Ross Atkins, who spent 20 years with the Indians, named Toronto's seventh general manager. He'll work under Toronto's new CEO Mark Shapiro, who spent the last 24 years with the Indians.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -The Indians have lost another executive to the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays announced Thursday that Ross Atkins has been named general manager. It is not a surprise since the man who hired him, Mark Shapiro, worked with Atkins for 15 years in the Indians' front office.

Shapiro officially became president and CEO of the Blue Jays on Nov. 1 after 24 years with the Indians. Atkins, following the resignation of Alex Anthopoulos, the previous GM, immediately became a favorite to replace him. Atkins, 42, will be officially introduced as Toronto's GM on Friday morning.

Tony LaCava, a former Indians scout, has served as Toronto's interim GM under Shapiro. LaCava is expected to return to his role as senior vice president. When Shapiro moved to Toronto, he signed LaCava to a multiyear deal.

The Indians drafted Atkins out of Wake Forest. He pitched five years (1995-1999) in their minor league system before moving into the front office. He was the assistant farm director to John Farrell from 2001 through 2003. Atkins, who speaks Spanish, was the director of Latin American operations from 2004 through 2006 before becoming director of player development in 2007. Atkins was named vice president of player personnel after the 2014 season.

Atkins is the seventh GM in Toronto history.

Homegrown players such as Cody Allen, Lonnie Chisenhall, Kyle Crockett, Tyler Holt, TJ House, Jason Kipnis, Roberto Perez, Jose Ramirez and Danny Salazarl made it to the big leagues while working their way through the Tribe's farm system under Atkins. Other players who were acquired in trades, such as Carlos Carrasco, Yan Gomes, Corey Kluber and Carlos Santana, worked their way through the minor league system before reaching Progressive Field.

The Indians are not expected to immediately fill Atkins' position.

Lake Erie led Iowa 2-0 in the second period, but quickly lost the momentum and got sloppy as the Wild ended a 13-game losing streak.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Leading 2-0 late in the second period, the first-place the Lake Erie Monsters seemed well on their way to an easy win over Iowa, which skidded into Cleveland on a 13-game losing streak Thursday night.

Not so fast.

Iowa scored four unanswered goals and beat Lake Erie, 4-2, in front of a smattering of fans in Quicken Loans Arena. It was the Wild's first victory since Halloween, a stretch that included four losses to the Monsters.

"The lead, for me, was a mirage,'' Lake Erie coach Jared Bednar said. "We made a couple timely plays, but we were getting outplayed the whole game.

"We took them lightly, and we weren't prepared to play. It's that simple. It's an unacceptable performance by that group.''

Lake Erie (12-5-1-2) entered the game first in the Western Conference.

Josh Anderson gave Lake Erie a 1-0 lead on a power-play goal midway through the first period. T.J. Tynan's shot from the blue line was deflected by Nick Moutrey to Anderson, who had an easy tap-in. It was Anderson's fourth goal. Tynan has a team-leading 14 points, all assists.

Lake Erie took a 2-0 lead on defenseman John Ramage's wrister during a 4-on-4 with 4:28 left in the second period.

But instead of putting the Wild away, the Monsters got sloppy.

Iowa (4-16-1-3) scored twice in the next 1:52. The Wild not only tied the game, but two late Lake Erie penalties gave Iowa a two-man advantage for the first 94 seconds of the third period.

Iowa center Jordan Schroeder scored off the ensuing possession after Ramage's goal as the 4-on-4 continued. A Lake Erie penalty expired, putting the Monsters on the power play, but Iowa wing Zach Mitchell walked in a shorthanded goal, beating Joonas Korpisalo glove side.

Ramage, wing Trent Vogelhuber and center Lukas Sedlak killed the 5-on-3 to start the third, allowing just two shots to reach Korpisalo.

The momentum was short-lived as Lake Erie continued to chase and commit penalties -- six straight in the second and third periods.

"We got out-worked,'' Bednar said.

Iowa defenseman Christian Folin and Grayson Downing scored power-play goals at 5:39 and 7:09 of the third, respectively. Folin, who spent 14 games with the Minnesota Wild, netted a one-timer. Downing gathered the rebound of another Folin shot.

Lake Erie outshot Iowa, 33-31.

Korpisalo stopped 27 shots. He began the season as the No. 2 goalie, but has earned even consideration with Anton Forsberg. Making his sixth start in the last 10 games, he entered the game leading the league in save percentage (.941) and third in goals-against (1.80).

Iowa goalie Leland Irving had 29 saves.

Manny Malhotra debuts: NHL veteran Manny Malhotra played his first game with the Monsters after signing a tryout contract Wednesday. He had not played since he was with the Montreal Canadiens last season and took red-eye flight from his home in Vancouver, arriving in Cleveland Thursday morning.

Malhotra, a 35-year-old center from Mississauga, Ontario, has 116 goals, 295 points and 451 penalty minutes in 991 career NHL games with the New York Rangers, Dallas Stars, Columbus Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal spanning parts of 16 seasons from 1998 to 2015. He scored two goals in 35 career Stanley Cup playoff appearances.

He centered Lake Erie's fourth line between Brett Gallant and Cleveland native Brent Vogelhuber.

With five players either up with Columbus or injured, the Monsters' roster was getting a little thin. They still have just six healthy defensemen.

Next up: Iowa and the Monsters return to The Q Friday at 7 p.m. for their final meeting of the season. For the second straight week, Lake Erie takes a Friday night bus trip to Grand Rapids for a Saturday game. Lake Erie lost to Grand Rapids, 3-2 in overtime, on Nov. 28.

Archbishop Hoban claims its first state football championship with a 33-20 win against Toledo Central Catholic.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Archbishop Hoban’s football team entered the 2015 season with several highly-regarded players at key positions, and lofty expectations for a deep playoff run. The Knights ended the season Thursday by hoisting the school’s first state championship trophy after defeating Toledo Central Catholic 33-20 at Ohio Stadium.

Junior Ohio State recruit Todd Sibley rushed for 162 yards and two touchdowns and senior defensive back/receiver Anthony Christian collected an interception, a touchdown catch and a safety to lift the Knights (14-1) past the defending champion Irish (13-2).

Hoban’s defense, which has carried the Knights throughout the season, forced three Central Catholic turnovers and the offense, converted each into points as the Knights protected leads of 14-0 and 28-14 to clinch the title.

The Knights limited Central Catholic to 385 total yards and 4-for-11 on third down.

Ahead 28-20 late in the third quarter, Hoban extended its lead with brilliant special teams play and a run-stuffing defense.

Punter/linebacker Dane Kersh slipped a kick out of bounds just ahead of the pylon that backed Central Catholic to its own 1. On the next play, Christian hit Irish quarterback Torrin Campbell in the end zone and Jonah Morris finished off the stop for a Hoban safety and a 30-20 lead.

Kicker Grant Kersh added a 34-yard field goal midway through the fourth.

Hoban capitalized on a pair of Irish turnovers in the first half to take a 28-14 lead at the break.

With three minutes left in the half, Hoban junior linebacker Arison Sanders hit Campbell in the backfield and Irish senior Marc Westover recovered the ball at the Central Catholic 24. Two plays later Sibley scooted free of a tackle and raced 22 yards for a touchdown.

A 31-yard circus catch by Christian on third down set up an even better grab by the senior WR/DB for a go-ahead score two plays later. Junior Ohio State Commit Danny Clark lobbed a pass toward the goal line and Christian cradled it beautifully over his right shoulder for a 21-14 Hoban lead.

Christian’s catch stopped a 14-0 Irish run that Kentucky commit Michael Warren score on runs of four and 10 yards.

Hoban regained momentum midway through the opening quarter when the Knights scored two touchdowns in a 1:28 span.

Sibley broke loose on a 55-yard scoring run behind blocks by Jacob Kepler and R.J. Kelly, and a 53-yard touchdown pass from Clark to Jonah Morris came one play after Christian collected his sixth interception of the year.

Late in the first quarter, Hoban’s run defense forced the Irish to throw deep downfield. back-to-back completions to Darion Greer for 45 yards and Deion Greer for 35 yards moved the Irish to the Hoban 12.

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

The Andrews Osborne boys, Lutheran East and Trinity girls were among Thursday's winners on the basketball court.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Here are high school sports highlights from Thursday. See below for information on how you team’s accomplishments can be recognized in these daily roundups.

Boys basketball

Andrews Osborne Academy 66, Saint Martin de Porres 47: Andrews Osborne used strong second and third quarters to push its home victory. Arturo Sanchez led the Phoenix with 23 points and seven rebounds. Te’John Chapman added 20 points and seven assists, as the prep school improved to 4-0.

Harvey 74, Fairport Harding 43: A 26-point first quarter propelled Harvey on the road.

Girls basketball

No. 22 St. Joseph Academy 68, Villa Angela-St. Joseph 57: St. Joseph Academy used critical runs in the second and third quarters to win on the road.

Andrews Osborne Academy 59, Northeast Ohio College Prep 21: Audrey Morgan scored 20 points and Gabby Culotta added 14 to lead Andrews Osborne.

Lutheran East 57, Whitney Young 35: Darjanay Edwards’ 25 points paced Lutheran East, which also got 11 from Jazmyne Darby. The Falcons raced out to an 18-8 first-quarter lead and remained in control.

Trinity 60, Wickliffe 12: Mercedeez Francis scored 16 points, Shelby Zoeckler added 14, and Trinity held Wickliffe to one first-quarter point.

Girls swimming

Hathaway Brown 158, Beaumont 27: Maggie Cha won two individual events, the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke, and Hathaway Brown cruised to a home victory. Teammate Jamie Doak placed first in diving, as Hathaway Brown won all events. The top performance for Beaumont was Danielle Christian’s second-place finish in the 100 backstroke, six seconds behind Cha’s time of 1:04.26.

Girls bowling

Willoughby South 2643, Eastlake North 2541: South preserved a 70-pin lead after two games entering the baker games. Sam Niemczura scored a match-high 468 series for South, which also had 400-plus performances from Dean Vargo and Jon Racic. Nathan Borris scored a 450 to lead North.

How your team can be included in these roundups

These roundups are based on box scores and game notes entered in cleveland.com’s database by school or team representatives. If your team is not participating in the box score program please contact your athletic director or coach and encourage them to do so. They can obtain instructions and database login information from High School Sports Manager Kristen Davis at kdavis@cleveland.com.

For more high school sports news, like NEOvarsity on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Here are Thursday's girls basketball scores from around Ohio.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here are Thursday's girls basketball scores from around Ohio:

Albany Alexander 46, McArthur Vinton County 44

Ansonia 58, Union City Mississinawa Valley 44

Arlington 63, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon 17

Ashland 52, Mansfield Madison 35

Ashland Crestview 52, New London 47

Bainbridge Paint Valley 53, Chillicothe Unioto 36

Barnesville 57, Belmont Union Local 45

Bellbrook 43, Eaton 19

Berlin Center Western Reserve 53, Leetonia 29

Bidwell River Valley 57, Pomeroy Meigs 28

Bluffton 33, Convoy Crestview 31

Cadiz Harrison Cent. 61, Bellaire 48

Canfield S. Range 60, Youngs. Mooney 40

Carlisle 55, Day. Northridge 41

Casstown Miami E. 55, Arcanum 43

Celina 29, Kenton 26

Chesapeake 46, Gallipolis Gallia 37

Chillicothe Huntington 57, Frankfort Adena 24

Cle. Hts. Lutheran E. 57, Cle. Whitney Young 35

Cle. St. Joseph 68, Cle. VASJ 57

Coldwater 63, St. Henry 34

Cols. Hartley 65, Utica 46

Cols. Horizon Science 63, Cols. School for Girls 32

Cols. Ready 77, Shekinah Christian 43

Cols. Whetstone 82, Cin. DePaul Cristo Rey 3

Covington 52, Bradford 25

Day. Dunbar 52, Day. Meadowdale 46

Day. Miami Valley 47, Troy Christian 27

Day. Stivers 45, Day. Belmont 9

Day. Thurgood Marshall 60, Day. Ponitz Tech. 17

Defiance 48, Lima Shawnee 46

Delphos St. John's 46, Rockford Parkway 35

Doylestown Chippewa 82, Apple Creek Waynedale 34

E. Central, Ind. 64, Harrison 13

Fairfield Christian 51, Delaware Christian 33

Franklin Middletown Christian 65, Day. Jefferson 34

Gahanna Cols. Academy 51, Powell Village Academy 13

Garfield Hts. Trinity 60, Wickliffe 12

Georgetown 56, Williamsburg 42

Germantown Valley View 41, Franklin 35

Glouster Trimble 27, Corning Miller 20

Greenwich S. Cent. 49, Norwalk St. Paul 41

Jackson 47, Wellston 30

Leipsic 67, Findlay Liberty-Benton 61

Lexington 38, Bellville Clear Fork 31

Lima Bath 54, Elida 28

Lima Cent. Cath. 41, Spencerville 36

Lima Sr. 71, Fremont Ross 39

Lockland 57, Cin. Christian 34

Lucasville Valley 63, Oak Hill 33

Lynchburg-Clay 74, Mowrystown Whiteoak 30

Millersburg W. Holmes 55, Mansfield Sr. 36

Minster 39, New Knoxville 36, OT

Nelsonville-York 48, Athens 22

New Bremen 46, Versailles 35

New Madison Tri-Village 51, Newton Local 43

New Paris National Trail 53, W. Alexandria Twin Valley S. 35

Orrville 60, Wooster 54

Ottawa-Glandorf 57, St. Marys Memorial 42

Portsmouth Clay 47, Franklin Furnace Green 25

Portsmouth Notre Dame 63, Latham Western 56

Portsmouth Sciotoville 63, Beaver Eastern 34

Proctorville Fairland 75, Ironton Rock Hill 33

Racine Southern 60, Reedsville Eastern 45

S. Webster 53, Waverly 32

Salem 55, E. Palestine 25

Seaman N. Adams 61, Leesburg Fairfield 34

Southeastern 40, Piketon 31

Spring. NE 65, Spring. Cath. Cent. 22

Sugar Grove Berne Union 54, Cols. Wellington 47

Tipp City Bethel 35, Pitsburg Franklin-Monroe 20

Tol. Ottawa Hills 65, Tol. Maumee Valley 19

Tontogany Otsego 53, Elmore Woodmore 33

Wapakoneta 83, Van Wert 28

Waterford 88, Belpre 45

Wellsville 49, Mineral Ridge 34

Wheelersburg 62, Minford 53

Whitehall-Yearling 53, Lancaster Fisher Cath. 45

Williamsport Westfall 42, Chillicothe Zane Trace 29

Postponements and cancellations

Maria Stein Marion Local vs. Ft. Recovery, ppd. to Dec 8.

Tol. Cent. Cath. vs. Oregon Clay, ppd. to Dec 4.

Here are Thursday's boys basketball scores from across Ohio.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here are Thursday's boys basketball scores from across Ohio:

Cols. Briggs 76, Newark Licking Valley 61

Cols. Linden McKinley 95, Gahanna Christian 54

Cols. Watterson 47, Cols. Ready 34

Delaware Buckeye Valley 53, Richwood N. Union 40

Edgerton 61, Archbold 58, OT

Haviland Wayne Trace 63, Bryan 48

Heath 78, Cols. Horizon Science 42

Kent Roosevelt 65, Aurora 54

Lodi Cloverleaf 45, Akr. Coventry 40

Marion Harding 61, Caledonia River Valley 50

Milford Center Fairbanks 61, Marion Pleasant 56, OT

New Washington Buckeye Cent. 60, Attica Seneca E. 51

Painesville Harvey 74, Fairport Harbor Harding 43

Plain City Jonathan Alder 37, Galion 34

Worthington Christian 76, London 56

Postponed

Beallsville vs. Vincent Warren, ppd. to Jan 7.

Christian returned to football this season after two years away to focus on basketball and had a huge impact in the Division III state final.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Archbishop Hoban football team had already been practicing for a few weeks in the preseason when Anthony Christian decided to play. 

After two years away from the sport to focus on basketball, the 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior wanted to be part of what he thought would be a special season.

But first, he had to make it through two-a-days.

“Two-a-days were so hard,” Christian said. “I was throwing up all over the place, but it paid off.”

And in the best way possible.

Christian was involved in a handful of big plays in Thursday’s 33-20 Division III state final win against Toledo Central Catholic at Ohio Stadium. His first-quarter interception led to the Knights' second touchdown and an early 14-0 lead. His 33-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter broke a 14-all tie.

In the third quarter, he made contact in the end zone on Irish quarterback Torrin Campbell, leading to a safety.

“Yeah, he’s not bad,” said Knights coach Tim Tyrrell.

Christian played football his freshman year, but stopped to focus on basketball, where he’s considered by many to be a Division I college prospect. A group of seniors including Jacob Kepler, Jacob McNeil, Jonah Morris and Tyler Gilchrist got Christian to believe in football, said Tyrrell. 

“Anthony did not have it easy,” said Tyrrell. “He had to go through three days of work I’ve never seen a high school kid put in just to be on the team.”

“It was rough-and-tough two-a-day stuff,” said junior quarterback Danny Clark. “Lots of running in the summer heat. He had to do some pretty crazy stuff to prove himself to everyone. And he did it with no complaints and he did it with 100 percent effort.”

“I don’t know about the no complaints part,” Morris said with a laugh.

Christian was used sparingly on offense this season. He had nine receptions for 150 yards and four touchdowns prior to Thursday.

His 31-yard reception on third-and-10 set up a 33-yard touchdown catch two plays later and snatched momentum away from the Irish in the second quarter.

“It was huge. Everyone was down because they scored a touchdown,” said Christian. “I was like, ‘I got you. Just throw me the ball and I’ll score.’ He threw it up and I went to go get it.”

Now, Christian turns his focus back to basketball, and a season that begins for the Knights on Tuesday. And if you think he’s upset about being behind because of football, think again.

“I’m not upset,” he said with a smile.

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.

"It was really special to come out and play in front of him for the first time and to have the game I did," Sibley said. "You dream about coming out and winning a championship your entire career, but to do it in Ohio Stadium with Coach Meyer watching, it was just something special." Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Todd Sibley had just broken the goal line on his 55-yard, first-quarter touchdown run when he made eye contact with Urban Meyer.

"He winked at me," Sibley said. 

Sibley's moment wasn't over yet. 

He walked into the back of the south end zone in Ohio Stadium and pointed to the sky, a way of paying homage to Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott. 

What a memory for an Ohio State' commit, eh? 

"I winked back," Sibley said. Of course he did. 

That touchdown run was the beginning of a dominant 162-yard, two-touchdown performance for Sibley, who helped lead Archbishop Hoban to an Ohio Division III state title with a 33-20 win over Toledo Central Catholic. 

A four-star prospect who has been committed to the Buckeyes since April, Sibley wanted to send a message to those who gathered inside his future college stadium: He's a big-bodied, bruising back that can take over the game. 

Rated the No. 13 running back in the 2017 recruiting class, Sibley did something better. He proved it to Meyer firsthand because it was Meyer's first time watching his future running back play in person. 

"It was really special to come out and play in front of him for the first time and to have the game I did," Sibley said. "You dream about coming out and winning a championship your entire career, but to do it in Ohio Stadium with Coach Meyer watching, it was just something special." 

A 5-foot-11, 205-pound running back, Sibley personifies what makes Elliott so special for the Buckeyes. He's fast, yes, but he runs hard and has a way of pounding at a defense. 

Hoban's quarterback is four-star Ohio State commit Danny Clark, who did a good job controlling the game. But Clark, who saw two of his four completions go for touchdowns, was never pressured to win the game through the air. 

That's a testament to Sibley's performance. 

And it's could be a clue that Ohio State's in good hands long term at running back. 

Maybe another Elliott? 

"I don't know about that," Sibley said, smiling. "I just want to come out and run hard and do what I can to help my team win games. It feels amazing that I was able to do that on a stage like this." 

The receiver estimates he spoke with 10 teams over the past three months after being released by the Browns. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio - Terrelle Pryor described his three months out of pro football as both humbling and incredibly rewarding.

He was a player without a home and a father who grew closer to his 16-month-old son from always being around the house.

"He's finally able to talk and being around him I can point (at) a picture or my mom will point at a picture of me, and (he says) that's 'dada,' and point," Pryor said of Terrelle II. "So now he points at stuff that he wants instead of you don't know what he wants. It's pretty cool, man."

Pryor knew what he wanted - another chance to play in the NFL - and the Browns provided it by signing him Tuesday nearly three months after releasing him.

Coach Mike Pettine doesn't expect to activate the 6-foot-4, 223-pound receiver for Sunday's game against the Bengals, but is looking forward to getting him on the field in the near future.

Related: Browns re-sign Terrelle Pryor

Pryor estimated he spoke with about 10 teams after getting waived by the Browns on Sept. 10 and confirmed he was meeting with the Bears when the Browns offered him a chance to return. The 26-year-old jumped at the opportunity to reunite with offensive coordinator John DeFilippo, who also coached him as a quarterback in Oakland.

" . . . I really liked Coach Flip's offense because I know it - I had it for years." Pryor said. "I like the group here. I already have a foundation with some of the guys here, so I thought it was a better opportunity-- just jump in, rather than learn a whole new playbook and stuff like that. I think that was the most important part.

" . . . Hopefully we turn on the lights and I start playing."

Pryor originally signed with the Browns in the offseason after committing to a position change, but rarely practiced or played in training camp due to a hamstring injury. After making the 53-man roster, the Browns cut him to make room for running back Robert Turbin, who they recently released. Pryor vowed: "This will be a mistake by them."

Pettine understood Pryor's frustration and attributed the remarks to his competitiveness. The fourth-year pro said as much Thursday afternoon, adding that he never got discouraged during the wait.

Pryor said he remained sharp by running 40 routes a day four times a week and honing his footwork with cone drills on fields near his suburban Pittsburgh home.

He also watched plenty of football and paid special attention to Cleveland, which ranks 31^st in the red-zone efficiency. The Browns are missing two regular receivers (Andrew Hawkins, Taylor Gabriel) due to concussion, and Dwayne Bowe is yet to catch a pass while looking like a free-agent bust.

Pryor also will serve as the third-string quarterback with Josh McCown being placed in injured reserve.

"I believe I can help anywhere on the field, especially once I just keep on getting the foundation down of the game," Pryor said. "I got a lot better at running routes. I haven't been here, so I had an awful lot of time to understand the routes and try to be a little savvy with my routes and stuff like that, so I feel very confident and I feel like I'm a lot better player." 

DeFilippo thinks Pryor has enough games left this season to make an impact. The receiver said he has no lingering bitterness for the time lost, calling the past few months a "blessing in disguise."

"To tell you the truth, I think it definitely is God's will," he said. "It's the first time I really had an opportunity to spend a lot of time with my son. So I think I actually got to really know him real well 'cause I . . . I didn't get to have that bond, the father-son (relationship), so having all this time off, we became real good, real close, so I'm happy about that.

"At the end of the day, I'm kind of glad that happened because . . . that's what's more important to me. The most important thing to me is my son. Now I came back. I'm a better player and I'm looking forward to getting on the field."

See what Mogadore coach Matt Adorni and players said following the Wildcats' loss to Fort Recovery.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Check out highlights from Mogadore football's postgame press conference after it lost to Fort Recovery, 33-14, in the Division VII state championship game on Friday at Ohio Stadium.

The full press conference is at the top of this post.

Mogadore coach Matt Adorni: "We knew coming in when you play a (Midwest Athletic Conference) school of this caliber in this setting, you can't do the things we did right off the bat, turn the ball over, and have key penalties and drives early on. We were never really able to seize any momentum away from them. They probably surprised us a little bit I think with their overall speed and athleticism. I think the tape didn't do them justice."

Adorni on the MAC: "I think the thing the MAC teams do well, they're just so cool and composed. I think they were a very composed team. They don't make mistakes. They play very machine-like and any little ball, like the one that bounced in the third quarter, bounced right back to them. We just couldn't catch any breaks. Sometimes you've got to have breaks in games."

Mogadore QB Zeddie Pollock on his returning teammates: "They know what it's like to be here. They know what it takes. It's a long, drag-it-out process. It starts all the way back in July. It's a lot of hard work, a lot of hard effort. This will definitely help them get past the regional title that we got stuck with a couple of years ago."

Adorni on falling behind 13-0 early: "I thought we composed ourselves at that point well. We got a good drive going, cut it to (13-7). When we had them in 3rd-and-5, we had a huge coverage error. They had that long touchdown. That really, I think, was the start of kind of being the back-breaker. Had we maybe held there at 3rd-and-5 and we get the momentum back, you know with high school kids, momentum is big, or at any level, momentum's big. We just never seized that momentum back away from them."

Pollock on Fort Recovery's defense: "They were pretty good covering. We went to a couple of checkbacks whenever it's 3rd-and-7, or 3rd-and-6 ... they had those pretty well covered. We were trying to hit a couple of quick outs. And right whenever our receivers caught the ball, they'd just be there to tackle them and we'd only get about four yards.

Mogadore RB/DB Luke Cramer: "It's a dream come true to get here, but we wanted to win. That's a letdown that right now, is diminishing it for us. But I think a little later on when we look back on it, we'll be able to take a little more good from it."

Adorni on what trip to Columbus should mean to returnees: "It speaks to the commitment that you have to put in and the leadership that these guys showed this year, the way they managed every week. We didn't have any letdowns ... me personally as a head coach and for some of them, to be able to get over that (state) semifinal hump was big for these guys. Finals weekend is cool. When they draw and 200-some teams or whatever make the playoffs, only seven are going to end this season happy.

Cam Erving's message heading into the offseason will be to come back stronger.

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns coach Mike Pettine will send No. 19 overall pick Cam Erving back to the bench this week -- and home for the offseason -- with a mandate to get stronger.

Erving, 6-5, 313, will likely watch from the sidelines again Sunday against the Bengals after two straight starts in place of left guard Joel Bitonio, who's confident he'll return this week from his sprained ankle. Bitonio is listed as questionable and was limited all week.

And while Erving gained valuable experience at a position he hadn't practice much during the year, it was evident he needs to hit the weight room more, especially on the play in Pittsburgh where Cam Heyward knocked him onto his backside and into Isaiah Crowell for a 5-yard loss.

 "There's certainly some room for improvement,'' Pettine said of Erving's two starts. "We all see that. It's a very difficult position to come in and be where you want to be as a rookie. You see other positions that can do that much easier than offensive line. The skillset is there to work with, but there were some plays where he did get overpowered and knows that he has to work.''

Pettine said that will be a point of emphasis for the rookie during his exit interview on Jan. 4th.

"That long block of time where we don't have our guys from January to essentially mid-April, we'll task them with 'This is where we want to see you. This is where we need to make strides,' and give him and action plan coming out of here and that's for all of our guys.

"Cam clearly has some work to do, but the skill is there to work with and certainly the want-to. He's a guy that he's 100 miles an hour, plays hard, loves the game and when the want-to is there and the potential is there that we're confident that it'll happen for him."

Pettine said Erving, who played left tackle and center at Florida State, has gotten overpowered for a variety of reasons.

"Some of it's pad level, some of it's technique, some of it's functional strength,'' he said. "You have to look at each play individually."

Meanwhile, Bitonio is eager to return to the starting lineup after missing the first two starts of his career and his first missed time since his junior year in high school.

"I'm excited, but you kind of feel like you're letting your teammates down, at least I feel like that when I'm not playing,'' he said. "You see them going to battle and you're like, 'Man, I wish I could help out or do something, try and turn the tides of the game,' but it's exciting. We have an in-state rival, Cincinnati. It's my fourth time playing them so it's exciting. They're a good defense, and we're going to try and get a win this week."

Pettine predicted Bitonio would be his breakout player in 2015, but the ankle injury, suffered Nov. 5 in the first meeting against Cincinnati, set him back.

"There have been some plays where he has been dominant and ones that he'd want to have back,'' said Pettine. "I wouldn't say, 'Hey, listen, he's taken a huge jump,' but from a grading standpoint and consistency standpoint, he's right up there. He's been one of our most consistent guys."

Justin Gilbert one of four players ruled out with concussions

Justin Gilbert's timing has been bad all season.

The 2014 No. 8 overall pick finally cracked the starting lineup Monday night against the Ravens, but suffered a concussion during the game and has been ruled out for Sunday's rematch with the Bengals.

Gilbert is one of four players ruled out with concussions, including cornerback Joe Haden and receivers  Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel.

It foiled the Browns plans to evaluate the cornerback against some of the best receivers in the NFL, including Cincinnati's A.J. Green.

"It was obviously frustrating that Justin got hurt,'' said defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil. "I think he got 17 plays. He didn't get tested all that much. I thought he did some good things. He did some things technique-wise that we still need to get cleaned up with him. There's one play I'm sure he wishes he had back. There was a play we worked all week, they actually had a big gain on it, and if we just execute the coverage the right way, it's probably an interception.

"I know he was frustrated with that, but like I said, it was frustrating that he got hurt because I was excited to see him out there for a full game because of how well he practiced throughout the bye week and then the week leading up to that game."

Gilbert practiced so well leading up to the Ravens game that the Browns made cornerback Pierre Desir inactive. But with Gilbert and Haden sidelined, he'll be back in the starting lineup Sunday.

Gilbert's first setback came during joint practices against the Bills in training camp when he suffered a hip flexor. He missed the final three preseason games and the first two games of the regular season, and never caught back up.

He played sparingly most of the season and was a healthy scratch two weeks ago in Pittsburgh.

If he hadn't suffered the concussion, he likely would've continued to either start or get significant playing time so the Browns could determine what they have in their 2014 first-rounder heading into next year.

No Johnny package

Pettine has no role planned for Manziel against the Bengals besides backing up  Austin Davis.

"No, none of that,'' he said. "He'll go into this game as the No. 2."

Extra points

Other Browns listed as questionable are linebacker Nate Orchard (groin) and defensive end Randy Starks (knee). For the Bengals, premier tight end Tyler Eifert is doubtful with a neck injury.

LSU freshman Ben Simmons is a 6-10 forward often compared to LeBron James because of his physical size, scoring prowess, and ball-handling ability.

NEW ORLEANS - Remember, LeBron James doesn't like comparing one NBA great to another.

But he apparently doesn't mind it when college freshman phenom Ben Simmons draws comparisons to him.

Simmons is a 6-10 point forward for the Louisiana State Tigers who's averaging 19.9 points, 14.9 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. He could wind up as the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA draft, and attended the Cavs' game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

"Someone's going to be compared to someone all the time and I don't mind him being compared to me," James said Friday when asked about Simmons.

"People (are) not only recognizing what he does on the floor but he's a great kid, too," James said. "He has a great family, great support system, and that's why he's able to do what he do on the floor."

James, a 6-8 forward also known for initiating the Cavaliers' offense who was No. 1 pick of the 2003 draft, said last month that too often the NBA's best players are compared to one another instead of simply being appreciated for what makes them great.

James was a little reluctant to talk about Simmons Friday, but he said he's known him for "three or four years" and said Simmons worked at his skills camp in Los Angeles last summer.

As for Simmons' early college success - he posted a 43-point, 14-rebound, seven-assist game for the Tigers this week - James said: "I'm not surprised.

"He's a talented guy," James said. "The coach at the university allows him to showcase his talent and that's what he's capable of doing."

Medina boys basketball used a big fourth quarter to defeat Solon, 73-63, to open its season.

MEDINA, Ohio – The Medina boys basketball team used a big fourth quarter to open the 2015-16 season with a 73-63 home win over Solon in a Greater Cleveland Conference game Friday night.

Medina (1-0, 1-0), ranked 10th in the cleveland.com Top 25, outscored Solon (1-1, 0-1), 24-14, in the fourth quarter after being tied 49-49 entering the final frame. They took the lead with 6:05 left to play on a 17-foot jumper by Jackson Sartain that gave Medina a 57-56 edge. The play was set up on a pass by Michigan signee Jon Teske, who instead of taking a turnaround jumper himself, found Sartain near the top of the key.

“I know I have great teammates,” Teske said. “They make shots when I kick it out to them and they know I will pass it to them because I am not selfish.”

The Bees took the lead in the middle of a 12-4 run that stretched over a 2:49 span in the fourth quarter after Solon had scored the first three points of the final stanza. Once Medina took the lead at 57-56, it never relinquished it.

The big run for the Bees came once they were finally able to figure out the Solon defensive traps and start making a couple of shots, along with getting the Comets in foul trouble and heading to the free throw line early in the fourth quarter.

“Our shots weren’t falling and that’s something we usually do pretty well,” Medina coach Chris Hassinger said. “Everything is a testament to our kids and how hard they played defensively. We were really timid attacking their trap. Once we started passing over it and through it, we started getting some easier shots.”

Medina got a big night from Luke Schaefer, who led the Bees with 21 points. Teske added 17, despite early foul trouble that landed him on the bench for the final 3:07 of the first half.

“When you are double- and triple-teamed every night and you still get 17 points, you're probably one of the best players in the state of Ohio,” Hassinger said. “He was a little frustrated early on because he got in foul trouble and he has never dealt with that in his high school career.”

Solon was led by senior Reid Thompson with 20 points and senior Dylan Perry with 18 points. Sophomore guard Sincere Carry scored 14 points, including nine of Solon’s 14 points in the third quarter.

Despite being just the first game of the season and a self-described ugly win at that, Hassinger and the Bees are not taking a win for granted.

“We lost so many close games last year that we are celebtrating every single victory this year,” Hassinger said.

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

LaSalle is first Division II football team in 22 years to repeat as champ.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Cincinnati LaSalle’s football team repeated as Division II state champion Friday with a 42-0 win against Massillon Perry at Ohio Stadium. 

LaSalle (13-2) is the first Division II team to repeat since St. Mary’s Memorial in 1992 and 1993. Perry (12-3) was in its first state final.

The game was a matchup of two Ohio Mr. Football finalists. Perry running back Keishaun Sims, who won the award, and LaSalle running Jeremy Larkin, a Cincinnati commit. They shared the Division II All-Ohio Offensive Player of the Year award.

Sims had 26 carries for 113 yards and a 3-yard reception Friday. Larkin had 11 carries for 62 yards and a touchdown, and three catches for 57 yards.

The Lancers dominated on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they didn’t have to punt and scored on all but three drives. Two ended with interceptions and another was a kneel-down to end the first half.

Defensively, the Lancers had an interception return for a touchdown from TreSean Smith, and limited the Panthers to 187 yards. And almost half of that came on their final drive of the first half.

Down by three scores in the second quarter, the Panthers put together a 17-play, 73-yard drive that lasted 8:11. And resulted in no points. On fourth down at the LaSalle 8-yard line with 21 seconds left, Max Baker’s pass sailed over everybody and out of the end zone. It was their best drive of the game.

Lancers quarterback Nick Watson was 9-of-13 passing for 131 yards and a touchdown. He was intercepted twice and ran for a 32-yard score in the fourth quarter.

LaSalle’s Jim Hilvert accomplished the rare feat of leading a defending state champion to a repeat in his first year as coach. He’s the first Division II coach to do it and fourth since the OHSAA playoffs began in 1972. St. Edward coach Tom Lombardo has an opportunity to be the fifth on Saturday at 3 p.m. against Huber Heights Wayne.

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.

Here are Friday's boys basketball scores from across Ohio.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here are Friday's boys basketball scores from across Ohio:

Akr. Coventry 96, Lodi Cloverleaf 53

Akr. Manchester 79, Massillon Tuslaw 60

Antwerp 44, Ft. Jennings 40

Arlington 66, Arcadia 33

Atwater Waterloo 50, Can. Heritage Christian 45

Bainbridge Paint Valley 45, Piketon 39

Beaver Eastern 54, New Boston Glenwood 29

Bellevue 70, Willard 63

Beverly Ft. Frye 58, Lore City Buckeye Trail 48

Bloom-Carroll 72, Baltimore Liberty Union 47

Bloomdale Elmwood 71, Pemberville Eastwood 58

Botkins 47, Ft. Loramie 33

Brecksville-Broadview Hts. 64, Cuyahoga Falls 60

Brooklyn 80, Sullivan Black River 77, OT

Cambridge 52, Dover 40

Carrollton 59, Alliance Marlington 53

Casstown Miami E. 60, Arcanum 20

Celina 56, Tol. Bowsher 54

Chillicothe Unioto 73, Chillicothe Zane Trace 34

Cin. Oak Hills 69, Cin. Colerain 46

Cin. Princeton 47, W. Chester Lakota W. 42

Cin. Purcell Marian 62, Kettering Alter 53

Cin. Sycamore 61, Hamilton 58

Cin. Walnut Hills 57, Cin. Turpin 54

Collins Western Reserve 77, Monroeville 49

Convoy Crestview 48, Delphos St. John's 34

Copley 58, Barberton 45

Cortland Lakeview 52, Ashtabula Edgewood 42

Cory-Rawson 55, Pandora-Gilboa 48

Covington 56, Bradford 48

Day. Carroll 50, St. Bernard Roger Bacon 49

Day. Chaminade Julienne 48, Cin. McNicholas 36

Defiance 48, Paulding 29

Dresden Tri-Valley 70, Zanesville W. Muskingum 55

Elyria 47, Euclid 45

Elyria Cath. 62, Parma Normandy 41

Fayetteville-Perry 86, Leesburg Fairfield 77

Findlay Liberty-Benton 63, Leipsic 56

Franklin 85, Eaton 76

Gallipolis Gallia 59, Bidwell River Valley 55

Garfield Hts. 73, Cle. Hts. Lutheran E. 57

Germantown Valley View 62, Trenton Edgewood 47

Grafton Midview 68, Amherst Steele 45

Greenwich S. Cent. 70, Norwalk St. Paul 43

Hannibal River 56, Woodsfield Monroe Cent. 48

Hicksville 53, Continental 49

Hillsboro 66, Lees Creek E. Clinton 61

Kalida 73, Ada 70, 4OT

Kingsway Christian 53, Elyria First Baptist Christian 48

LaGrange Keystone 49, Rocky River Lutheran W. 43

Lebanon 56, Vandalia Butler 54

Lexington 85, Bellville Clear Fork 52

Lima Bath 50, Bluffton 33

Lima Shawnee 72, Harrod Allen E. 50

Lima Temple Christian 81, Rockford Parkway 70

Lorain Clearview 89, Sheffield Brookside 59

Louisville 79, Salem 55

Louisville Aquinas 67, Canal Fulton Northwest 38

Lucasville Valley 52, McDermott Scioto NW 22

Lynchburg-Clay 78, Manchester 48

Mansfield Madison 58, Ashland 42

Mansfield Sr. 80, Millersburg W. Holmes 35

Martins Ferry 57, Belmont Union Local 49

Mason 56, Liberty Twp. Lakota E. 47

Massillon Jackson 81, Can. Glenoak 55

McArthur Vinton County 66, Jackson 49

Medina 73, Solon 63

Medina Buckeye 56, Columbia Station Columbia 51

Mentor Lake Cath. 70, Gates Mills Gilmour 64

Middletown 69, Fairfield 54

Minford 53, Waverly 38

Monroe 46, Day. Oakwood 38

N. Baltimore 67, Vanlue 33

N. Olmsted 69, Avon 52

N. Ridgeville 49, Berea-Midpark 34

New Carlisle Tecumseh 73, Spring. Shawnee 52

New Concord John Glenn 103, Zanesville Maysville 51

New Lebanon Dixie 59, Lewisburg Tri-County N. 54

New London 70, Ashland Crestview 60

Norton 77, Mogadore Field 67

Norwalk 42, Shelby 41

Oak Hill 47, S. Webster 44

Oberlin 63, Wellington 54

Oberlin Firelands 56, Fairview 46

Olmsted Falls 80, Lakewood 64

Ottawa-Glandorf 61, Bowling Green 44

Oxford Talawanda 72, Cin. Mt. Healthy 69

Parma Padua 74, Parma Hts. Valley Forge 57

Peninsula Woodridge 62, Ravenna 40

Piqua 83, Springboro 69

Plymouth 70, Ashland Mapleton 58

Pomeroy Meigs 74, Vincent Warren 72

Port Clinton 58, Castalia Margaretta 47

Ravenna SE 54, Rootstown 49

Rossford 64, Fostoria 54

S. Charleston SE 67, Spring. Cath. Cent. 39

Sandusky 61, Ontario 47

Sardinia Eastern Brown 45, W. Union 35

Seaman N. Adams 56, Ripley-Union-Lewis-Huntington 53

Spencerville 57, Elida 55

Springfield 70, Miamisburg 55

St. Clairsville 62, Bellaire 55, OT

St. Henry 62, St. Marys Memorial 41

Stewart Federal Hocking 39, Racine Southern 37

Stow-Munroe Falls 68, Wadsworth 29

Thornville Sheridan 61, Philo 29

Tiffin Columbian 67, Kenton 48

Tipp City Bethel 60, Pitsburg Franklin-Monroe 43

Tipp City Tippecanoe 44, Spring. Kenton Ridge 41

Tol. Ottawa Hills 41, Tol. Maumee Valley 32

Tol. St. John's 52, Fremont Ross 28

Tol. Whitmer 79, Oregon Clay 37

Troy Christian 57, Day. Miami Valley 36

Twinsburg 58, N. Royalton 56

Union City Mississinawa Valley 46, Ansonia 29

Van Wert Lincolnview 67, McGuffey Upper Scioto Valley 27

Versailles 60, New Bremen 41

W. Salem NW 87, Jeromesville Hillsdale 60

Warren Harding 106, Ashtabula Lakeside 63

Washington C.H. 46, Chillicothe 39

Westlake 63, Avon Lake 46

Williamsport Westfall 81, Chillicothe Huntington 43

Wilmington 97, Greenfield McClain 49

Wooster Triway 48, Zoarville Tuscarawas Valley 41

Xenia 66, Sidney 63

Yellow Springs 45, Spring. Emmanuel Christian 35

Zanesville Rosecrans 69, Coshocton 68

Bascom Hopewell-Loudon vs. McComb, ppd. to Dec 12.

Ft. Recovery vs. Delphos Jefferson, ccd.

Van Buren vs. Mt. Blanchard Riverdale, ppd. to Jan 5.

Wheelersburg vs. Portsmouth W., ppd.

Here are Friday's girls basketball scores from across Ohio.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here are Friday's boys basketball scores from across Ohio:

Ashville Teays Valley 63, Baltimore Liberty Union 41

Cardington-Lincoln 70, Sparta Highland 27

Carey 54, Sycamore Mohawk 29

Centerburg 68, Howard E. Knox 30

Clayton Northmont 76, W. Carrollton 17

Cle. E. Tech 89, Cle. Whitney Young 13

Cle. Glenville 62, Cle. Collinwood 39

Cle. JFK 59, Cle. Lincoln W. 12

Cols. East 33, Cols. International 32

Cols. Mifflin 37, Cols. Beechcroft 32

Cols. Upper Arlington 33, Thomas Worthington 29

Dublin Coffman 74, Hilliard Davidson 51

Gahanna Lincoln 60, Groveport-Madison 30

Gates Mills Gilmour 74, Cornerstone Christian 58

Geauga Grizzlies Homeschool 28, Andrews Osborne Academy 27

Gorham Fayette 77, Stryker 51

Hamler Patrick Henry 31, Holgate 25

Johnstown-Monroe 35, Newark Cath. 31

Kirtland 59, Willoughby S. 53

Marion Pleasant 56, Plain City Jonathan Alder 45

New Albany 58, Lewis Center Olentangy Orange 47

Painesville Riverside 45, Perry 40

Pickerington N. 53, Newark 52

Powell Olentangy Liberty 77, Grove City Cent. Crossing 32

Reynoldsburg 66, Grove City 29

Richwood N. Union 41, Delaware Buckeye Valley 28

Upper Sandusky 79, Morral Ridgedale 34

Westerville Cent. 43, Dublin Scioto 28

Westerville S. 46, Canal Winchester 32

Worthington Kilbourne 68, Delaware Hayes 32

Saint Joseph Central, W.Va. 72, Athens 21

South Charleston, W.Va. 57, Logan 50

The Lake Erie Monsters scored three goals in the third period to defeat the Iowa Wild on Friday, 3-1.

MIKE PETICCA

Special to The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It took just over 24 hours for the better team to reassert its superiority.

But once the Lake Erie Monsters did just that, they did so with a flair.

The Monsters scored all of their goals in the final 8:33 to post a 3-1 win over the Iowa Wild in Friday night's American Hockey League game before 10,131 fans at Quicken Loans Arena.

The Monsters had lost, 4-2, to Iowa on Thursday night at the Q. They took a 2-0 lead in that contest on a goal with 4:28 left in the second period but couldn't hold on as the Wild snapped a 13-game losing streak.

Lake Erie coach Jared Bednar expressed disappointment with his team's readiness to play after the defeat. But he was pleased with how the Monsters competed on Friday night, even before their late rally featuring goals by John Ramage, Manny Malhotra and Trent Vogelhuber.

"One hundred percent," Bednar replied when asked if he was happy with the Monsters' effort even when they were behind. "I had no problem with our effort at all. I would've liked to seen us generate more in the first 40 minutes, but we're learning and we're learning how to come from behind."

The Monsters, despite their relative youth as a team, are 13-5-1-2. They were second in the Central Division standings when Friday's action began. Iowa is 4-17-1-3.

"What I liked is that we stuck with it and then we became aggressive in the third period," said Bednar, "and then good things happened. We had a great effort by our goalie (Anton Forsberg) to keep us in it."

Lake Erie tied the game, 1-1, with 8:33 left on Ramage's second goal of the season. The score was set up by Josh Anderson's shot from the right circle. Wild goalie Leland Irving made a fine save of Anderson's shot from the right circle, but Ramage controlled the carom off Irving and tallied from the right side of the net.

Malhotra's go-ahead goal came with 2:28 to play. The Monsters' Michael Paliotta, off a faceoff, drilled a slap shot from beyond the right circle near the boards. On its way toward the net, the puck deflected off Malhotra, stationed a few feet outside the crease.

Malhotra, 35 and a veteran of 991 National Hockey League regular season games from 1998 through last season, made his first Lake Erie appearance on Thursday after signing a tryout contract with the team on Wednesday.

The Monsters capped their late rally on Vogelhuber's empty-net goal with 31 seconds left, as he won the puck from two Iowa players and scored from beyond the left circle.

Iowa got its lone goal, by Jared Knight, with 5:46 left in the first period.

The Monsters bused after the game to Grand Rapids, where they will play the Griffins on Saturday night. Last Friday night, after completing a two-game sweep of the Manitoba Moose at the Q, the Monsters got on a bus for Grand Rapids and lost, 3-2 in overtime, to the Griffins on Saturday night.

They're back: The Columbus Blue Jackets assigned left wing Kerby Rychel and defenseman Justin Falk to the Monsters, General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen announced Friday.  

Rychel, 21, collected three assists and 11 penalty minutes with a +3 plus/minus rating in 11 games with the Blue Jackets this season. He led the Monsters with 4-7-11 before being called up.

Falk, 27, picked up two penalty minutes and was -2 in four games with the Blue Jackets since being recalled on November 24. He has recorded 2-2-4 and 24 penalty minutes in 15 games with Lake Erie this season.

The Akron Zips improved to 6-2 with a 75-65 victory over winless Marshall on Friday.

University of Akron 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- Pat Forsythe scored 20 points and Reggie McAdams 14 and Akron clamped down on Marshall for a 75-65 win on Friday night.

Antino Jackson scored a 3-pointer -- his only one of the game -- to break a 45-45 tie as the Zips (6-2) began to edge away from Marshall in the final 10 minutes. Jackson's trey sparked a 16-4 run over about five minutes.

Marshall was unable to close and is off to an 0-5 start for the first time since the 1964-65 season.

Forsythe made 10 of 15 shots. Akron's defense held Marshall's C.J. Burks, a freshman who'd been setting scoring highs in the last three games, topping at 20, scoreless on five shots. James Kelly and Stevie Browning each scored 18 to pace the Herd.

Akron is among five teams -- Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Ohio State are the others -- to win at least 21 games in each of the last 10 seasons.

AKRON 75, MARSHALL 65

AKRON (6-2)

Cheatham Jr. 2-7 0-0 4, Robotham 3-9 4-5 12, McAdams 4-7 2-3 14, Forsythe 10-15 0-1 20, An. Jackson 2-7 2-2 7, Ivey 0-0 0-0 0, Williams 1-5 2-2 5, Aa. Jackson 0-1 0-0 0, Kretzer 1-7 0-0 3, Johnson 4-7 2-3 10. Totals 27-65 12-16 75.

Browning 8-14 1-1 18, Burks 0-5 0-0 0, Kelly 8-19 0-1 18, Taylor 5-7 7-13 17, Loop 1-5 4-5 7, Thompson 1-3 0-0 2, Penava 1-3 0-0 3, Edmonds 0-1 0-0 0, Dozic 0-3 0-0 0, Frampton 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 24-60 12-20 65.

Halftime--Akron 28-22. 3-Point Goals--Akron 9-26 (McAdams 4-7, Robotham 2-5, Williams 1-2, An. Jackson 1-3, Kretzer 1-5, Aa. Jackson 0-1, Cheatham Jr. 0-3), Marshall 5-25 (Kelly 2-8, Penava 1-2, Browning 1-4, Loop 1-5, Dozic 0-1, Edmonds 0-1, Taylor 0-1, Burks 0-3). Fouled Out--Taylor. Rebounds--Akron 49 (Cheatham Jr., Forsythe, Johnson, Kretzer 8), Marshall 33 (Browning 8). Assists--Akron 16 (Cheatham Jr., An. Jackson, Johnson, Robotham 3), Marshall 13 (Browning 6). Total Fouls--Akron 17, Marshall 19. A--4,631.

Check out action highlights and trophy presentations after the Perry football team lost Friday's Division II state final to LaSalle, 42-0.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Massillon Perry's football team fell to defending state champion Cincinnati LaSalle, 42-0 on Friday in the 2015 OHSAA Division II state football championship game. 

The game had its share of memorable moments, including turnovers and exciting touchdown plays. 

Check out the runner-up trophy presentation above, and see second half highlights below. 

See first half highlights here.

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

Sean Flannery's 31 points power St. Edward basketball to win over Bedford.

LAKEWOOD, Ohio — A word to the wise when it comes to the St. Edward basketball team this winter: Don’t sleep on the Eagles.

Sure, coach Eric Flannery lost Kipper Nichols to graduation and blue-chip post player and Ohio State commit Derek Funderburk to a prep school, but there is still plenty of talent walking the halls of the school.

That was on display Friday night as the Eagles jumped out to an early lead on visiting Bedford, the fourth-ranked team in cleveland.com’s Top 25, and then held on for an 87-78 win in their first game of the season. No. 4 Bedford, which fell in its season opener to No. 1 Garfield Heights on Tuesday, dropped to 0-2.

Senior point guard Sean Flannery scored a game-high 31 points and was a perfect 14 for 14 at the free throw line. Junior guard Tommy Schmock added 22 points for the Eagles.

The Eagles led by 16 points at the half, but Bedford, behind the scoring of Tre Granger and Cam Brandon, closed to within three with 1:34 left in the game before Flannery drained crucial free throws down the stretch allowing St. Edward to survive.

The Eagles jumped out early on Bedford, building a lead of 24-19 after one quarter as Schmock scored 10 points, including a floating layup at the buzzer. Flannery then scored 12 in the second quarter as St. Edward increased its lead to 16.

“We want to play fast this year,” said Eagles coach Eric Flannery. “We want to shoot threes, we want to create tempo and I think it worked to a T in the first half.”

Daniel Chambers, a 6-foot-5 senior, added 18 points for the Eagles, including three 3-pointers in the third quarter.

But it was Sean Flannery and Schmock who controlled the tempo most of the night and came up with big play after big play, whether it be a big 3-pointer, a key rebound or a driving basket.

“They are the two guys who are going to run the show, whether it’s scoring or running the offense. I think when you have two of them it’s pretty awesome. And then we have guys like Danny Chambers and Jack Sullivan who can shoot it,” Eric Flannery said.

Brandon, a lighting quick guard, played well for Bedford, and scored his points on an assortment of athletic drives. Granger’s energy picked up in the second half as he began to dominate on the glass, which allowed Bedford to get its transition game going. His ferocious two-handed dunk on a fast break in the fourth quarter closed St. Edward’s lead to 68-63 and was probably the signature play of the night.

Josh Caldwell scored 14 for Bedford.

Bedford coach Pete Priola admitted his team’s slow start was tough to overcome, as was the play of the Eagles’ backcourt.

“For this being their first game they played tremendously well. They took care of the ball and shot the lights out,” Priola said.

Priola also pointed out his team failed to make the type of plays needed to pull out a road win.

“The game on the road in a hostile environment comes down to making free throws and taking care of the ball which we did horrible in both aspects,” Priola said.

Michael Fitzpatrick is a freelancer from Lorain.