It was the least likely part of Glenville’s game that decided one of the most memorable season openers in the history of area high school football.
The Tarblooders, who have struggled to find a consistent place-kicker over the past nine seasons, rode the leg of senior Marvel Brooks to a 20-17 victory over Saint Ignatius Saturday night in front of a crowd of nearly 10,000 at Parma’s Byers Field. The Wildcats and the Tarblooders were ranked 1-2, respectively, in The Plain Dealer’s seven-county Top 25 preseason poll.
In what was described by Glenville Coach Ted Ginn Sr. as a moment that required skill and courage, Brooks, a straight-on kicker, sent a 30-yard field goal through the uprights with plenty to spare as time expired. Brooks also kicked a 27-yard field goal in a first half that ended in a 3-3 tie and added two extra points in the second half.
The Tarblooders now own four consecutive victories over Saint Ignatius, including three nail-biters in the OHSAA regional playoffs. Brooks’ game-winner came after the Wildcats were called for pass interference with four seconds remaining.
"Hey, you know, pass interference and they got closer and they hit it,’’ said Saint Ignatius coach Chuck Kyle (’69) of Brooks’ effort. ''Unfortunately, the kickoff return hurt us. They can do those things at any time. It’s hard to imitate the Glenville action on a kickoff return.’’
Kyle, who faced the media with the same character and class he displays in victory, was referring to a 98-yard return for a touchdown by the Tarblooders’ multitalented underclassman Shane Wynn.
Wynn’s burst, which gave Glenville the lead with 4:39 left to be played, came after the Wildcats tied the score, 10-10, on a gritty 7-yard TD run by senior tailback Mike Anter and the ensuing extra point by senior Seamus Hennessey. Senior defensive back Steve Siemborski set up Anter’s score by recovering a fumble at the Glenville 18.
Following Wynn’s kickoff return, Saint Ignatius kept its composure and put together an impressive six-play, 58-yard drive. The march featured the passing of senior quarterback Andrew Holland and clutch receptions by seniors Dan Fox, Joey Parris and Frank DeSico.
Holland and his receivers accounted for 57 of the 58 yards and two plays after a nifty catch and run by Parris, Anter scored his second touchdown on a 1-yard run with just over two minutes remaining.
The Wildcats’ defense also had its moments, as senior nose tackle Ryan Carr and junior linebacker Scott McVey (three sacks) displayed relentless pursuit from the get-go.
"Rhythm-wise on offense it took us too long to get something going right,’’ said Kyle, who will guide his team against a talented Clayton Northmont squad on Friday night in Montgomery County. ''So we have to learn from that. But we’ll be good. We’ll be OK.’’