Anybody care to offer some insight as to why? Hudson, 0-2 coming into the game, didn’t complete a pass all game and they still beat the Tigers. How is that possible? I get that Davis isn’t playing much but it’s not like they’re playing St Eds or Glenville. I didn’t watch a replay. Article says a freshman RB had a good game.
Considering the talent on this team, I can’t believe they have struggled like they have.
https://www.cleveland.com/highschoo...last-tigers-for-first-win.html?outputType=amp
Since I was there, I think I can offer some insight. Read my post earlier in this thread about it.
Hudson didn't complete a pass because passes were near impossible to complete in that rain. They tried a couple of times in the first half but the ball was too slippery. I don't recall them trying one in the second half because the rain really let loose in the 3rd qtr.
The key to the game for Hudson on offense was threefold: 1. Soph RB Reno Ferri. 2. The OL and 3. The running ability of the Hudson QB.
Ferri was a beast. He broke tackles, had great vision and balance and a surprising burst of speed. He is built like a fire hydrant.
Short and stocky, but he can move. While the OL didn't over power, they were able to open up enough holes for the RB and QB to get through. And the Hudson QB was a big kid who could move for his size. Not sure where he came from and why we haven't seen more of him over the years. I'm not sure if the plays were called or if he had the option to decide to give the ball to Ferri or keep it for himself. But whomever was making the decision, did it well. Not knowing where the ball was going is what allowed the Hudson OL to catch the bigger Clev Hts DL off balance. There were several points in the game where Ferri was bottled up. Then the QB would keep and get a good run (had a couple of nice 10 to 20 yarders). Then once the DL had to worry about him, he'd give it to Ferri for a HUGE gain. I have some Hudson friends who follow them, but I'm not an expert. But what I do know is that there isn't much film on the QB that played against Clev Hts. That likely also played a role in what transpired.
Having said all of that, on a dry night, it might have been a totally different story. Clev Hts had receivers open all night. But either the ball was too wet to get a good throw off or too wet for the receivers to haul it in. It went both ways too though - Hudson dropped a couple of would be interceptions.
Also, I hate to be critical here, but Clev Hts coaches weren't at their best. In addition to their insistence on continuing to throw the ball, their time management was awful. And kicking to Ferri was really dumb after he had a nice return the first time. That bit them badly. I'd give the Clev Hts players a solid B and the coaches an F if I'm grading it.
I expect Clev Hts to rebound against Brunswick. Brunswick isn't as bad as their 0-3 record says they are. They have had a tough schedule so far. But Clev Hts has a ton of talent. Even if Marquise Davis doesn't play much again, Elijah Harris should be able to break a few big ones, especially if passing the ball is a threat with the nicer weather. I'd go to that one if I didn't have other plans. So, I may just have to watch that one online this weekend. I was really high on Clev Hts at the beginning of the season. Ton of talent and a top RB & a favorable schedule. Should be a fun team to watch the rest of the way. They won't make noise in the playoffs though unless Marquise gets fully healthy.