Vikings' smash to win

Ramsey's 3 TDs lead victory over Eagles

September 20, 2003

Todd Worly, Akron Beacon Journal

Friday night's matchup between GlenOak and host North Canton was the epitome of a clash in styles, as the Vikings rode their smashmouth rushing attack to a 21-6 victory in wearing out the Eagles and their no-huddle offense.

North Canton (5-0) pounded the ball over and over again to senior Alex Ramsey, who totaled 188 of North Canton's 192 rushing yards on a workmanlike 34 carries while scoring three touchdowns.

The Viking defense was just as dominant, especially up front, as senior defensive end Kyle Watts netted three of the team's five sacks.

The Eagles didn't earn their initial first down of the game until 9:30 left in the second quarter, and were held to just 13 yards rushing.

``We wanted to attack them on defense,'' Watts said. ``Our goal was just to stay fresh and wear them down by the time the fourth quarter came around.''

The Vikings struck first, as a 44-yard pass from senior quarterback Sam Cerreta to Watts set up a four-yard touchdown run by Ramsey.

The Eagles recovered a fumble on North Canton's next drive. Soon after, the GlenOak offense began using a no-huddle attack and drove deep into Viking territory but had to settle for a 21-yard field goal from senior Jason Giannini.

Late in the first half, Ramsey raced into the end zone from 11 yards out on a fourth-and-2 play, pushing the Vikings in front 14-3 with just 52 seconds left in the half. But the Eagles got an incredible 49-yard field goal on the last play of the half by Giannini that bounced in off the cross bar to make the halftime score 14-6.

``That's the farthest kick I've ever made in a game,'' he said. ``I knew it was straight and dead on the moment it left my foot.''

North Canton put GlenOak (2-3) away on the opening drive of the second half, with Ramsey gaining 75 on the 80-yard drive, with much of it coming behind sophomore guard Ronnie Gnau.

``Our line blocked their butts off all night, and I just focused on keeping my feet moving,'' Ramsey said.

Box Score

North Canton Hoover 21, GlenOak 6

at North Canton Memorial Stadium

GlenOak 0 6 0 0 6

Hoover 7 7 7 0 21

NC Ramsey 3 run (Dahl kick)

GO FG Giannini 22

NC Ramsey 12 run (Dahl kick)

GO FG Giannini 49

NC Ramsey 4 run (Dahl kick)

Game Stats