Eighth grade wins, seventh falls
From Staff reports
VERMILION — Vermilion’s seventh- and eighth-grade football teams split their season-opening doubleheader against Firelands on Thursday, with the eighth grade earning a 20-13 victory and the seventh grade falling 12-6.
Game details were provided by the Vermilion athletic department.
Eighth grade earns victory
Quarterback Calen Woods accounted for all three of Vermilion’s touchdowns as the eighth-grade team held off Firelands, 20-13.
Woods also scored a two-point conversion and completed several passes. Clayton Scarvelli made multiple catches, including two key conversions, while Jace Perry hauled in two important passes.
Ashton Budka helped move the offense into scoring position with several carries. Parker Dreher contributed a catch and run while providing blocks on the outside.
Vermilion entered halftime leading 14-13 before its defense shut out Firelands during the final 16 minutes.
Jesse Holbrook, Tucker Fadenholz, Gracelynne Lane, Gunner Zsigray, Cameron Estep, Jack Thompson and Jordan Wiseman helped keep the Falcons out of the end zone during the second half.
Late penalties added tension to the fourth quarter, but Vermilion maintained its composure. Woods eventually scored on a run around the right side to give the Sailors their final seven-point advantage.
Firelands mounted one final drive and moved within striking distance of the end zone. With 4 seconds remaining and the Falcons attempting a potential game-tying score, Budka intercepted a Hail Mary pass in the end zone to secure the victory.
Weston Coates and Owen Fox also contributed defensively after being called into action because of an injury. Jazimine Albanese, Chace Daisher and Emerek Szarka were also credited for their efforts.
Seventh grade falls late
Vermilion’s seventh-grade team remained tied with Firelands through the first half before the Falcons scored late to claim a 12-6 victory.
Aiden Finley scored Vermilion’s lone touchdown, breaking through the Firelands defense on his way to the end zone. Finley later left the game near the end of the first half with a lower-arm injury.
The Sailors continued moving the ball following Finley’s departure but were unable to score again. Firelands broke the 6-6 tie with a late touchdown.
Sal Triana contributed several runs for Vermilion, while Jack Kirchbaum recorded a sack that caused a fumble to lead the defense.
Both Vermilion teams return home next week. The eighth grade is scheduled to face North Olmsted on Thursday at Sailor Stadium.