Kevin Kellog and Mark Voll win the battle of the trenches in the Pirates’ 56-6 win over Bay. (West Life photos by Larry Bennet)

Pirates go to 8-0
By Matt Pawlikowski
Sports
Published Oct. 17, 2007

A few years back, the stands at Rocky River’s stadium during a football game looked more like those of a soccer match. People were far and few between.

But now, even the Secret Service can be found, as the Assistant Attorney General of the United States Craig Morford, made a stop to see the high test offensive juggernaut that coach Ron Lewis and his staff have created.

True, it was Homecoming, but on a chilly night when the Indians were playing the Red Sox in the opening game of the ALCS, and where being home in front of the tube with a fire would have seemed more accommodating, thousands flocked to watch the ‘Breidigam Bunch’ in action.

“We have a very supportive city, and we are grateful for that,” said lineman Mark Voll. “Everyone showed up, the stands were packed and the boys were pumped up.” 

But just how good is this Rocky River team? How’s this for starters; the junior varsity team outscored Bay in the second half. Junior varsity you say? That’s no misprint.

The Pirates put up such an offensive explosion in the first half of its 56-6 drubbing of Bay that at half, Lewis pulled his starters and gave the youngsters a shot at glory and they, along with a few guys who are not first teamers, outscored the Rockets 7-6.

“The team just played great,” said wide out Adam Brinkman. “The line blocked well all night, and when they block well, we can pretty much do what we want.”

Rocky River, ranked third in the state in the recent AP poll, got things rolling in the first quarter on its second series. On a first-and-10 from the 25 yard line, Andy Breidigam found David Dunne to make it 6-0. Tyler Sperli’s first extra point gave the team a 7-0 lead with 6:46 remaining.

Lightning struck fast, and with 6:08 remaining in the quarter, it took just two plays for River to take a 14-0 lead. This time Jon Gipson, who had over 100 yards rushing in just a half of play, scored on a 1-yard run.

With 3:38 remaining in the first quarter, it was Chris Gardner’s turn, this time from three yards out, 21-0, and then on a play out of West Virginia’s book, Dunne took the snap from center on a third and six play to score from 12 yards out to make it 28-0 after just a quarter of play.

The scoring barrage continued in the second quarter, as River’s defense just stymied Bay. It started with Gipson’s 22-yard run, then it was Bobby Fitzsimmon’s turn, but not on offense; instead a 27-yard interception return. 

“It feels really good,” said Fitzsimmons. “It’s the first time I scored a varsity touchdown, and it felt good to get into the end zone. The interception was nice, but I’ll take a big hit anytime over a score. We just have great team chemistry here and that’s the key.”

Sperli would give the Pirates a 42-0 lead by half on a 27-yard score, and from that point on it was the junior varsity’s turn.

“It’s a complete team effort,” said offensive lineman Adam Voll. “The defense played their 1/11, the offense went out there and played as hard as we can, and the line blocked well up front so the backs could do their job and get into the end zone. This was a great way to cap off Homecoming.”

If there was a bright spot for Bay, it came in the play of quarterback Brendon Rehor, who despite being rushed ferociously by the River defense, made some nice plays, including the pitchout to Owen Dalton, who made a 13-yard play for Bay’s only touchdown of the night.