Cardinal seniors Cal Ciminello and fellow Reese Soltis rewrote the school’s record book in the Huskies’ 36-33 win over Grand Valley on Friday.
Ciminello threw for 306 yards surpassing the previous record of 303 yards set by Todd Barcikowski in 1988 while Soltis broke the school’s record for receiving yards and touchdowns in a single game.
“My goal this season is to break the single-game record and the season passing record,” Ciminello said. “I knew I had to trust my receivers; I didn’t throw that great of a game. I just got it into my playmakers’ hands and let them make plays. It was pretty cool (to break the record); I’ve wanted to do it since I got into high school. It was huge for me to do that.”
He completed 18-of-26 passes with four passing touchdowns and rushed for 140 yards on 23 carries.
Ciminello credited his dual-threat abilities for opening up the passing game.
“It helped a lot,” Ciminello said. “The first two weeks of the season, our offensive line struggled with a few injuries. We had to keep moving me out of the pocket and getting me in space. The run game opened up everything and kept Grand Valley from blitzing every play. When they did, I was able to avoid it by rolling out and hitting my receivers in stride. My focus is just to win right now; the records are sweet, but I want to win.”
Ciminello came close to the record in a week one loss to LaBrae. He threw for 273 yards with four more touchdowns through the air with one rushing score.
Those eye-popping statistics haven’t gone unnoticed.
Several Division III college programs have already begun the recruiting process and Ohio Northern University and Heidelberg University already have extended offers.
“My goal ever since I was young was to play college football,” Ciminello said. “So now, seeing the opportunities arise and show up has raised my confidence. I feel like it makes me play better and as hard as I can because I know people out there are looking for me. People were skeptical about us coming into the season, and picking up a couple of offers before it started shows people how good we can be.”
Soltis caught 11 passes for 195 yards with four touchdowns, and he returned a kickoff for another score. Ian Frank held the previous record with 152 receiving yards in a 1989 game while Ralph Thompson held the record with three receiving touchdowns in a 1999 contest.
“It’s very special to be able to do this,” Soltis said. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and Cal throwing me good and accurate passes. It’s not a one-man show, but it’s special. I think it says how well we can move the ball and shows what we can do this year by throwing the ball.”
Throwing the ball hasn’t always been the theme for Cardinal Huskies’ offenses in years past, but new head coach Rich Turner has turned the page and opened up the playbook.
“It’s a lot of fun to throw the ball,” Soltis said of his team’s offense. “It’s something you dream about as a kid, just absolutely balling out in high school with your buddies. Cal and I have good chemistry, and we trust each other. We’ve been playing together since little league. It’s just a fun experience to do that with everyone. Cardinal has been a run-dominant offense for years, but being able to change our offense to a pass-first style opens up what we can do offensively.”
Like his quarterback, Soltis has high hopes of playing at the collegiate level and is off to a good start in his senior year.
“That’s what pushes me, and it’s showing me what I can do,” Soltis said. “I can’t get my head too high above the water. I have to stay humble and keep working; I’ve been told that from a young age. What you earn will come to you with work. You get what you earn.”
Soltis broke the receiving touchdowns record when he caught a 28-yard touchdown pass with 3:54 left in the third quarter to put the Huskies up 34-33, but didn’t realize it until the fourth quarter was nearly over.
“I was shocked when It clicked in my head,” Soltis said of the realization. “During the game, I didn’t think much of it, but when it hit me, I was shocked, but I still had a football game to win. There’s a side of pride and humbleness that comes with it. You have to be humble about it, but you can also be proud of yourself. It was great to experience that feeling of a historic, surreal moment. As a kid, I never thought I’d break records. I’m fortunate, and I thank God for giving me the opportunity to live this life. I’m not taking any of this for granted. I am grateful.”
Not only did the duo share in some Cardinal football history for themselves, but they also helped coach Turner secure his first win as head coach of the Huskies.
“I texted Reese Friday morning and said, ‘We’re about to have a big game,’” Ciminello said. “I just had that gut feeling that something was going to happen. Coach Turner told us that despite the weather, we would throw the ball like we had been. I played as hard as possible to have a huge game, and the win is just the cherry on top.”
Soltis echoed Ciminello’s sentiments, reflecting on the significance of the game and the role of their new head coach.
“It’s definitely special,” Soltis said. “Coach Turner was super excited after the game, and he was proud of all of us. He was happy for Cal and me to do that in our senior year. When he came in, he told us we’d have a great chance to have a big season and break some records. Cal and I looked at each other and said, ‘Heck yeah.’ We trust the coach, and we’re looking forward to the next win.”
Cardinal will look to build a winning streak as they take on Wickliffe this Friday.
