Most of the names have changed, but the attitude, the intensity and the foundation of speed and versatility remain constant at Chagrin Falls. The team that won its first 14 games and reached the Division IV state finals last year graduated 22 seniors. The team that now patrols C.S. Harris Stadium on Friday nights probably shouldn't be compared to...
Most of the names have changed, but the attitude, the intensity and the foundation of speed and versatility remain constant at Chagrin Falls.
The team that won its first 14 games and reached the Division IV state finals last year graduated 22 seniors. The team that now patrols C.S. Harris Stadium on Friday nights probably shouldn't be compared to its predecessors, and yet, it's clear they are putting together something special on East Washington Street.
"It's a lot different this year only because we have a lot of younger kids playing -- a couple sophomores starting and a lot of inexperience," said senior tackle Austin Garofolo, a third-year starter. "But they've stepped up. A lot of these kids have older brothers who played and a lot of those mentors from last year taught them everything they know, and they've been prepared."
The Tigers were more than prepared Friday. They were dominant in a 28-0 win against visiting rival West Geauga.
Chagrin Falls (7-1, 4-1) remained a game behind first-place Aurora in the Chagrin Valley Conference's Chagrin Division, and it took a big step toward hosting a first-round playoff game.
Chagrin Falls is on a roll that began after it opened league play with a loss to Aurora, then beat Kenston on the road in overtime the following week. Blowout wins against Wickliffe and Harvey followed. West Geauga (6-2, 3-2) is ranked No. 21 in The Plain Dealer Top 25 and Chagrin Falls is No. 22.
The Tigers set the tone early and often on defense, getting a pair of fourth-and-1 stops, one of which came at the goal line at the end of the first half to preserve a 21-0 lead. They held West Geauga quarterback Joe Drenski in check as an option runner in the first half, and intercepted him twice in the second half. He was sacked three times, twice by Garofolo.
"Their O-line and D-line owned us," West Geauga coach Lou Cirino said. "Our guys just got beat up there. Give them the credit."
West Geauga's first possession ended at the Chagrin Falls' 28 when Joe Ziccardi was tackled for a 1-yard loss on fourth-and-1.
Down 14-0, the Wolverines were headed to the red zone when safety Jack Campbell popped Adam LaRiccia and forced a fumble that Garofolo recovered.
Just before halftime, West Geauga went for it on fourth-and-goal at the 1, but Drenski's quarterback sneak hit a wall of black Tigers jerseys.
A half dozen Chagrin Falls ball carriers pounded out scoring drives of 71, 69, 66 and 88 yards. Fleet seniors Spencer Diedrich and Marc Geraci combined for 136 yards rushing and receiving in the first half and each scored a touchdown -- Diedrich on a 27-yard pass from starting quarterback Timmy Porter, and Geraci on a 7-yard sprint around right end. Backup QB Tommy Iammarino had an 8-yard TD run.
Chagrin Falls' first drive of the second half covered 88 yards in 13 plays and Jack Hinman bulled his way the final 11 yards for a 28-0 lead.
Tigers defensive backs Nathan Lelonis and Everett Dishong intercepted passes by Drenski, who also was sacked three times.
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