CHESTERLAND—A lot was at stake in Friday’s Chagrin Valley Conference showdown at Howell Field.
Perry entered the game 9-0 and seeking a fourth-straight league title. The host Wolverines were 5-4 and needed a win to lock up a postseason berth.
It did not take too long for the Pirates to jump on top after forcing an opening drive three-and-out and getting a rushing touchdown from Jaylen Anderson with 8:20 remaining in the first quarter. Anderson was able to duplicate the feat a few minutes later, this time rushing 66-yards for the score to make it 14-0 in favor of the Pirates, who went on to win 48-7.
With the win, the Pirates clinched the league title and third undefeated regular season in four years. The Pirates also finished 10-0 in 2016 and 2017.
“These guys went 39-1 in the regular season in their career,” Perry head coach Matt Rosati said of his seniors. “That’s pretty special; it’s a pretty special group. I think they have what it takes to go all the way, but we have to keep paying attention to the small detail.”
Quarterback Drew Schiano joined in on the first session scoring, pushing up the sideline for Perry’s third touchdown of the quarter.
Schiano threw for his first passing touchdown with 2:41 remaining in the half, a seven-yard strike that made Perry’s lead 28-0.
After that, the Pirates turned to their defense. They would find two more touchdowns inside the two-minute mark of the first half. Jarrett Novak returned an interception 27 yards for a touchdown before Schiano met Anderson for a 74-yard romp with just 21 seconds remaining.
Javin Richards scored the final points of the game, running for a touchdown for Perry. After a missed extra point, the score was 48-7 for the final game of the regular season.
West Geauga’s lone score came on a Joey Peterson goal line rushing touchdown with 8:22 in the third. The score made it 42-7.
According to JoeEitel.com, Perry clinched the No. 1 seed in Division IV, Region 13. Playoff pairings will be announced on Sunday.
“We’re not going to change the way we prepare at all,” Rosati said. “We’re going to prepare like it’s a normal game.”
West Geauga closed out the year at 5-5.
