PEPPER PIKE–West Geauga left no doubt on Friday night.
The Wolverines steamrolled host Orange, 47-15, clinching their first Division IV, Region 13 playoff berth in four years with a statement victory.
The tone was set almost immediately. On just the second play from scrimmage, Miles Baker broke free for a 45-yard touchdown—one that not only opened the scoring but also secured him the program’s single-season rushing record.
“It was awesome. I was glad I got that job done quickly,” Baker said. “There’s no better way we could have done it, and with the guys storming the field, I’m never going to forget that moment. I’m just grateful for these guys.”
The fireworks kept coming. On Orange’s first possession, Sam Williams intercepted a pass from Jonah Frey, setting up another Baker touchdown to make it 14-0 before the Lions could catch their breath.
Daegan Katz added a short scoring run, and Mickey Keenan followed with a dazzling 77-yard sprint to the end zone for a 28-0 lead. Moments later, Cooper Vosicky punched it in from two yards out to give West G a commanding 35-0 halftime advantage.
Orange finally broke through in the third quarter when Frey connected with Jordan Eason for a 14-yard touchdown. But the Wolverines answered right back—Mickey Gideon ripped off a 30-yard run to set up Williams’ score, stretching the margin to 41-7.
Gideon wasn’t done. On the next drive, he dashed 29 yards to the 2-yard line and finished the job himself on a quarterback sneak, capping West Geauga’s scoring at 47-7.
Orange’s Chaz Rosiles returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, and Jake Vallone added the two-point conversion to close out the 47-15 final.
For first-year head coach Rossi Santo, the win marked a milestone moment after years of struggle.
“I’m just super proud of our seniors. They wanted this really bad, and they worked their butts off,” Santo said. “This was all for them, and I’m so excited for Finn (Keenan), DK (Daegan Katz), Maveric (Milnar), and all those guys. I’m excited for our seniors.”
After a heartbreaking 36-33 loss to Hawken in Week 6, the Wolverines set a goal to finish 3-1 down the stretch and reach the postseason. Mission accomplished.
“We were upset after that game, but the guys responded great. We won three of our last four, and I’m super proud of them,” Santo said.
As the celebrations give way to film study, the Wolverines are already looking ahead to their next challenge.
“We’re excited about this, but we have to move past it and start focusing on the next game,” Baker said. “We have to be locked in every day at practice, get good lifts in, watch film every day, and we need everyone to do their jobs.”
Baker finished with 99 yards and two touchdowns on six carries, while Keenan matched him with 99 yards and a score on just three attempts. Katz ran for 49 yards and a touchdown, Gideon added 67 yards and a score, and Tyler Fink hauled in three receptions for 70 yards.
Orange closed its season with a 3-7 record.
West Geauga’s playoff opponent is to be determined.
