Tonight, two 1-0 teams clash in a massive Region 1 battle at Finnie Stadium: the Canton McKinley Bulldogs and state power St. Edward, kicking off at 7 PM. This isn’t just another game; it’s a huge test for both squads, especially considering the history between these two.
McKinley’s Hot Start And The Ghosts Of History
McKinley rolled into Week 2 with serious momentum after absolutely shutting out Warren Harding 33-0. Their defense was on another level, giving up only 61 total yards and a measly three first downs. Senior safety Dwoyne Robinson lit up the stat sheet with a jaw-dropping 98-yard interception return for a touchdown. On offense, the Bulldogs put up 181 rushing yards and three scores on the ground. Junior Braylon Crook, making his debut as starting QB, looked solid, completing 10 of 19 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown. Plus, sophomore WR DeMarco Richardson Jr. pulled in six catches for 81 yards.
But here’s the kicker: this is only the fifth time McKinley and St. Ed’s have ever played, and St. Edward has won every single one. We’re talking a 41-17 playoff loss for McKinley in 2023, a 42-0 shutout in 2021, 37-21 in 2017, and even a 21-12 loss way back in 1967. Ouch. McKinley’s dynamic senior Darius Hill, who caught two passes for 41 yards and a TD last week, played some QB and even ran for a first down on a fake punt. Middle linebacker Antonio Stevens is a certified banger, leading the team with seven stops last week. And keep an eye on Kyelin West, the sophomore All-Ohio running back who piled up 1,504 yards last year. He’s listed as “day-to-day” with a leg issue, but still managed an 18-yard touchdown run and a 48-yard kickoff return against Harding. Imagine what he could do healthy.
St. Edward’s Clutch Comeback And Playmakers Ready For A Fight
St. Edward is coming off a gritty 15-12 home win against Olentangy Liberty, a game where they absolutely had to grind it out. Trailing 12-7 late, the Eagles marched 80 yards in 11 plays, with QB Langston Lucas punching it in from 2 yards out with just over a minute left. Then he hit the 5-foot-9 speedster Dacian Williams for the two-point conversion to seal it. Lucas is a dual-threat lefty who was perfect throwing the ball, going 14-for-14 for 115 yards, and ran for both of St. Ed’s touchdowns. Their defense was lights out in the second half, limiting Liberty to a mere 26 yards.
This St. Edward team is stacked with talent. Miami (OH) commit Landon Lehmer is a beast, impacting safety, wide receiver, and return duties; he had 17 tackles last week. UConn commit Joe Moore is a versatile tight end who hauled in five passes for 49 yards. Plus, they’ve got Syracuse commit BP Paulouzzi (6-3, 235), who’s sure to be a factor.
Tonight’s game is more than just a Week 2 matchup. It’s a chance for McKinley to break a long-standing losing streak against a state powerhouse, and for St. Edward to prove their comeback win wasn’t a fluke. The stakes are high for these 1-0 teams to establish early dominance in Region 1.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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