteran safety took to social media Friday to offer a strong endorsement of a player he didn't know several months ago.

Whitner used his Twitter account to praise Lenz. His comments mirrored remarks he made about the receiver earlier in camp.

I give credit where credit is due & @Josh_Lenz deserves it! I watched this guy come in from day 1 and flat out ball! & showed tons of heart

-- DonteHitner (@DonteWhitner) September 4, 2015

By lining up at safety and actually tried to make plays last nite vs Chicago... I'm pulling for you bro.. Good job!!! #DawgPound #2015

-- DonteHitner (@DonteWhitner) September 4, 2015

We talk about #PlayLikeABrown right? Well, just take a look at him and he's the true definition of #PlayLikeABrown

-- DonteHitner (@DonteWhitner) September 4, 2015

"It's just a waiting game now," Lenz said. "I feel like I went out there and did everything I could in the preseason and put some good things on film. Now you just have to wait and see how they feel."

NFL locker rooms are filled with angst following the final preseason game. It's a place crowded with men alone in their thoughts. Fourth-year defensive linemen Billy Winn, trying to retain his job, said Thursday night he didn't expect to sleep well. Rookie receiver Vince Mayle appeared mentally exhausted.

As many veterans, secure in their position on the team, exited the room to grab a quick bite before hopping on the bus, prospects such as Lenz lingered. He spoke to a handful of reporters all asking him the question to which he did not have the answer:

What do you think about your chances?

He planned to report to Berea on Friday morning to lift with teammates and await word of his fate. As Browns equipment managers picked up bags in front of the lockers, Lenz quietly slipped into his cowboy boots.

He still hadn't looked in the mirror, but chances are he'd be satisfied with what he saw, small cut and all.

Right-hander Carlos Carrasco, while Corey Kluber missed Friday's start against the Tigers with a strained right hamstring, is getting closer to rejoining the starting rotation.

DETROIT - The season is taking a toll on the Indians starting rotation. As one pitcher gets close to returning to health another falls by the wayside.

The Indians scratched Corey Kluber from Friday's start against Detroit with a strained right hamstring. Manager Terry Francona said Kluber will be sidelined for at least 10 days.

Carlos Carrasco, meanwhile, is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday. If all goes well, he could start Tuesday night against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. Carrasco has been on the disabled list with a sore right shoulder since Aug. 22.

Kluber, last year's AL Cy Young winner, is 8-13 and leads the AL with 200 1/3 innings pitched. He ranks third in strikeouts with 219.

"He was throwing inside the other day (in Toronto) and felt his hammy a little bit," said Francona. "He disregarded it and then he went and conditioned and that probably exacerbated it. But I still think he thought he was going to pitch."

The Indians trainers, however, suggested Kluber go back to Cleveland and get examined.

"It's a good thing we did," said Francona. "He's going to be down a minimum of 10 days. Instead of putting a timetable on it, let's just say when he's ready, we'll pitch him."

Indians pitchers throw the football around on a daily basis in the outfield. They run pass patterns and take turns playing quarterback. Francona was asked if Kluber could have injured his hamstring doing that.

"The only time they ever do that is with Joe (Kessler, strength and conditioning coach) out there," said Francona. "We want the guys to enjoy their conditioning. But to your point, we don't ever want something to happen when it shouldn't.

"So Joe is always there when they're throwing the football around. No, he felt it first when he was throwing in the bullpen."

Francona reshuffled the rotation going with Josh Tomlin on Friday, Danny Salazar on Saturday and Cody Anderson on Sunday.

Regarding Carrasco, Francona said his bullpen session Saturday would have to be impressive for him to start Tuesday because pitchers who have been inactivate as long as Carrasco usually need a couple of bullpen sessions to regain their sharpness.

"Arm wise he's doing fine," said Francona.

New guys: The Indians officially added utility man Michael Martinez and left-hander Giovanni Soto to the roster on the 40-man roster. Left-hander TJ House was moved to the 60 day disabled list and outfielder Carlos Moncrief was designated for assignment to make room.

Martinez, 32, has played 188 games in the big leagues with just a .181 batting average. He hit .289 (105-for-363) with 25 doubles, five doubles, five triples and 42 RBI in 102 games at Class AAA Columbus this year.

"We signed Michael as a six-year minor league free agent and he impressed everybody in spring training," said Francona. "He went to Triple-A and by all accounts was the best teammate in the organization.

"So we thought about calling him up as a reward. Then when we thought about it more, it made sense because if we feel he can be a utility guy on our team next year we should watch him do that for a month."

Francona said Martinez plays seven positions.

The Indians acquired Soto, 24, from the Tigers in 2010 for shortstop Jhonny Peralta. While Peralta has played in three All-Star Games, the World Series and 43 postseason games since the deal, Soto is just getting to the big leagues.

Soto went 2-1 with two saves and a .268 ERA in 46 games at Columbus this year. He struck out 51, walked 29 and allowed 35 hits in 53 2/3 innings.

"We wanted to get another lefty (reliever) and Giovanni has had a really good year," said Francona. "This is a kid who three years ago was high on the radar and then didn't do really well.

"It seems like this year he started to understand some of the things he needs to do to pitch well."

Finally: The Indians named first baseman Bobby Bradley (Class A Lake County) and right-hander Michael Peoples (Class A Lynchburg) as their minor league players of the month for August.

Bradley, 19, hit .337 (35-for-104) with six doubles, one triple, 11 homers and 38 RBI in 29 games in August. He walked 18 times, scored 21 runs and posted a 1.163 OPS (.432 on base percentage+.731 slugging percentage).

Overall Bradley is hitting .271 and leads the Midwest League in homers and RBI (92).

Peoples, 23, went 4-0 with a 0.87 ERA in five games, including three starts, at Lynchburg. He struck out 26, walked nine and allowed 25 hits in 31 innings. The Indians drafted Peoples in the 14^th round out of Western Oklahoma State in 2012. Bradley was a third round pick in in 2014.

Take a look at how the cleveland.com Top 25 high school football teams fared on Friday for Week 2 of the 2015 season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Check out how the cleveland.com Top 25 high school football teams fared on Friday for Week 2 of the 2015 season.

Visit this post for updates of games involving Top 25 teams as results come in and you can also get live updates from other games around Northeast Ohio right here. 

Where do you think the teams should be ranked when the new poll comes out on Monday? Let us know in the comments section below.

We want to hear from you. Let us know what you think of the rankings, or even post your own poll in the comments section below. Sign up here for a free account, which will enable you to comment on all posts.

cleveland.com High School Football Top 25

1. St. Ignatius (1-0) 

At No. 2 Mentor. 

Next: At Valley Forge on Sept. 11.

2. Mentor (1-0) 

Hosting No. 1 St. Ignatius. 

Next: At St. Xavier on Sept. 11

3. St. Edward (1-0)

Idle. 

Next: Hosts No. 6 Glenville on Saturday.

4. Midview (1-0) 

Hosting No. 18 North Olmsted. 

Next: Hosts Amherst on Sept. 11.

5. Benedictine (1-0) 

At Youngstown Ursuline. 

Next: At Holy Name on Sept. 12.  

6. Glenville (1-0) 

Idle. 

Next: At No. 3 St. Edward on Saturday.

7. Avon (1-0) 

Hosting Avon Lake. 

Next: At North Olmsted on Sept. 11. 

8. Berea-Midpark (1-0) 

At Lakewood on Friday. 

Next: At North Ridgeville on Sept. 11.

9. Mayfield (1-0) 

At Massillon Jackson. 

Next: At Garfield Heights on Sept. 11.

10. Stow (1-0) 

At Kent Roosevelt. 

Next: Hosting Firestone on Sept. 11. 

11. Bedford (1-0)

At No. 17 Nordonia. 

Next: At John Adams on Sept. 11.

12. Archbishop Hoban (1-0)

Hosting No. 25 Buchtel. 

Next: At Youngstown Ursuline on Sept. 11. 

13. St. Vincent-St. Mary (1-0) 

At Walsh Jesuit. 

Next: Hosting Lake Catholic on Sept. 11.

14. Brecksville (1-0) 

At Garfield Heights. 

Next: At Brunswick on Sept. 11.

15. Maple Heights (1-0) 

Hosting Willoughby South. 

Next: At Eastlake North on Sept. 11.

16. Hudson (1-0) 

Hosting Strongsville. 

Next: At Hoover on Sept. 11.

17. Nordonia (0-1)

Hosting No. 11 Bedford. 

Next: Hosts Dover on Sept. 11.

18. North Olmsted (1-0) 

At No. 4 Midview. 

Next: Hosts Avon on Sept. 11. 

19. Highland (1-0) 

At Ashland. 

Next: At North Royalton on Sept. 11.

20. Aurora (1-0)

Hosting Ravenna. 

Next: Hosts Twinsburg on Sept. 11.

T21. Elyria (1-0) 

At No. 21 Lorain. 

Next: Hosts Shaw on Sept. 11. 

T21. Lorain (0-1)

Hosts No. 21 Elyria. 

Next: At Scott on Sept. 11. 

T21. Solon (0-1) 

At Twinsburg. 

Next: Hosts St. Thomas More Catholic on Sept. 11 

24. Madison (1-0) 

At Ashtabula Lakeside. 

Next: At Perry on Sept. 11.

25. Buchtel (1-0)

At No. 12 Archbishop Hoban.

Next: Hosts GlenOak on Sept. 12.

Follow our new high school sports Twitter account @NEOvarsity and tag your high school sports Tweets and score updates with the #NEOVarsity hashtag.

See Week 2 high school football scores and postponements across Ohio for Friday, Sept 4, 2015.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Here is a compilation of Week 2 high school football scores, as well as games postponed because of weather, throughout Ohio for Friday, Sept 4. Check back later for more scores.

Akr. Ellet 39, Tallmadge 14

Apple Creek Waynedale 37, W. Lafayette Ridgewood 6

Bascom Hopewell-Loudon 33, Bloomdale Elmwood 0

Bay Village Bay 48, Streetsboro 0

Beverly Ft. Frye 39, Newcomerstown 6

Bowling Green 35, Findlay Liberty-Benton 0

Bucyrus Wynford 50, Morral Ridgedale 0

Caldwell 41, Lore City Buckeye Trail 7

Clyde 28, Pemberville Eastwood 0

Columbia Station Columbia 62, Wellington 0

Copley 48, Akr. Firestone 0

Creston Norwayne 49, Cuyahoga Falls CVCA 20

Dresden Tri-Valley 54, McConnelsville Morgan 0

Grafton Midview 43, N. Olmsted 12

Holland Springfield 47, Tol. Bowsher 7

Jeromesville Hillsdale 43, Willard 0

Louisville Aquinas 30, Minerva 7

Maple Hts. 58, Willoughby S. 14

Maumee 34, Tol. Waite 0

Milan Edison 48, Monroeville 6

Napoleon 20, Liberty Center 13

Newark Licking Valley 27, Philo 13

Norwalk 32, Cle. Hay 13

Norwalk St. Paul 48, Fremont St. Joseph 0

Oak Harbor 20, Genoa Area 8

Oberlin Firelands 34, Brooklyn 0

Perrysburg 42, Tol. St. Francis 0

Rootstown 41, Fairport Harbor Harding 0

Solon 34, Twinsburg 0

Tiffin Columbian 35, Bryan 0

Tol. St. John's 55, Tol. Rogers 12

Tol. Whitmer 19, Detroit Catholic Central, Mich. 11

Tol. Woodward 50, Lakeside Danbury 8

Toronto 37, Bridgeport 0

Uniontown Lake 15, Dover 0

Upper Sandusky 20, Carey 6

Wauseon 49, Fostoria 8

Wooster 35, Wadsworth 14

Postponements and cancellations

Anna vs. Brookville, ppd. to Sep 5.

Bainbridge Paint Valley vs. Williamsburg, ppd. to Sep 5.

Batavia Clermont NE vs. Batavia Amelia, ppd. to Sep 5.

Beavercreek vs. Day. Carroll, ppd. to Sep 5.

Casstown Miami E. vs. New Paris National Trail, ppd. to Sep 5.

Chillicothe vs. Jackson, ppd. to Sep 5.

Cin. Anderson vs. Cin. McNicholas, ppd. to Sep 5.

Cin. Clark Montessori vs. Cin. Deer Park, ppd. to Sep 5.

Cin. Elder vs. W. Chester Lakota W., ppd. to Sep 5.

Cin. Indian Hill vs. Waynesville, ppd. to Sep 5.

Cin. La Salle vs. E. Central, Ind., ppd. to Sep 5.

Cin. Mariemont vs. Batavia, ppd. to Sep 5.

Cin. N. College Hill vs. St. Bernard Roger Bacon, ppd. to Sep 6.

Cin. St. Xavier vs. Cin. Colerain, ppd. to Sep 5.

Cin. Winton Woods vs. Cin. Glen Este, ppd.

Cin. Withrow vs. Kettering Alter, ppd. to Sep 5.

Day. Thurgood Marshall vs. Trotwood-Madison, ppd. to Sep 5.

Fairborn vs. Riverside Stebbins, ppd. to Sep 5.

Fairfield vs. Clayton Northmont, ppd. to Sep 5.

Franklin Middletown Christian vs. W. Carrollton, ppd. to Sep 5.

Hamilton Badin vs. Oxford Talawanda, ppd. to Sep 5.

Hilliard Bradley vs. Middletown, ppd. to Sep 5.

Kings Mills Kings vs. Xenia, ppd. to Sep 5.

Lebanon vs. Loveland, ppd. to Sep 5.

Lees Creek E. Clinton vs. Blanchester, ppd. to Sep 5.

Lewistown Indian Lake vs. Spring. Kenton Ridge, ppd. to Sep 5.

Lima Cent. Cath. vs. Delphos St. John's, ppd. to Sep 5.

Miamisburg vs. Kettering Fairmont, ppd. to Sep 5.

Middletown Fenwick vs. Cin. Mt. Healthy, ppd. to Sep 5.

Milton-Union vs. Day. Oakwood, ppd. to Sep 5.

Minford vs. Oak Hill, ppd. to Sep 5.

N. Bend (Cleves) Taylor vs. New Richmond, ppd. to Sep 5.

New Carlisle Tecumseh vs. Vandalia Butler, ppd. to Sep 5.

New Lebanon Dixie vs. Hamilton Ross, ppd. to Sep 5.

Portsmouth W. vs. Portsmouth, ppd. to Sep 5.

Russell, Ky. vs. Ironton, ppd. to Sep 5.

Spring. Shawnee vs. Springfield, ppd. to Sep 5.

Springboro vs. Centerville, ppd. to Sep 5.

St. Henry vs. Eaton, ppd. to Sep 5.

Tipp City Bethel vs. Union City Mississinawa Valley, ppd. to Sep 5.

Trenton Edgewood vs. Franklin, ppd. to Sep 5.

Versailles vs. Germantown Valley View, ppd. to Sep 5.

Wapakoneta vs. Lima Shawnee, ppd. to Sep 5.

Two takeaways for touchdowns fueled Elyria a week ago, and turnovers again fueled the Pioneers to a 20-18 win Friday night at George Daniel Field against Lorain.

DATELINE, Ohio – Two takeaways for touchdowns fueled Elyria a week ago, and turnovers again fueled the Pioneers to a 20-18 win Friday night at George Daniel Field against Lorain.

The Pioneers (2-0), ranked No. 21 in the cleveland.com Top 25, used a Javon Oliver in the end zone to preserve a one-point lead entering halftime. A back-and-forth fourth quarter that saw Lorain take the lead ultimately came down to a Mikah Price breakout touchdown and a sack from prized defensive end Simeon Lawrence.

Big Simeon Lawrence sack for Elyria. #NEOvarsity pic.twitter.com/tg7LSflkjF

— Matt Goul (@mgoul) September 5, 2015

Come back Saturday morning for more video highlights, breaking down the game.

Lawrence’s sack of Lorain quarterback Davion Dower took the Titans signal caller out in the final four minutes. The Titans, also No. 21 in the cleveland.com Top 25, moved receiver Nazihar Bohannon into Dower’s place.

That didn’t quell any of Lawrence’s concern.

“Naz is an athlete, he’s a great basketball player” Lawrence said. “He’s fast and he’s strong.”

Bohannon pushed the Titans (0-2) to midfield on their final possession before turning the ball over on downs. Elyria was able to kneel the football twice to seal its victory in the 102^nd meeting between the two Lorain County schools.

Their rivalry went on hiatus after Lorain High School, then called the Steelmen, closed in 1995. After Lorain’s Admiral King and Southview merged to reform Lorain, its rivalry game returned.

“We’ve been practicing all year for this,” Lawrence said, “ever since we lost last year at home. This was our main goal: to get back and face Lorain. We all know each other.”

A handful of Lorain players, including Bohannon – whose 20-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter gave Lorain a 12-0 lead – greeted Elyria after both sides broke their post-game huddles.

Lorain regained an 18-13 lead when Dower found junior Daesean Brooks on their second touchdown hookup. This one went 54 yards with 5:46 left in the fourth quarter.

Elyria retook the lead three plays later. Pioneers quarterback Dontae Beckett dumped off a short pass to 6-foot receiver Mikah Price, who juked and sprinted his way 63 yards for the winning score.

“I just wanted to get to the end zone,” Price said. “I had to get in there.”

Price caught five passes from Beckett for 72 yards. Junior running back Chris Atkinson rushed 18 times for 104 yards and the Pioneers’ first two scores, which rallied Elyria in the first half.

Here's Javon Oliver's pick to end the first half for Elyria. #NEOvarsity pic.twitter.com/8JhzMcEgTQ

— Matt Goul (@mgoul) September 5, 2015

For more high school sports news, like NEOVarsity on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Contact high school sports reporter Matt Goul on Twitter (@mgoul),by email (mgoul@cleveland.com) or log in and leave a message below in the comments section.

The Cardinals scored with eight seconds to play to secure the win.

MENTOR, Ohio – Mentor’s Malik Porter caught a 10-yard touchdown pass with eight seconds to play as the No. 2 Cardinals defeated No. 1 St. Ignatius, 63-56, in a fitting addition to their rivalry. 

Porter’s catch came after quarterback Tadas Tatarunas was forced the scramble. Porter improvised in the end zone to get open.

Check cleveland.com/hssports on Saturday for another story with several videos from this game, including action highlights.

“At first I was supposed to do a fade to the back of the end zone, but the linebacker blitzed and Tadas was in trouble,” said Porter. “Then it’s the scramble drill. It’s something we practice all week.”

The touchdown capped a wild game featuring 1,510 yards of offense. The Cardinals (2-0) led 35-13 midway through the second quarter, but the Wildcats (1-1) pulled within 35-33 early in the third.

The teams were tied at 49 and 56 in the second half.

“Two great teams so of course you’re expecting a lot of scoring. Definitely a close game no matter what,” said Cardinals wide receiver Jason Blizzard, who had 14 catches for 342 yards and two touchdowns. “We figured it was going to come down to the last series, whoever had the ball last in the last seconds of the game.”

Each team punted just three times, and had a turnover. Michael Ballentine’s interception with 1:08 to play gave the Cardinals the ball at their own 37, leading to the winning score.

The Wildcats come away from the game with things to fix on their defense. Not only did Tatarunas complete 25-of-35 passes for 523 yards and four touchdowns, Mentor running back Alex Mathews gained 235 yards on 31 carries against the Wildcats.

“We have a lot of work to do, there’s no other way to say it,” said Wildcats coach Chuck Kyle. “Gashed in the run game. Sometimes you’d get some stops and then they’d get big plays on us.”

Wildcats quarterback Dennis Grosel was 19-of-35 passing for 415 yards and six touchdowns. Cal Grbac had five catches for 190 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown.

The series between the teams is tied 7-7 since 2005, when the matchup became an ongoing regular-season meeting after a break of nearly a decade.

For more high school sports news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Contact high school sports reporter Scott Patsko on Twitter (@ScottPatsko) by email (spatsko@cleveland.com) or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

No. 7 Avon football passed all over the Avon Lake defense en route to a 31-7 victory.

AVON, Ohio - Avon quarterback Jake Sopko led the charge as the host Eagles dominated Avon Lake on Friday night to win the first Silver Rail trophy between the rivals and its Southwestern Conference debut.

Sopko, a senior who is headed to play for the University of Cincinnati, threw for 272 yards, three touchdowns and ran for one as the Eagles beat Avon Lake, 31-7.

Avon, 2-0 and ranked seventh in the cleveland.com Top 25, forced Avon Lake to punt on its first drive and the Eagles scored on their first possession with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Sopko to senior Will Heilman. The Eagles then caught their rivals off guard as they sneaked a successful two-point conversation to go up 8-0 with 3:02 left in the first quarter.

Avon Lake (0-2) failed to score again on its next drive, even after a costly Avon roughing the passer penalty on a third-and-long kept the drive alive for the Shoremen. The proceeding punt by Avon Lake's Patrick Beckman looked to turn things around as it placed Avon at its 1-yard line. A few plays later, Avon running back Gerett Choat broke a 67-yard run to place the Eagles right back in scoring position. Shortly after a Sopko run from the 5 put the Avon ahead 15-0.

Following an Avon safety it was Choat taking a screen pass 54 yards for a touchdown to give Avon a 24-0 lead at the half. The Eagles scored nine points in 19 seconds to close the half.

Sopko continued the scoring with a 25-yard touchdown strike to Heilman to open the second half. The only Avon Lake score came late in the fourth with an 8-yard pass from Beckman to Carson Toy.

"We knew they were going to run a lot of cover three and cover zero so we knew what to put into the play book to beat that and ran it well," Sopko said.

The Eagles travel to No. 18 North Olmsted next Friday, while Avon Lake will host Westlake.

Avon joined the SWC over the off-season after competing in the West Shore Conference. The win also earned the Eagles the Silver Rail trophy. The Avon Lions Club created the trophy, which is symbolic of the railroad tracks that separate Avon Lake and Avon.

Vince McKee is a freelancer from North Olmsted

No. 13 STVM's football team took advantage of a 21-0 lead and four turnovers to defeat Walsh Jesuit 35-14 Friday night.

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio – The STVM football team went on the road and scored the first three touchdowns of the game to defeat Walsh Jesuit, 35-14, on Friday night to take back “The Bell” from its rivals.

St. Vincent-St. Mary's win avenged a loss last year that snapped a 22-game overall winning streak for the Irish and a three-game streak over Walsh Jesuit.

“Last year was kind of an embarrassment, they just came to our place and kind of beat us up a little bit,” St. Vincent-St. Mary senior quarterback Dom Davis said. “It was important for us to come out early and show what we are made of.”

Check cleveland.com/hssports on Saturday for another story with several videos from this game, including action highlights.

Davis opened the scoring when he ran for a 2-yard touchdown to give the Fighting Irish a 7-0 lead with 2:24 left in the first quarter and then found Malik Woolridge 24 seconds later after a Walsh Jesuit (0-2) turnover to give St. Vincent-St. Mary (2-0) a 14-0 lead.

“It’s huge, it’s putting them in a hole and putting them in a situation they don’t want to be in,” Davis said. “They want to run the ball and we tried to take that away early by scoring the ball and our defense holding them.”

Running back Markus Hurd made it 21-0 Fighting Irish when he scored from three yards out early in the third quarter and it looked like St. Vincent-St. Mary, ranked No. 13 by cleveland.com, might be on its way to a romp over one of its biggest rivals.

Walsh Jesuit was able to answer less than two minutes later when Mac Shinaberry found Patrick Keough for a 15-yard touchdown pass on fourth down. The Warriors were forced to go for it on fourth down just to stay in the game. Keough wasn’t originally in on the play, but came on as a late substitution and took the pass to the endzone.

Hurd then found pay dirt again from two yards when he spun at the line of scrimmage and bounced to the outside for the score with 3:12 left in the first half. Hurd was the leading rusher with 91 yards for the game.

The Warriors tried to keep it close, as Joshua Bennett scored in the final minute of the second quarter to send the game to halftime with the Fighting Irish leading 28-14.

The two teams battled to a scoreless third quarter and then Davis hit DeAmonte King for a 31-yard touchdown pass just under two minutes into the final quarter for the game’s final score.

Davis was 13-of-24 passing for 200 yards and two touchdowns passing while adding 90 yard on the ground with another score.

Walsh Jesuit’s Joe Penna ran for 76 yards on 10 carries and was visibly upset about the loss.

“This is hard. We were all pumped up after last year and ready to keep the bell, to protect the bell,” Penna said. “We worked hard all week but we weren’t strong enough I guess.”

Both teams will play at home next Friday, with the Fighting Irish facing Lake Catholic while the Warriors look for head coach Scott Beigie’s first win as they host Columbus Bishop Watterson.

Ryan Isley is a freelancer from Akron. For more high school sports news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. 

Midview's Dustin Crum throws for four TDs as Middies improve to 2-0.

GRAFTON, Ohio — It’s Hall of Fame weekend at Midview and junior quarterback Dustin Crum put on a hall-of-fame quality performance Friday as he threw for 427 yards and four TDs as the Middies pulled away from visiting North Olmsted, 43-12.

The win gives Midview, ranked fourth in the cleveland.com Top 25, its first win in its history in the Southwestern Conference as the Middies joined the SWC this year after leaving the now defunct West Shore Conference.

Crum’s favorite target was senior wideout Logan Bolin. Bolin, an All-Ohio pick a year ago, caught seven passes for 163 yards and three touchdowns —all coming in the first half.

Midview (2-0) led 36-6 at the half and cruised the rest of the way against the No. 18 Eagles (1-1).

Midview looked much more in sync on offense this week than it did in its win over Lorain a week ago, a win that was filled with mistakes.

Crum — who was a finalist for Mr. Football last year as a sophomore — was on fire in the first two quarters as he completed 21 of 23 passes for 357 yards and threw for three scores and ran for another.

“It was just awesome. I was having fun playing with my brothers and my teammates. I guess that’s why you play football,” Crum said.

Crum found Bolin on scoring plays of 39, 44 and 9 yards in the first half. The effort was a testament to the chemistry the two have developed.

“They were just on the same page,” Midview coach DJ. Shaw said. “There were calls out there we (as coaches) didn’t make. They were reading coverage and making calls themselves.”

North Olmsted quarterback Christian Ammons put up decent numbers. He finished 14 of 22 for 229 yards and two touchdowns. However, the Eagles committed two first half turnovers.

Ammons connected with Joshua Hufstetler on a 73-yard scoring play to make the score 14-6 early in the second quarter, but that was the beginning of the end for the Eagles.

Midview started off slowly, turning over the ball early inside the North Olmsted 20.

But Crum scored the Middies' first touchdown on a 4-yard run late in the first quarter.

“We had a little bit of a slow start once again but once we got rolling our defense held tough and kept them off the scoreboard and our offense was able to put some quick scores up in the second quarter,” Shaw said.

North Olmsted will host No. 7 Avon on Sept. 11, while Midview hosts Amherst.

Michael Fitzpatrick is a freelancer from Lorain.