“Lakewood vs. Rocky River: Pirates Come Back to Win Thrilling ‘Battle for the Bridge’”
This year’s “Battle for the Bridge” between the Lakewood Rangers and Rocky River Pirates was expected to follow a familiar script, but the game unfolded with unexpected twists. The Pirates secured West Side bragging rights with a 42-27 victory over the visiting Rangers in a Cleveland West Conference matchup on Friday night. Unlike last year’s contest, where the Pirates dominated from the start, this time they had to rally from an early deficit.
“Resiliency is one of our key words this year,” said Rocky River coach Josh Wells. “We knew they were an explosive team, and they showed that tonight, but our kids kept fighting, and we were able to pull away from a good team in the second half.”
Last year, the Pirates (4-1, 2-0) claimed a convincing 46-14 win, overwhelming the Rangers early. However, this year’s game took a different turn. Just five minutes into the contest, Lakewood jumped to a 14-0 lead. Senior quarterback Avery Holt connected with Jaylen Chappell on a 65-yard touchdown pass, as Chappell evaded the Pirates’ defense on a deep post route.
The Rangers (3-2, 1-1 CWC) quickly capitalized on a fumble during the ensuing kickoff return, regaining possession at the Pirates’ 30-yard line. Running back Braeden Greenfield propelled the team down to the goal line before Chappell scored again on a jet sweep.
Rocky River responded swiftly, marching 72 yards down the field, culminating in a 25-yard touchdown by quarterback Ryan Taylor, who executed a read option cutback.
Following the initial drives, the Pirates’ defense began to assert itself, forcing two consecutive Ranger punts. These defensive stands translated into more points for Rocky River. Taylor capped a short drive with a 6-yard touchdown run, followed by a 1-yard touchdown run on the next possession, giving the Pirates their first lead at 21-14.
Lakewood managed to stay competitive, as Holt connected with Chappell once more for a 33-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the deficit to 21-20 just before halftime. However, the Pirates regained momentum when Daoud Asleh blocked a Lakewood punt, setting up a touchdown pass from Josh Mommers to Grieve, extending their lead to 28-20 at the half. Mommers and Taylor alternated at quarterback throughout the game after Taylor briefly left due to a foot injury.
In the second half, Rocky River solidified their victory with two more touchdowns—another rushing score from Taylor, bringing his total to four for the night, and a 14-yard counter run by Cam Bulkowski.
Lakewood managed to add one last score in the fourth quarter as Holt contributed with a rushing touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Pirates’ strong performance.
