Bengals fall behind early; Lose to Walsh

October 14, 2011

                Cuyahoga Falls – Benedictine fell to host Walsh Jesuit 31-8 in a North Coast League game at Conway Memorial Field.

                Overcoming a 24-0 fourth-quarter deficit proved to be an insurmountable challenge this week as the loss drops the Bengals to an overall record of 6-2 and 2-2 in the NCL.

                With two games remaining, Benedictine still has a great chance to earn a Division III, Region 9 playoff spot.

                Currently (and unofficially), the Bengals are sixth in the region. The top eight teams in each region qualify for the playoffs, with the top four teams earning home games.

                The final North Coast League game will be played next week against Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin at the Spire Institute in Geneva, a multi-million dollar all-sports facility. 

                Unplayable conditions at NDCL’s home varsity field necessitated the change in venue.

On Friday October 28, the Bengals travel to Columbus on the year’s longest road trip to face always-tough St. Francis DeSales in the regular season finale.

In the Walsh game, Benedictine allowed touchdowns in each of the first two quarters to the Warriors, who added a field goal as time ran out to end the first half to take a 17-0 lead.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Warriors added another touchdown on a short drive to take a 24-0 lead.

The Bengals bounced back to get on the scoreboard completing a 10-play, 80-yard drive with Richard Allen taking it over from the one. On the two-point conversion, Dan Piascik connected with Marshall Howell to narrow the lead to 24-8.

It appeared that the Bengals may have been in business once again recovering the onside kick but turned over the ball to the Warriors on that drive.

Walsh added a late score with 12 seconds left in the game for the final score of 31-8.

Statistically, the game was extremely even. Both teams had difficulty moving the ball on the ground. Walsh had 84 yards rushing while the Bengals had 60 yards. In the passing game, Walsh totaled 167 yards while the Bengals gained 130 yards through the air. Walsh had 251 yards in total offense while the Bengals had 190.

Walsh had one more first down than the Bengals, 15-14.

Even the penalty yardage was close. Walsh had eight flags for 68 yards. Benedictine was also called for eight penalties but for 65 yards.

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Wally Mieskoski ’71

Benedictine Football Historian