CANTON, Ohio (WOUB) – Newark Catholic brought its 14-1 record into the Division VII state title game against state powerhouse Maria Stein Marion Local. The game was played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
The gameplan for the Green Wave defense was to stop the Flyers rushing attack of quarterback Peyton Otte and running back Darren Meier. The Green Wave did just that in the first quarter as they held the Flyers to negative six yards rushing.
“Our d-line definitely kicked it up a notch, came through and made some plays. Linebackers were flowing to the football, and we were able to stop them,” senior linebacker Elijah Wallace said.
Although Newark Catholic was able to stop the rushing attack, they were not prepared for Peyton Otte’s arm. Otte threw only six times but completed five passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter. Both touchdowns were to Brady Ronnebaum.
Newark Catholic quarterback Cole Canter (2) and head coach Ryan Aiello embrace after losing the state championship. Marion Local defeated Newark Catholic 42-7 in the OHSAA State Championship on Dec. 4, 2021 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. [Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Newark Catholic running back Kyle Langenbrunner (15) runs toward Marion Local defender Tate Hess (10). Marion Local defeated Newark Catholic 42-7 in the OHSAA State Championship on Dec. 4, 2021 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. [Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Marion Local running back Dylan Fleck (20) is tackled by Newark Catholic defender Joe Stanley (10). Marion Local defeated Newark Catholic 42-7 in the OHSAA State Championship on Dec. 4, 2021 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. [Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Newark Catholic quarterback leaps as he throws a ball over Marion Local defenders Kevin Partington (62) and Josh Reuther (53). Marion Local defeated Newark Catholic 42-7 in the OHSAA State Championship on Dec. 4, 2021 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. [Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Marion Local quarterback Peyton Otte (4) is tackled by a Newark Catholic defender. Marion Local defeated Newark Catholic 42-7 in the OHSAA State Championship on Dec. 4, 2021 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. [Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Newark Catholic lineman Wyatt Conley walks back to his teammates after winning the coin toss. Marion Local defeated Newark Catholic 42-7 in the OHSAA State Championship on Dec. 4, 2021 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. [Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Marion Local offense takes a snap at mid-field. Marion Local defeated Newark Catholic 42-7 in the OHSAA State Championship on Dec. 4, 2021 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. [Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Newark Catholic running back Kyle Langenbrunner (15) sits in his locker prior to the game. Marion Local defeated Newark Catholic 42-7 in the OHSAA State Championship on Dec. 4, 2021 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. [Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Newark Catholic players hold their helmets to the side during the playing of the national anthem. Marion Local defeated Newark Catholic 42-7 in the OHSAA State Championship on Dec. 4, 2021 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. [Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
The Hall of Fame Village sign above the west end zone of Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Marion Local defeated Newark Catholic 42-7 in the OHSAA State Championship on Dec. 4, 2021 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. [Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
The Flyers first touchdown was a one-yard touchdown run by Darren Meier that was set up by a 25-yard reception by Dylan Fleck to place them at the one-yard line. Marion Local took a 21-0 lead into the second quarter.
In the second quarter is when the Green Wave offense had their most success. Cole Canter found his stride and completed five passes on a touchdown drive that was capped off by a 10-yard catch by Mason Hackett that he took to the right corner of the end zone to cut the deficit to 21-7.
After the Green Wave defense got another stop the momentum seemed like it was starting to swing. That was until the Marion Local defense forced an interception and took all the momentum back. They then drove down and scored a touchdown on an Otte run from one yard out with 28 seconds left in the first half.
Marion Local took that 28-7 lead into the break.
In the second half the Newark Catholic offense could never get going quite like they did on that drive in the second quarter. In the middle of the third quarter Otte finally broke through rushing the ball and took a 54-yard rush to the house to extend the lead to 35-7.
A little over a minute later Otte hit Dylan Fleck for a 39-yard touchdown to put the game on ice at 42-7
