Ross wins thriller over Southview

SYLVANIA – Fremont Ross had to find a way to put the final nail in Sylvania Southview’s coffin Friday night because the Cougars kept coming back.

Finally, the Little Giants drove a stake through the Cougars’ heart.

Ross held on to win a thriller, 37-28. A wild first quarter led off the game before a frenzied fourth quarter finished it off.

A 35-yard field goal by Michael Contreras put Ross ahead 30-21 with 6:02 to play. But Southview answered with a 98-yard kick return for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 2.

Ross answered with a 70-yard drive finished off with a 12-yard touchdown run by Russ Yeast to finally put the game away.

KEY TO THE GAME

Ross and Southview traded big plays early and the Little Giants were left on top. Ross and Southview traded scores with the Cougars taking a 14-13. Ross answered when quarterback Russ Yeast connected with Uriah Haun on a 24-yard touchdown pass to re-take the lead. Two plays later Trevon Aldridge intercepted Sam Stout’s pass, setting Ross up inside Cougar territory. On the next play Yeast found Tavarious Simms in the end zone for another 24-yard strike, giving Ross a 27-14 lead before the end of the first quarter.

ROSS HIGHLIGHTS

Ross ended the first quarter with its 24-yard touchdown passes but began the game with some other fireworks. Yeast intercepted a Stout pass at his own 16-yard line, crossed the field and took off down the Ross sideline for an 84-yard touchdown return. Though Southview immediately answered with a 70-yard touchdown run, the Little Giants responded with a quick drive of their own. Yeast found Jarren Hampton on a swing pass and Hampton took the play 76 yards for the Little Giants’ second score.

SOUTHVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

When the Cougars scored, they scored quickly. Just 20 seconds after Ross’ first touchdown, John Malak tied the game with a 70-yard touchdown of his own. The Cougars marched downfield thanks in part to a 45-yard run by Jaren Mangham, which set up a 1-yard sneak by Stout.