Judy Kirsch Field at Brunswick High School received a makeover during the summer and her unveiling was nothing short of majestic. A new field, home grandstands, locker room and concession stands was in the spotlight for the beginning of the 2011 high school football season. Brunswick's Blue Devils took on Parma Padua's Bruins in Week 1 actions and this game proved why the game is played over the course of 48 minutes. Brunswick overtook Padua in the last minute to come away with a thrilling 21-20 victory thanks to a 11 yard touchdown run by junior RB Nick Roberts and the ensuing extra point by senior K Thomas Kuczma. The defense sealed the win by forcing four incomplete passes from Padua to send the crowd home happy.
The 2011 edition, headed by second year coach Luke Beal, started out fast, scoring two quick touchdowns behind TD runs from Roberts and senior FB DJ Osters. Junior twins QB Dan Yohman and RB Keith Yohman contributed to both drives, but would ultimately save their best for last. Meanwhile, Padua stormed back with 20 consecutive points over the course of the next two-plus quarters thanks to a ball-control offense that put together several long-drives. Padua QB Jim Solano had his fingerprints all over the Bruins offense, keeping drives alive with clutch throws and deft running. Solano ran for a TD and threw a TD to WR Steve Wozniak to tie the game at 14 in the second quarter. K Matt Bahnji converted a 30-yard field goal at the end of the first half to give the Bruins a 17-14 lead.
The third quarter featured exactly three offensive plays for the Blue Devils offense. Padua dominated the time of possession in the second half but was held to a 29-yard FG by Bahnji at the beginning of the 4th quarter. First Team All-Ohio S Scott Suren led the way with major contributions from Dom Tischler, Phil Darlington and Keith Yohman to stymie the Bruins offense from reaching the new blue end zone.
Whatever the Blue Devils gave up in time of possession was picked up by their special teams. Roberts and Yohman picked up a few big gains on kickoff returns. Senior WR/K Jason Swords' kickoffs were high and deep to give the coverage team time to make plays. Senior P Jesse Elias flipped the field positioning three times averaging 45 yards per punt. Kuczma converted all three extra points, the last of which came off of a 14-play, 85 yard drive by Brunswick's offense. Dan Yohman called his own number in space to pick up valuable yards. Completions to senior WR Anthony Bova and Tyler Mack aided the effort. The play of the drive was Yohman's third-down pass to his brother Keith as he was being sacked to keep the Blue Devils out of trouble. Brunswick scored the go-ahead TD with 59 seconds left to give them a win over Division III Playoff Qualifer Padua.
The first game in the newly renovated stadium reminded me of the 2003 home opener, which featured Brunswick's new artificial turf for the first time. The Blue Devils were down late against Cleveland Heights when the scored what was to be the tying TD and extra point. However, the snap was botched by the holder and picked up by senior K Jeremy Dick as he outraced the Tigers defense to the end zone to secure a 29-28 win. That team went on to go 9-1 that season, winning their conference and making the Division I state playoffs. If the 2011 Blue Devils can display the same resiliency as the 2003 team did, this season in the new digs can be just as memorable.
Next week, the Blue Devils will travel to Euclid to take on the Panthers, who are coming off of a 49-21 loss to Mentor. Come out and support your Blue Devils!
