Hoover 21 - Canton GlenOak 6

September 20, 2003

Vikings’ smash to win

Ramsey’s 3 TDs lead victory over Eagles

Todd Worly, Akron Beacon Journal

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​Friday night’s matchup between GlenOak and host North Canton was the epitome of a clash in styles, as the Vikings rode their smashmouth rushing attack to a 21-6 victory in wearing out the Eagles and their no-huddle offense.

​North Canton (5-0) pounded the ball over and over again to senior Alex Ramsey, who totaled 188 of North Canton’s 192 rushing yards on a workmanlike 34 carries while scoring three touchdowns.

​Hoover Viking defense was just as dominant, especially up front, as senior defensive end Kyle Watts netted three of the team’s five sacks.

​GlenOak Eagles didn’t earn their initial first down of the game until 9:30 left in the second quarter, and were held to just 13 yards rushing.

​”We wanted to attack them on defense,” Watts said. “Our goal was just to stay fresh and wear them down by the time the fourth quarter came around.”

​The Vikings struck first, as a 44-yard pass from senior quarterback Sam Cerreta to Watts set up a four-yard touchdown run by Ramsey.

​The Eagles recovered a fumble on North Canton’s next drive. Soon after, the GlenOak offense began using a no-huddle attack and drove deep into Viking territory but had to settle for a 21-yard field goal from senior Jason Giannini.

​Late in the first half, Ramsey raced into the end zone from 11 yards out on a fourth-and-2 play, pushing the Vikings in front 14-3 with just 52 seconds left in the half. But the Eagles got an incredible 49-yard field goal on the last play of the half by Giannini that bounced in off the cross bar to make the halftime score 14-6.

​”That’s the farthest kick I’ve ever made in a game,” he said. “I knew it was straight and dead on the moment it left my foot.”

North Canton put GlenOak (2-3) away on the opening drive of the second half, with Ramsey gaining 75 on the 80-yard drive, with much of it coming behind sophomore guard Ronnie Gnau.

​”Our line blocked their butts off all night, and I just focused on keeping my feet moving,” Ramsey said.

Source: fridaynightohio.com